Search - Anthony John Clarke :: A Sideways Glance

Up-to-date, eclectic Irish folk

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 02/18/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Professionally Irish" is how one reviewer described this fellow, and that seems fair enough. This is a charming collection, spanning 1976-97, which covers some familiar territory with a few nice new wrinkles. Clark is kind of like a softer version of Christy Moore, an acute observer of modern Ireland who sidesteps stereotypes while also avoiding the hard-left politics that characterize Moore's work. Clarke's is more the voice of caution and wry skepticism; nostalgic portraits of the Irish country life are his first target (on "Irish Eyes"), as well as numerous songs about the Troubles and their crippling effect on Ireland's national psyche. There are also several songs about the pub scene ("Karaoke Night" and "Savin' The Best 'Til Last") and the Irish-American diaspora. The arrangements drift inexorably from sweet acoustic guitar to goofier modern folk and even a rock guitar or two. Having heard this, I'm curious about his earlier (acoustic) material."