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 Steve McCormick has no plans to don a Stetson and become "another English cowboy", and that's fine. Problem is, he IS British and the Brits don't understand.
So when Steve rocks up to a gig, he often finds the room packed with dozens of "English cowboys" and wannabe rednecks.
It's something you guys would have to see to believe. And if you ever do, you'll end up rolling on the floor in gales of laughter at what most English folks think of as being a Country music fan, an American or a cowboy.
Steve tells us: "I like western shirts, but it would be true to say I'm not a fan of the idea of Englishmen with fake American accents wearing Stetsons singing about being "Down home on the range".
He explains it all in the opening track - "Another English Cowboy" - and the song - the purest Americana Country I've heard in some time - ends with the audience howling for Steve to get out of the place!! BRILLIANT!
There are some great Country songs on here. "Making Light (of being kept in the dark)" is the album's undoubted highlight. Musically it's easy to follow, yet it moves outside that "Country comfort zone" with ease.
Lyrically it's the powerful tale of a man unsure if his wife's having an affair. McCormick delivers the words with exactly the right touch of pathos, just the right tinge of regret.
He offers the "other side of the coin" in the story later on the album with "The Other Man", an astonishing song about the man who's the third wheel in a love triangle. Brilliant lyrics again, this is almost a folk song sung by McCormick almost alone with an acoustic guitar.
I've lost count of the "old photos" songs Country stars have written and sung. Judging by words of "Black and White Photographs", this song sits very close to the heart and some of the pictures from the song are on the album's back cover! BRILLIANT, and sad.
The only let down is the keyboard sound on the track's instrumental break. It's just plain WRONG! (A heart-rending fiddle or a plaintiff pedal steel right there would solve that - and it really is picking holes where they almost don't exist.)
There's some up tempo stuff here too. "I'm Alright, Jack!" is a brilliant high speed romp with McCormick posing as the world's most selfish man!! (Steve, NOT YOU????). It demonstrates an incredible musical talent.
"Living In Loserville" is a powerful autobiographical song which will chime with miany folks. I actually recognise some of me in this one, and that's the biggest compliment I could pay any song!
"Back on the Booze" is a top ten Country hit waiting to happen. One of the joys of music is how tragedy can be portrayed in a high speed rock n' roll song. The singer's friend has fallen off the wagon, which is tragic. But this sounds like an up tempo song from the late fifties. Check out the lyrics - pathos personified!
"Breaking Hearts" is another ready-to-use hit song. It has a gentle lilting rythmn, a hard edged middle eight and Nashville needs songs like this!!!
I hadn't said it yet, but Steve is a hugely talented musician who plays almost all the music himself, (guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo, lap steel). He lets Dave Midgley add the required pedal steel.
"That Girl Was Gonna Make Me Rich" has a bluesy-country edge, and I have to talk to Steve about how he created that amazing reverbed/delayed guitar!!
As in any collection, some songs weaken alongside their powerful neighbours. "My Woman Doesn't Give A Damn" sounds like a poor 1980s Country song, and "Innocent Place" is dull in the extreme.
With many new artists, it can be hard to judge their quality. Not with Steve McCormick: the guy is an amazing musician, a talented vocalist and a superb songwriter.
If you get the chance to see him play live, DO (but DON'T expect him to ride up on a horse wearing a cowboy hat and packing six-guns!!!. If you can't see his show, BUY THE ALBUM. It will refresh your collection and your view of what Country music is all about.
Because, Steve, this IS a Country album and you're STUCK WITH IT!!
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