STEW
Something Deeper Than These Changes
(Smile Records)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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As is his habit, Stew has once again released an album that rests securely in the top ranks of my 'best of the year' list before the year has ended. Something Deeper Than These Changes is classic solo Stew, less baroque than his work with The Negro Problem, but no less rich in its relative simplicity.

Whether he's celebrating the simple joys of love, exploring the world through the eyes of a courtyard statue or taking the listener on a breezy hometown travelogue through the streets of L.A., he's witty and affecting and, well, wonderful is the word that comes to mind. As in it makes me full of wonder that he can so consistently come up with just the album I want to hear at just the time I need to hear it.

There's always debate in Stew fan circles about which of his albums to start with if you really want to appreciate him. This one will do.

Track List:

Love Like That * Mind The Noose And Fare Thee Well * Kingdom Of Drink * The Instrument Of Pain * Clear Blue Day In Limbo * Tomorrow Gone * The Sun I Always Wanted * The Constellation Jeeves * Statue Song * Way Of Life * L.A. Arteest Cafe

© 2003 - Shaun Dale