ALMANAC (Album, VÉLO 2002) Alan Corr - RTE Guide June 22 - 28, 2002
Such is Walsh's command of classic 60s melody and song craft that it sounds like he was taught the three Bs - Beatles, Byrds and Beach Boys - at the feet of the masters themselves.
Steeped in Brit psychedelia, west coast rock and whip-sharp songwriting, it revels in the kind of whirring organ sounds and satisfying Macca-style bass beloved of American producer Jon Brion (Aimee Mann, Fiona Apple). Why Mr. Walsh! You're spoiling us Padraig Collins - The Ticket/The Irish Times June 29, 2002
Pugwash is back with another slice of delicious power-pop melancholia. Initially, it can seem very Beatlesey, but the sound is closer in spirit to bands such as Cotton Mather. This is particularly so on Apples, the great first single from the album. Sunrise, Sunset would have fitted neatly onto side four of The White Album (yeah, that good). Dave Roberts - The Event Guide June 12th - 25th 2002
Walsh knows things about power pop that would make Rick Nielsen and Jason Falkner blush. He's applied it all here with great success.
Almanac is straight out of the Brian Wilson catalogue, Keep Movin' On brushes with Elvis Costello, Everything We Need - there are moments of McCartney hiding in there, Apples moves on with XTC coming into play. Following Down is the album's finest moment, as the captain talks of "hearing the cries of an unexcited heart" (great turn of phrase).
Pugwash certainly comes up trumps. Almanac is as much about the art of the studio as it is the art of the song and it succeeds in mastering both. By crafting similar masterpieces Walsh will get the wider recognition he deserves.
John Meagher - Day & Night / The Irish Independent June 26 2002
A quietly impressive, occasionally thrilling, record. Read full review texts | Show Reviews for: ALMOND TEA: (Album, VÉLO 1999) FINER THINGS IN LIFE: (Single, VÉLO 2000) LIVE: (2000) ALMANAC (Album, VÉLO 2002) APPLES - Single Reviews |
