Ed Harcourt may possibly be one of the most talented singer songwriters
to come along in quite a while. Ed's last album, Here Be Monsters was a fun
romp through some mid tempo numbers that reminded me of an upbeat Badly
Drawn Boy. For his sophomore album, Harcourt has taken on a much more
serious approach to his writing. Usually speaking in catchy metaphors,
Harcourt reveals hidden pockets of reclusive pain. On the track "Bleed a River Deep,"
Ed sings, "If I had sharp claws I'd get on all fours and scratch your back
for free, but it has been written, these nails have been bitten, I know what
I could be." Not only is Harcourt a great songwriter, but he is also a very
accomplished musician. He plays nearly every instrument heard on the album
including drums and guitar, my favorite would have to be the squeaky pump
organ he plays on the most upbeat and best track "All of Your Days Will be
Blessed." There is no doubt that Ed is high among the best of the best of today¡¯s singer songwriters, but the only complaint I have is that the guy
can't do simple. Almost every track is an exhausting listen, but very
worthwhile nonetheless. I think a little bit more straight-forward pop sensibility could really catapult this guy into the realm of Badly Drawn Boy. For now he's definitely for fans who enjoy mellower Jeff Buckley or Rufus Wainwright.