JAMES MacDONALD
Naked Soul (Laughing Outlaw)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Part of the fun to be had with this disc is a round or two of 'name the influences.' The Beatles, obviously, but a bit of Bacharach, too, and more (including one I didn't really get until the very end...yes, the dreaded and beloved hidden track...). The most topical song, "Smoking Gun," about the Iraq war, has music hall undertones. James MacDonald has, in the vernacular, big ears. Regardless of where he turns for inspiration, though, he also has a gift for crafting perfect pop songs from materials both found and created.

Naked Soul will doubtless offer you many moments of pleasant recognition, melodies and accents that seem snatched out of time. It's MacArthur's peculiar gift for weaving those familiar elements with his direct, articulate lyrics, prodigious instrumental talents (he contributes guitars, bass, keyboards, flute and mandolin to the proceedings) and pure but expressive pop vocals, creating original work that, well, that words can't really do justice to.

Like pop music? At all?

Go. Find. Play. Repeat.

You're gonna love Naked Soul.

Track List:

Ordinary Life * Passing Parade * Another Rendezvous * Naked Soul * I Will Be There * Alive * Sometimes I Feel * Surrender * I Know A Place * Smoking Gun * In Her Arms...

© 2005 - Shaun Dale