All Maps Welcome - Tom McRae Album Review

Photo:Barbara Lindberg

Album Review

Sometimes,it makes me wonder what it takes to get noticed in this business.Get an image'make-over'or'sell-out'?Many have.Thankfully,there's no chance of Tom McRae going there.With a huge arsenal of talent at his disposal,he sounds more Americana than Englander from Suffolk.Recorded in LA,McRae(dubbed the 'new Nick Drake')delivers a gloriously rousing 11 track collection.This release is as good as anything Damien Rice (O), Stephen Fretwell (Magpie), Bright Eyes (I'm Wide Awake It's Morning) and James Blunt (Back To Bedlam) have done.By now,I'd have thought some 'commercial 'attention would have happened,but McRae still hasn't won over the mainstream listener.Sadly this may not to do the trick either.Nevertheless,it will no doubt be critically acclaimed by 'musos' and press alike.Grizzly guitars,sweeping volumes of strings,gentle acoustic guitars,violins and horns,it has a heavy splash of achingly beautiful vocals and longing lyrics in the Rice mould.

His sure-fire break would come via a TV ad or soundtrack inclusion.

He's not a household name(yet),but don't overlook this guy's amazing songwriting skills,as there isn't a weak track in sight.

Don't miss this at any cost:it's a real work of art.

Elly Roberts