1999 Full Length From The Ex-Genesis Member Michael Rutherford.
CD Reviews
A Remarkable Musical Experience
Michael Butts | Martinsburg, WV USA | 08/24/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First of all, this review refers to the 1999 release, and not the great first effort, also called "Mike and the Mechanics." Now, with that out of the way, if you like Mike & the Mechanics, you need to get this CD. Order it from Amazon, it's probably not in any stores, and that is a shame!As always, Mike Rutherford, the true soul behind Genesis, has come up with a collection of melodic and insightful songs, with understated but effective arrangements. Each song flows smoothly into the next, with just enough change in style to keep it from being too similar. "Whenever I Stop" features the always reliable Paul Carrack in a bouncy up beat tune revolving around trying to understand a broken relationship.A slight disco/dance groove permeates "Now That You're Gone," an infectious tune again about a broken relationship. Isn't it funny how that's what most writers find the most appealing---the end of, rather than the beginning, of a relationship. Oh, well, if it's this good, who cares?With its faux chamber-orchestra opening, "Ordinary Girl" turns into one of those happy Billy Joel songs, upbeat and uplifting. How this man's ordinary girl doesn't need anything but his love. Now, we're moving in a positive direction. Tasty."All the Light I Need" is another love song, beautiful in its lyrical content and simplicity.Carrack tells off his woman in the upbeat and edgy "What Will You Do?". The repetition of the title throughout the song gives it a quiet desperation that is quite effective."My Little Island" is one of those pleasant diversions that break away from the previous material, and kind of makes you want to grap a Margarita and go to Margaritaville or even Montego Bay. Pleasant."Open Up" is one of those "Living Years" types of anthems, that builds and builds into one of those soaring choruses at the end. Paul Carrack is in fine form on this one."When I Get Over You" is my favorite track. It has a driving pulse that accentuates Paul Young's desperation in trying to resolve the end of his affair. "When I get over you, I'll be who I want to be/I'll sleep where I want to sleep and laugh at your memory..." This is a great track."If Only" is reminiscent of "Taken In" with its laid-back, melodic paen of lost love.The group even gets a little rhythm and blues/soul into "Asking" (for the Last Time); wherein the singer is giving his woman one last chance to reconsider "voting him off the island.""Always Listen to Your Heart" has a seventies sound, reminding me of both the Hollies and Three Dog Night, but unique in its own right. This is a warning song, with a positive subtext."Did You See Me Coming" has a floating quality that is easy on the ears.Paul Young's delivery of "Look Across at Dreamland" is even more touching and poignant, in light of his untimely passing away in July of this year. His vocals are understated, but emotional, and he doesn't have to resort to Boltonish vocal pyrotechnics to make us feel his passion. This is a beautiful closing to an all-around excellent CD.In these days of teen music, rap, and alternative whatever, it's nice to hear a band that still cares about melody and substance. The string arrangements by Simon Hale are wonderful, as well as the backup vocals from Sharon Woolf.This is a little sparser than some of Mike's earlier efforts, but it feels symphonic in its simplicity!Michael Butts"
Excellent M+M Album, And Farewell To Paul Young
Alan Caylow | USA | 06/08/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Mike & The Mechanics' 1999 studio album, either known as "Mike & The Mechanics" or "M6," is an excellent album from Mike Rutherford and company, with many catchy tunes. It is also a fond farewell (however unintentional) to singer Paul Young, who passed away from a heart attack a couple of years later. Young and co-lead singer Paul Carrack deliver the goods in the vocal department throughout, on such great songs as "Whenever I Stop," the pulsating "Now That You've Gone," the fun pop rock of "Ordinary Girl," the beautiful "My Little Island," the dramatic "When I Get Over You" (which sounds very similar to the Traffic classic, "Dream Gerrard"), "If Only," and the concluding "Look Across At Dreamland." The songwriting & performances are strong, the production clean, and the sound is superb.However, I'm profoundly disappointed that Mike Rutherford can no longer get any of his new Mechanics albums released in the States anymore, courtesy of the poor US sales of the previous two Mechanics discs, "Word Of Mouth" and "Beggar On A Beach Of Gold." "M6" did not receive a US release, and ditto for the brand-new Mechanics album, "Re-Wired," so the import route will have to do for us American fans. But Mike Rutherford's music is worth every single penny, and "M6" is a GREAT Mike & The Mechanics album. And so long, Paul Young, you are greatly missed."
Great album if you're ok with all the break-up lyrics
Benny Choi | San Francisco, CA USA | 06/03/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Mike + The Mechanics have always been considered "adult contemporary" music, basic pop tunes which are easily accessible for most anyone. This album is along the same lines. While there are brief moments of musical adventurism, this is pretty much a straight forward 90s style pop-rock album with a heavy dose of relationship break-up lyrics in most of the songs. The singing, sound, and production qualities are all top notch."
What a bummer!! Just when they had it nailed...
Leo Starr | Shoreview, MN United States | 08/16/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a total bummer! I think that this is if not their best CD to date, then it is just about a hair short of it. I was greatly saddened to hear of Paul's untimely death, and to hear his voice on the hauntingly appropriate "Dreamland," it is with a heavy heart that I contemplate the fact that we can't hear his voice anymore. Some might not be very happy with this CD because Paul Carrack carries the majority of the load as far as vocals are concerned, but I thought that it made the songs with Paul Young as lead the pearls to find. If you have not heard all of Mike and the Mechanic's previous work, I think that this would be a great introduction to a group that a lot of people have passed by."
A Hidden Gem - As Good as any Mike + The Mechanics Effort
L.A. Scene | Indian Trail, NC USA | 01/06/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mike + The Mechanics are a supergroup that was formed as a side project by Genesis Guitar and Bass player Mike Rutherford and would feature vocalists Paul Carrack (formerly of Squeeze) and Paul Young (formerly of Sad Cafe). This side project would lead to commercial and critical success. Their first album, the self-titled album "Mike + The Mechanics" would have some commercial success - including three Top 40 hits. Their second album "Living Years" produced a #1 song and Record of the Year candidate in the title track - as well as commercial success. Commercial success in the U.S. would elude Mike + The Mechanics as they released albums their third album, 1991's "Word of Mouth" and fourth album, 1995's "Beggar on a Beach of Gold". Despite the lack of commercial success in the U.S., these two albums would maintain the high musical standards that Mike + The Mechanics fans have become accustomed to. By the time their fifth studio album came along, this album would only be available as an import and not be distributed on any American record label. This fifth album was released in 1999 and also was a self-titled album, "Mike + The Mechanics". This album is known as the "M6" album (for "sixth" album - while this was the fifth studio album, there was also a Greatest Hits album released). It's unfortunate that this album was only available as an import because many fans would miss out on another high quality product. In fact, I'd put this up with the Mechanics best work.
"Beggar on a Beach of Gold" had seen Mike + The Mechanics go through lineup changes. Adrian Lee was demoted to studio musician status. On "M6", Lee was no longer a member of the band. Keyboard duties were now handled exclusively by Carrack - which made sense since the Mechanics were moving toward a more guitar-laden sound and therefore only one keyoardist was needed. Also gone from the band was longtime drummer Peter Van Hooke. Although Gary Wallis would take Van Hooke's place, it was clear that Mike + The Mechanics were now focusing around the main nucleus of the band - Rutherford, Carrack, and Young. Paul Carrack's influence in the band significantly increased with the "M6" album. Carrack teams up with Rutherford to co-write 8 of the 13 tracks (of those eight songs, Young collaborates with Rutherford and Carrack on two of them). Longtime songwriting partners Rutherford and B.A. Robertson only contribute 4 songs while Rutherford with longtime producer Christopher Neil contributes one song. Neil's presence is definitely reduced as he only produces 3 tracks. While Carrack and Young have normally split lead vocal duties down the middle, it is clear that Carrack has emerged as the primary vocalist. This may be because Carrack had a major footprint in the songwriting. However, on "M6" , Young plays a key role with the background vocals. Despite these changes, the band doesn't lose a beat.
On the previous two albums, Mike + the Mechanics definitely migrated toward an Adult Contemporary band. This trend continues on "M6". At the same time, the band experiments in some non-traditional Mechanics areas - including Dance, R&B, and "Coffee House" sound.
Here is a review of the tracks:
"Whenever I Stop": The guitar-laden "coffee house" sound will be the predominant one in this song. Carrack's vocals are the perfect compliment to this "acoustic" feel. There are some nice background vocals to compliment him.
"Now That You've Gone": This song has a Euro/Techno Dance feel to it. With some remixing, this could easily be something played in the dance clubs. I really like this track and I give the band credit for not being afraid to experiment with a new sound.
"Ordinary Girl": This song sounds with a qusai-orchestral sound, then progresses into something that sounds Beatle-esque. This track is a great example of how Carrack and Young blend their vocals beautifully.
"All the Light I Need" This is more of a romantic song. It has a more guitar-laden sound with Carrack's vocals complimenting beautifully.
"What Will You Do When I'm Gone": This has more of a classic Mechanics feel. Carrack delivers his trademark intense vocals, but Young blends some background vocals in perfectly. There is a short, but good guitar bridge midway through the song.
"My Little Island": Young's vocals are the highlight of this song. It shows why he was an integral part of the band as he delivers his trademark passionate sound.
"Open Up": Outstanding song. The formula of Carrack's vocals over a "coffee house" guitar sound works once again. Young also blends in his background vocals perfectly.
"When I Get Over You": This song has more of a classic Mechanics sound with a heavier use of keyboards in this song. Young is terrific on the lead vocals.
"If Only": Great track. The highlight of this song is going to be a trademark intense vocal performance by Carrack. This song has a slower melody.
"Asking": This song has a "remix" type of beginning with the words "Asking". This song then progresses into an R&B sound with Carrack delivering vocals.
"Always Listen to Your Heart": If you heard Genesis' "Calling All Stations" album with Ray Wilson, the chorus is going to have a similar "haunting" sound to it.
"Did You See Me Coming": The "Coffee House" guitar sound is going to start this song. There is a terrific 'aaaaah" that highlights the chorus.
"Look Across Dreamland": Young gets the nod to take the lead vocals and his vocals will be the highlight. This would be the last song on the album, but also the last song by Paul Young as he would pass away just one year later.
Mike + The Mechanics have always turned out quality products. This album is right up there with their best - there is not one bad or weak song on this collection. If you can find this album, it is worth getting. Highly recommended."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1