by Charles Jenkins and The Zhivagos
This is an album that you just can’t stop listening to because each track leaves you wanting more. I guess this isn’t a huge surprise given Charles Jenkins’ experience and track record when it comes to writing heartfelt lyrics over meticulously crafted melodies. The follow up album to Love Your Crooked Neighbour With Your Crooked Heart, this album does not disappoint on any level.
It starts in a somewhat surprising way, with the Dick Dale-esque tune ‘The Prime Minister is Missing,’ which sounds like it could have been written for a Tarantino soundtrack. Then the album quickly heads for a smattering of grungy guitar rifs and country sounds before finishing with the band’s characteristically well-crafted country pop ballads. Tunes to listen for are ‘The Whale Song,’ ‘Christmas Island’ and ‘The Girl from the Flatlands.’
Listening to this album you may notice that every song is about water. Well, back in 2011 Charles Jenkins & The Zhivagos received a grant from the Australia Council to write an album about water and that’s exactly what they’ve done!
This album is an essential addition to any country rock collection, and another high quality output that confirms the band’s solid reputation as engaging songwriters. Review by Cat - The Breakfast Spread
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