Thursday, October 27, 2005

Chris T-T review

This guy writes protest songs in a similar vein to woody Guthry and Bob Dylan, but for the 2000's, about Tony Blair and Iraq.


ARTIST _____CHRIS T-T

ALBUM _____9 RED SONGS

LABEL ______SNOWSTORM

chrisThe first thing that strikes you about Chris T-T is that he’s unashamedly political. Those of you who believe that music and politics should not mix stop reading now.

‘9 Red Songs’ is a collection of protest songs recorded and produced by Jon Clayton at London’s One Cat Studio. Chris T-T has the wonderful ability of coupling radical politics with dark sarcasm, often causing much offence. Whether he’s singing about Tony Blair’s non-existent heart (‘Tony’s Heart’) or hunting supporters (‘The Huntsman Comes A-Marchin’), Chris wears his heart, beating, bloody and bruised on his sleeve.

9 Red Songs has a bedroom-record feel to it; very natural reverbs and shining acoustics bringing an emotional weight to what could have easily been an alienating rant. The acoustic guitar, banjo, cello and accordion sound will appeal to those who like their music the right side of folk.

Chris T-T’s main pulling-power is his refreshing ‘real-world’ approach, often considered more important than the songs themselves. And this is indeed the case, the songs are good but don’t cut it when compared to the cream of the alt. folk scene. However, in a political world where the wealthy trample the poor, and a musical world were James Blunt and Coldplay rule, Chris T-T (or more importantly, his honesty) is indispensable.

1 comment:

Jonathan said...

Agreed - it's a great album. Interesting that you made a similar point to me about James Blunt at the end of your review. Great minds think alike!