Vegas

Martyn Joseph

A while ago in a review I managed to type 'Smarty Joseph' when referring to Martyn; fat fingered typing blunder or a subconscious recognition of his cleverness? Undeniably Martyn Joseph possesses an uncanny ability to pare away the layers to reveal the truth within. Over a staggering twenty nine albums in twenty five years he has neither slipped in quality or softened in his outlook.

At the heart of Martyns songwriting there is an uncompromising eye that concerns itself with social and human ills, here are songs that never shy away from confrontation. However, there is also a tender compassion present that stops anything drifting into cold observation. Joseph is affected by what he see's, and his songwriting affects the listener too. Sometimes that can be uncomfortable, on this album it's heart warming in it's openness.

This is an energised Martyn Joseph, musically excellent with a bit more electric guitar and some great arrangements, his vocals the mix of edge and gravelly warmth that we have come accustomed to. In a sense his whole career is here, it's a glimpse inside the head of a travelling troubadour, one who listens and observes the world as it passes by.

This album reflects the travelling he's done over the past few years on tour, the title track is a reflection on that temple to consumption that is Las Vegas. His perception of it comes from the eyes of a cab driver who settles there 'it's as if everyone's coming from somewhere'. The song skiffles along in a sunny fashion, setting the form for the whole album.

From Vegas set in the capital of 'I could have it all' to Kindness that plays out on a Toronto Street where the homeless huddle in the cold there is a journey to be enjoyed with Joseph on this album. It could well be one of the best of his career.

Iain Hazlewood