REVIEW: Thoughts of Home, By Daniel O'Donnell
 

If you've ever perused Daniel's work in a record shop you'll see that many of his releases are concept albums. Religion, Classic Songs, Irish ballads and this one, Thoughts of Home, all about wistful sentimental songs based loosely around the idea of loss and alienation.

Track 1: My Shoes Keep Walking Back to You 

Soft rock beat. Daniel does Roy Orbison, Echoey vocal as if recorded in the gents at the Boston Arms in Tufnell Park. Am I right?

Track 2: The Mountains of Mourne 

Oirishy ballad. Violins. Vocal high in mix. Song abut a bloke trying to make it in London town but pining for home back on the mountains of Mourne. Mournful, Joy Division meets Joseph Locke.

Track 3: London Leaves 

Jauntier arrangement which belies the sad sentiment. Daniel likens love to nature - death and rebirth."Like the leaves you'll soon be gone from me," sings Daniel, plaintively. Like to see Shane McGowan and Jah Wobble on this one.

Track 4: Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain 

Chas 'n' Dave Daniel sings abut love dying again. Needs to put a bit more pain into his vocals, but hits the note every time. Sounds like 50s crooner. Some slide guitar.

Track 5: Old Days Remembered 

Waltz. Decay. memories. What is time? Consciousness. Lots of grannies swaying from side to side with Daniel scarves chanting his name.

Track 6: Send Me The Pillow You Dream On 

Heavy metal guitar and screaming vocals, Daniel sings about bringing down the state and instigating an anarchist's template for a new society.

Track 7: Moonlight and Roses

Did the CIA kill Kennedy? Yes, according to Daniel who in this song outlines their attempts to cover up the vast conspiracy. Barrel organ and tuba.

Track 8: A Little Piece of Heaven

Track 9: Far Far from Home 

Drum and bass remix of an old classic with Daniel in fine form.

Track 10: The Isle of Inisfree 

Moany whiny vocals over meat and potatoes pub band. Fans of Yeats may want to compare Daniel's version with their hero's.