Search - Geraint Watkins :: In a Bad Mood

Easy to say "bon temps rouler" while listening to this!

Spencer Marquart | St. Louis, MO USA | 09/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Geraint opens his new release, "In A Bad Mood", with a Southern soul inflected electric guitar intro with these words to follow: "You can dance the night away, on every single Saturday. You go out and have your fun and I'll just be the lonely one. Let the heartaches begin, let the teardrops fall. It's easy to say 'bon temps rouler', it's easy for you, it's easy to say.." We've all been there - on the losing end. It's just never sounded quite this way. It's a reggae swingin' beat, with swampy guitar, deep bass and lovely harmonies on the "bon temps roulet" (let the good times roll) chorus. In this case, pain is pleasure. I want to get up and dance everytime I hear it. Maybe she'll hear this song and wise up? I doubt it, but I'm sure it'll get the party started. The tune "Champion" brings his true love to the forefront. A New Orleans sounding waltz with Geraint sounding like Randy Newman, "and they seeaaald it, with a kiss, yes they seeeeaaald it with a kiss." I can come up with comparisons to the songs, but they sound all his own. "Unto You" is a minor key stomp with accordian and Geraint's signature piano stylings with a poignant look at his past mistakes, "It's history. Life still goes on, she means nothing to me.." Robert Treherne's brushes are smooth on the snare up to the last verse into the coda where the extraordinary electric guitar solo takes us out. "Fools Like Me" is a slow swingin' cousin to the "Easy To Say" track. He sings, "When you go out on the town, having a natural ball, with our mutual friends that don't care at all.. For fools like me, that stare into space and wonder what went wrong, when your heart has broken in two..". Damn, then come the Preservation Hall trumpets to bring that unique flavor. Mind you, these tunes don't sound all polished. The charm lies in the looseness of these smoky numbers, the soulful feel and musicianship of the master players here - which feature the incomparable Nick Lowe and fellow bandmates from his last four records and Geraint's last couple fine records. Thanks go to Neil Brockbank and Goldtop Recordings for making the best records anywhere from the last 15 years! The next tune is titled, "Chagrin". Another fine vocal performance and judging by the title of the song in French meaning failure and disappointment, the minor key suits it perfectly. The sentiment feels like recovery from trials and tribulations complete with Geraint's french recitation on the last verse. It's a spooky sounding tune and I appreciate the string arrangement and rhythmic flamenco guitar flourishes and snare drum fills. "My Love" has been a favorite since hearing Tres Chicas cover it on their brilliant "Bloom, Red & The Ordinary Girl" release - recorded at Goldtop in 2006 with the same cast of musicians. The tempo is picked up considerably from the "Chicas" version with more electric guitar, including a fine baritone guitar solo. This song is a fun one to play guitar along with. Next up, the wildcard of the record. The tune "History" with Geraint playing on all instruments. Which include a drum sampler, synthesized string section which sounds right from the Marvin Gaye school of "mercy me" and that Philly soul sound. Geraint pulls this off with ease, and it's a remarkable thing. It's another breakup song that you want to just turn up loud while driving with the windows down. I should also mention that Geraint's vocals really shine throughout the record. Just listen to the lines, "I loved you, loved you, I hugged and kissed you.. Now our love is history". Considering the CD says all instruments played by Geraint on this tune, it's a major feat! Ah, but next up, the object of all his sorrow. You see, it's a break up record no doubt. Listen to the opening lines of "Jenni" - "You don't know what it's like, to be brokenhearted, you just go sailin' on through, you found somebody new, before we even parted, that's the kind of thing you do..Jenni." Wow. It's a slow burner, with Geraint continuing to wail that "they say that time will heal, they say that love can conquer, but I don't believe that's true, Jenni, I'm still in love with you." And then Geraint starts testifying as the best soul artists do. He's earned it on this record. The next tune is a nod to Geraint's colleague, Nick Lowe. "Heart Of The City" is a rollicking blues shuffle with Geraint wailing with his accordian blasting. He's "looking, a looking, and trying to find a lover in the heart of the city". Again, I feel like I'm in New Orleans with the call and response at the end of the song with the "Heart, Heart" of the city a callin'! Yes, New Orleans is alive! Another slower tune follows, "Catch On". "You don't have to be Einstein, to know that I've been crying... You don't have to walk on water, to know that you oughta be back here where you belong.. Catch on, this will never catch on.." It's quite nice and then out of the blue, "At Last" to round out the record. Yes, it's the Etta James classic and he's finally made it. Geraint is perfect for this tune, and his vocals take the lead (Louis Prima style) and the band swings particularly fine as the piano plays..



What can I say - I know it's a long review, but they just don't make records like this today. At least they do with Geraint, Nick and Neil Brockbank at the helm. These songs and many Brockbank productions take a few listens to take in all the wonderful nuances of the music. But once it "catches on", it's soulful pop music of the highest order.

Highly recommended folks!"