Edwyn Collins:
Understated:
AED:
Out Now:
9/10
Often cited as a ‘National Treasure’, Collins’
turbulent life seems to be on the up and justifiably so. His enforced hiatus
from making music seems to have charged the batteries with every new album
released and, for a set entitled Understated, he’s positively bursting with
confidence in 2013 and as far from being understated as possible.
His vintage oeuvre is stamped with an iridescence and candour usually expected of a seasoned
soul-legend or an established rock stalwart, with self-effacement and wry
observations a-plenty.
From the opening belter Dilemna to the concluding and
gorgeous cover of Rod McKuen’s Love’s Been Good To Me and all points in
between, it is safe to surmise that Edwyn Collins is at the pinnacle of his
eventful career. There are no low points and the whole album is so good that I
am reduced to singling out a few personal favourites. 31 Years recalls the
singer’s memories (“It’s the little things that help me through”), Forsooth
sees him waving a positive flag (“and I feel alive, and I feel reborn”) and
potential single In The Now is as rousing a tune as you could get.
Superb album,
Mr Collins, as if we were going to get anything less.
For information about live Edwyn Collins shows and events, head to Allgigs here