When cult songwriter Mark Mulcahy played in York in 2001, his extreme singing and lack of tunes were too much.
Seemingly bound for commercial oblivion, this release is a real surprise; an excellent album dwelling tunefully on inadequacy, longing and the contradictions we all feel. "The things I love don't bring me joy, the things I want, I want to destroy" he sings on I Have Patience while Cookie Jar ponders on what might have been.
Mulcahy's willingness to hang out his frailties is commendable, and his strong voice is well framed with polished band performances (including the likes of J. Mascis from Dinosaur Jr.). His natural wilfulness may be reined in, but the jaundiced worldview isn't for everyone. Probably too sour for real success.
Updated: 09:17 Thursday, April 21, 2005
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