Kevin Ayers - Unfairground

Not one for John Cale or Richard Branson’s Christmas stocking…

It’s been 15 years since Kevin Ayers’ last album, Still Life With Guitar. He was gently lured back into the studio by his own curiosity as to how several songs written on an acoustic guitar given to him back in the 60s by Jimi Hendrix might sound. Backed by a collection of musicians ranging from old Soft Machine cohorts Hugh Hopper and Robert Wyatt, to young devotees Teenage Fanclub, The Ladybug Transistor and Neutral Milk Hotel to name three, Ayers has pulled together a richly compelling song cycle. Underpinned by acoustic guitar, many songs are bathed in beautiful string and horn arrangements, the perfect setting over which – in damn fine voice – Ayers pours out some of his most emotional and reflective lyrics. Walk On Water is a peach, as is Friends & Strangers, which could be about death, betrayal or poisoned romance. The rough-sea time-changes of Brainstorm will also have old fans recalling Harvest highlights such as Joy Of A Toy or Whatevershebringswesing. The album closes perfectly with Run Run, which, with its infectious chorus and final trumpet note, leaves you wanting more, as every perfect 10-song, 30 minute album should.

Lo-Max | LOMAX 024 CD

Reviewed by Ian Shirley
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