The story of Kevin Coyne (1944-2004) is as much about the social worker and activist, working with and for the outsiders - the mentaly ill, addicts, homeless and institutionalized - all his life struggling for the less fortunate, which clearly shows in songwriting and expression. For a more detailed description of his life I recommend the Allmusic biography - very interesting. This was his third album as a solo artist after quitting the band Siren and second after leaving John Peel's Dandelion label for a contract with the then quite new Virgin. I've seen die-hard Coyne fans critizising it for being too produced or even commercial, but I don't get that at all. I hear 100% honest, angry and most of it certainly not fitting for common radio play or any mainstream activity. Way too personal and concerned to be a big seller. To my ears the very sparse additions - like brass, female background quires or even strings - just provides a balance to his usually naked and righ-on performance, making it a little less challanging to take in the message. One might need that spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down. In any case if you're not familiar yet and longing for something blending genuine with catchy it's well worth a try. My favorite tracks - "Blame It On The Night", "Poor Swine" and "River Of Sin". Originally issued in Europe and Downunder, but to my knowledge never in US. UK 2013 2xCD on Turpentine Records (TURPD 5) came with nineteen bonus tracks. Premiere UK had label as shown here and thin structured cover with picture/lyric insert.
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