James Keelaghan is one of the most understated and respected singer/songwriters on the folk scene, and he has a enviable history of writing literate songs that are lyrically rich, poetic and compelling; this is a theme that’s been carried through onto this excellent new album.
Five  of the songs are co-writes that came out of a project run by the Canadian Celtic Colours Festival, where James wrote songs with Karine Polwart, Dave Gunning, David Francey, Lori Watson and Rose Cousins, and the remainder are more traditional individually written pieces. 
Regardless of how the songs came about, the quality across the album is high with thoughtful songs that range from social commentary through to the fine details of characters that inhabit his songs.  This range is perfectly demonstrated on the title track (a co-write with all previously mentioned artists) that takes a bare and honest view of the current global financial crisis, and ‘McConvilles’ which is a more traditional Keelaghan tale where the characters and their plight are brought into focus by masterful writing and delivery.
There are no tricks or frippery here, he basically use a simple range of instrumentation to support his own guitar, with bass and mandolin most prominent and there are some appropriate brass and string arrangements on a couple of tracks.  By keeping it simple it shows of the quality of the writing and delivery, and once again he demonstrates he’s an exceptional singer/songwriter and a true master of the craft.

Track listing
1 Safe Home
2 Next to You
3 Since You Asked
4 House of Cards
5 McConnville's
6 What's for You
7 Medusa
8 Twister
9 Leave Town
10 Circle of Stone

£12.99