Gilbert O Sullivan LP

Gilbert OrsquoSullivanrsquos unique blend of melodic craftsmanship, witty wordplay, topical acuity and surrealist humour has given him an enduring and endearing career.Now recognised as one of our great singersongwriters, hersquos been championed in recent years by everyone from Morrissey to Paul Weller, from Difford amp Tilbrook to Neil Diamond. Therersquos a case for him being our own Randy Newman or Harry Nilsson. Certainly Ethan Johns Kings Of Leon, Paolo Nutini, Laura Marling, Tom Jones, Paul McCartney who produces his new album ldquoGilbert OrsquoSullivanrdquo, is a cluedup enthusiast. ldquoIrsquove been a fan of Gilbertrsquos for years,rdquo he says. ldquoHersquos a true original.rdquonbspGilbertrsquos 19th studio album since his 1971 debut ldquoHimselfrdquo feels in some ways a kindred spirit to that record, which yielded his first hit ldquoNothing Rhymedrdquo. Itrsquos organic, almost live feel is encouraged by Johns and the songs sail on the perennial OrsquoSullivan strengths of evocative tunes and wry insight. Yet while there are nods to nostalgia, as in the centrepiece ldquoDansette Dreams And 45srdquo, the deft, droll observations on todayrsquos world remain eagleeyed.As Gilbert says, ldquoThe reason Irsquove never lost the joy of songwriting is because you never know where something will lead,rdquo he says. ldquoOnce you get into writing a song, you canrsquot resist taking it that little bit furtherhelliprdquoIn the zone again, naturally. Will Gilbert OrsquoSullivan surprise and intrigue you on this new album He will.