Play 90 second soundbite of 'Lord, Shuffle My Feet' @ 'CD quality'
Now, I've seen Ivison chop and change over the last five or six years or so and although he was always impressive there always seemed to be something missing. Ivison's earlier incarnations always sounded like they were and sadly would always be 'unsigned'! Here, with 'The Long Walk Home', Ivison's finally pulled it all together and this sounds like someone that's going places. This sounds and feels like the real deal; at least as good as most acts out there and considerably better the many, Neil Ivison & The Misers break out into 'signed' territory here and show how it should be done!
I think that previously Ivison put too much emphasis on his guitar playing and Kelly Jones-esque voice - nowt wrong with all of that except that I always found myself thinking of other bands when I should've been thinking Neil Ivison. Here, Ivison growls out his vocals, simply as Neil Ivison, with the sort of on-the-edge quality that singing/vocal coaches would probably say 'hey, you can't do that!'. But you can - and he does; Ivison's vocal delivery is absolutely stunning now, much more persuasive and more interesting and with less guitar to interfere he's really got the whole thing nailed. Now, as I listen, I'm just thinking Neil Ivison & The Misers - what a band!!
So, Ivison's moved on up several notches here and 'The Long Walk Home' not only demonstrates Ivison's performing talents but it also clearly shows his writing skills; this album is easily his best work to date compositionally - ten wonderfully mature songs that sound honest, superbly crafted and well considered. I really am finding it hard to pick out any down-sides to this fabulous album. Oh, hang on a minute - Ivison has neglected to list his 'Misers' and give them proper credit for their superb performances here - there, I knew there'd be something to pick him up on!!
Ok, so, 'The Long Walk Home' by Neil Ivison & The Misers is quality from start to finish. If I'm gonna give a comparison it would have to be to Ryan Adams - same kinda material, similar stylee, and, it has to be said, equally impressive!! Hey, compliment indeed!! Yes, and truly well deserved - Neil Ivison and his un-named Misers have genuinely done the business with 'The Long Walk Home'; this is a pretty exceptional piece of work and should see Neil Ivison getting some recognition in higher places at last - and deservedly so! 'The Long Walk Home by Neil Ivison & The Misers is truly brilliant and a must-have album for anyone with any music sense at all - stunning!!
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