I only spotted this had been released the other week, which says something about how much publicity a new Chris Mills album gets. A crying shame because he is one of the most original, talented singer songwriters around.
I guess this release is intended to introduce Chris to a new audience, however I can't help but feel they've missed a trick by not including anything off the first two releases (Nobody's Favourite, Every Night Fight For Your Life) or from the superb 2003 Tell It Like It Isn't covers EP. Still it's a good introduction to an artist who defies description. This set covers Americana, Folk, Power Pop, Rock, you name it, it's in there somewhere. You go from acoustic songs, to full live band with brass, orchestra, strings, the lot.
I have been fortunate to catch Chris live twice over the years, I've even got a home made bootleg of the New Roscoe, Leeds back in February 2001, and I can vouch for what a great live performer Chris is, both solo and with a band. He's over in the UK for some shows in September, alas nothing in Leeds, so I guess I'll be going to the Sheffield show on the 12th September.
The tracklisting features songs from his four albums released across the last decade with the addition of two new excellent songs. Given that we've not had anything new in three years, it's great to hear Chris on form on these two songs. He is apparently working on new material, hopefully for release later in the year.
If you've got nothing by Chris Mills, get this, you won't regret it.
Tracklisting:
1. All Out Days and Nights [New]
2. Atom Smashers [4]
3. A Farewell To Arms [3]
4. Such A Beautiful Thing [4]
5. Sleeptalkin' [2]
6. You Are My Favourite Song [3]
7. Diamond [2]
8. All You Ever Do [1]
9. Suicide Note [2]
10. Nightmare at 20,000 feet [4]
11. Heavy Years [New]
12. Watch Chain [1]
13. Escape From New York [3]
14. Signal / Noise [1]
Key:
[1] Kiss It Goodbye - 2000
[2] The Silver Line - 2002
[3] The Wall to Wall Sessions - 2005
[4] Living In The Aftermath - 2008
UK Tour:
07.09.11 - Labour Club, Northampton
09.09.11 - The Briton's Protection, Manchester
10.09.11 - The Chattery, Swansea
11.09.11 - The Maze, Nottingham
12.09.11 - The Greystones, Sheffield
14.09.11 - 12 Bar Club, London
16.09.11 - ACE Space, Newbury
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