TraceyMeagher.com

I’m a late comer to Richard Hawley (of Pulp fame.) Six albums and I’ve only just discovered him. On the bright side though, it seems that I’ve discovered him just at his peak and having listened to his latest album “Truelove’s Gutter” many times now (too many Anthony might say!) I have fallen in love with his beautifully poetic lyrics and hypnotic melodies! “Open Up Your Door” which features on his latest album was used recently in a Häagen-Dazs ad, and I imagine helped many, including me, discover Hawley’s great talent.

Hawley has an amazing capacity to take the mundane and turn it into a beautifully poetic sentiment. The simplicity of the opening song “As the Dawn Breaks” sets the mood for the rest of the album. The song depicts such a private moment, the witnessing of dawn over a cityscape, romanticised by the early morning songbird, it is almost begs us to partake in the intimacy. No, there are no bells and whistles with this album, though there is a saw and a glass harmonica! The odd choice of instruments and the non-intrusive orchestrations create a haunting and almost hypnotic simplicity. Without meaning to trivialise these gorgeous compositions, think meditative whale music … Hawley’s music takes you to the quietest part of your inner self and making the journey is more than worthwhile.

That’s why this album needs to be listened to … not just as a backdrop when you’re tidying out the filing cabinet … but given the attention it requires to work it’s magic on you.  Sit back, close your eyes and enjoy!

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