Bucketfull Of Brains

Paul Collins will always be remembered for delivering unto the world
the most perfect pop-punk song, "Rock `n' Roll Girl." Unfortunately,
for the most part, it was a pretty cloth-eared world that never paid
enough attention and certainly didn't buy enough records. The
few,mostly located in mainland Europe, who did recognise his talent
have been lucky enough to play host to Mr Collins on and off for the
past couple of decades. During this period he has quite
schizophrenically split his time between being a country troubadour
and a power pop rocker. He succeeds at both having a powerful voice
matched by a passionate delivery. His latest album, Flying High,
focuses far more on his rock/pop side. With songs like "Rock 'n'
Roll Shoes," "Helen," "Afton Place" and "All Over Town" harking back
to his late-'70s heyday. His time in Spain is felt strongly on "Paco
& Juan" with its Spanish-influenced guitar (and subject matter), and
his Americana stylings are to the fore on the moody "FDR" and the
musically simple but emotionally powerful title track. But it's his
conversational story telling, most in evidence on the sad tale
of "Bobby," that holds the show together, and makes this an album to
be proud of.
– Terry Hermon