Reviews

Artist: Paul McClure
Album: No Place Like Home
Label: Magic Music
Tracks: 11
Rating: ****
Contact magicmusic2003@hotmail.com

No Place Like Home is the debut cut of singer songwriter Paul McClure. An album which he not only wrote and performed, but also co-produced. To do so many different roles on the first album is a bit of a risk, but it’s something that he’s pulled off pretty well.
The album pulls in quite a lot of musical references. That’s partly down to the scope of the songs and partly the depth of delivery. Songs on the album are recorded solo, as part of a duo and with the backing of a full band. Initially it sounded a bit disjointed, but on the second run through the album, suddenly it clicked and you got a better idea as to where it was coming from.
The songs tend to reflect emotional journey’s rather than social, political things. What’s refreshing is that by and large Paul seems to have had a good trip as most of the songs have an uplifting quality to them. That’s not to say that there’s not the odd twist that turns a song around.
Paul’s intricate guitar work adds great support to the vocal and at times seems to pick up a bit of a west coast feel. There were times I was reminded of the late Mark Sandman and his band Morphine. That’s only a small part of the picture though. Blues, English folk and roots orientated pop ala Glenn Tilbrook and Roddy Frame also jockey for position.
No Place Like Home is a great introduction for a singer/songwriter that’s obviously got a lot to say, and  . It reflects an artist that is still looking for himself and it’s definitely going to be an interesting road to travel along.
Paul McClure is fresh, vibrant and bounds with enthusiasm for his craft.. Hopefully this album will also be a good calling card that will get him out there and available to more people on the live circuit.