A Veteran of the British Mersey scene, the same initiative that launched the Beatles, Gerry and the Pacemakers and many other English bands that served in the trenches during the first Brit-pop invasion of the mid-60s, Michael Snow goes back to the bars for his first new album in recent memory. With help from some famous friend -- Brian Willoughby of the Strawbs, former Dylan drummer Ian Wallace, musical journeyman Clive Gregson -- Snow retraces his Irish roots, turning out a rousing series of folk songs that taps tradition and aims to be pub perfect.
Indeed, you don't have to wait for St. Paddy's Day to get caught up in the spirit of "Never Say Not To A Jar." The title itself is a drinking term and from the opening rally of "Dandy Vernon," you may be inclined to raise a pint and sing along. Snow's songs are both spunky and sentimental, whether he';s reminiscing over a first guitar in "That Sonic Boom" or reminiscing over a first guitar in "That Sonic Boom" or recounting a historical narrative ("River Remember ME," the acapella "Old Irish Tune"). Snow sings with the soul of an Irish rover. The one is lovely and lilting throughout, with pretty acoustic ballads like "A Skelly's Farewell," "Peeling the layers Away" and "Cailin Dall" giving the entire album the warmth of a fire on the heart.
An album of authentic Irish folk music may not be to everyone's taste, but Snows skill as a songwriter touches a universal chord. Never say no to an album like this.
Indeed, you don't have to wait for St. Paddy's Day to get caught up in the spirit of "Never Say Not To A Jar." The title itself is a drinking term and from the opening rally of "Dandy Vernon," you may be inclined to raise a pint and sing along. Snow's songs are both spunky and sentimental, whether he';s reminiscing over a first guitar in "That Sonic Boom" or reminiscing over a first guitar in "That Sonic Boom" or recounting a historical narrative ("River Remember ME," the acapella "Old Irish Tune"). Snow sings with the soul of an Irish rover. The one is lovely and lilting throughout, with pretty acoustic ballads like "A Skelly's Farewell," "Peeling the layers Away" and "Cailin Dall" giving the entire album the warmth of a fire on the heart.
An album of authentic Irish folk music may not be to everyone's taste, but Snows skill as a songwriter touches a universal chord. Never say no to an album like this.