Neil McSweeney – ‘Postcards’

Neil McSweeney has already been called the “most miserable man alive” and “Sheffielder Most Likely To Kill Himself”. So, as you might expect his debut single ’Postcards’ is an utter laugh riot that brings to mind noting but jaunty visions and is the musical version of Bill Bailey and a re-animated Peter Cook performing together. On seconds thoughts, maybe not. What we do have is a grinding, driving Velvet Undergroundish riff acting as a effective backdrop to McSweeney’s powerful voice. His vocals bring to mind several vocalists, from the desperate tones of Ian Curtis to the harsh bitterness of Lou Reed, yet he still manages to carve a substantial individual niche for himself, not falling into the trap of being a mere copycat.

‘My Design’ is a more leisurely number, bringing an acoustic country flavour  to the table and serving as a more whimsical number, yet one that helps show off the versatility of McSweeney’s voice and suggesting he doesn’t always sound like he’s about to top himself. A dazzling debut and while McSweeney may often be miserable his music will make a lot of people happy.

Released 18/06/07 on Kids Records