Dan Bern’s previous album ‘New American Language’ is one of the best contemporary singer/songwriter discs of the past few years, full of witty, literate and catchy songs and it certainly gives this new disc something to live up to – fortunately ‘Fleeting Days’ is more than up to the task.
He’s a wonderfully literate writer, but covers a range of subjects that no one else would even consider, in ‘Superman’ the superhero hangs up his cape deciding he’s unable to clear up the world’s problems, and ‘Jane’ dismisses Einstein’s theory of relativity in favour of daydreaming about a girl. Despite these songs (and a few others), the surrealism on ‘Fleeting Days’ is toned down a little from previous albums, and the songs are more grounded in ‘real‘ situations, but his wit, humour and turn of phrase are all still present and correct.
He’s kept the same band from the previous disc, the fantastically named ‘International Jewish Banking Conspiracy’, and they’re as tight a group of musicians you could wish to hear, moving from ballads to rock with ease, and at times are reminiscent of Elvis Costello’s Attractions at their very best.
The Costello link is apposite, even though Bern is definitely his own man; the combined influences of Costello, Springsteen and Dylan are easy to spot throughout the 13 tracks.
There are excellent songs everywhere on this disc, but a couple of notable highlights are the aforementioned upbeat ‘Jane’, the deceptively simple and melody led ‘I Need You’, and no review of the disc could be written without mentioning ‘Graceland’ an incredibly odd song that starts with a few lines of Paul Simon’s song, before taking in Mark Cohn and Elvis over it’s 5 minutes running time.
‘Fleeting Days’ is an exceptional album – fantastic lyrics and melodies, a superb backing band and 13 songs that cover a good range of styles. A disc with real depth and staying power.

£13.49