SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: CHRIS BIRKETT – SHE’S MY GUITAR

CHRIS BIRKETT
SHE’S MY GUITAR
INDEPENDENT

Chris Birkett has been around a long time and has firmly established a career in music. As a session player, producer and engineer he has worked with Sinéad O’Conner, Alison Moyet, Dexys Midnight Runners, Talking Heads, and many others. Over the years he has also released a number of solo albums. She’s My Guitar is his first solo album in 2014’s Be Creative, and She’s My Guitar demonstrates how much Birkett has grown as a musician and as a writer. For the most part, all of the instruments on the album were played by Birkett and, of course, he produced and arranged the album.

The album opens with the title track, “She’s My Guitar”, which has a distinct Spanish feel, with a nice acoustic solo that dips into flamenco. It has been a few years since a guitarist sang an ode to his guitar, but Birkett does it here and he does it well, “My guitar, she sings to me so true/ I can hear sweet melodies from you.” And perhaps he is singing about more than a guitar. But that is the beauty of this album. One is never really sure where Birkett is going to go or what style he chooses to sing or play. A song like “Way Too Long” has a country folk vibe going on, while singing about the class system. The song works on many levels. It is a melodic, instantly accessible song, with well written, thought-provoking lyrics. “A Long Way Down” is even more country and once again, Birkett fits everything together.

Although the album is primarily acoustic, he is not afraid to try things like bluesy rhythm and blues style songs, such as “Somebody Wants You”. It is a slow burning song with a great groove. It is also a great example of Birkett’s strong vocals. He has a great vocal style that is so distinct and fitting for the music. He also layers vocals beautifully and when he has help from backing vocalist Lisa Hartt, the combination is absolutely stunning.

The album ends with the wonderful “Closer To The Stars”. The song features guest Shari Tallon on flute and some very inspiring guitar work from Birkett. The solo is fantastic and lets him put down the acoustic and really rock out. The song is the perfect closing song, lyrically and musically. It has tinges of prog rock but mixed with blues. It is brilliant.

Birkett has every reason to be proud of She’s My Guitar. This is a mature album, tackling world issues, personal life and all stops in between, without being preachy and still has a huge element of fun. Birkett is clearly enjoying what he does and it comes through in all the songs. There are peaks and valleys throughout the album, but overall it is a brilliant album. Birkett is able to hold the attention of the listener from beginning to end. She’s My Guitar is an album that is long overdue but thank goodness it has arrived.

SPILL LIVE REVIEW: CHRIS BIRKETT @ HUGH’S ROOM, TORONTO

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