MUSIC REVIEWS
David Gray's White Ladder (2000) & Lost Songs (2001)
David Gray's White Ladder, released in 2000,
is expected to launch the music career of this British
singer/songwriter to a new level. While Gray made several
CDs during the previous decade and developed a cult like
following, White Ladder is expected to put
David Gray on the major rock charts.
David Gray's style has been described as a British cross
between Bob Dylan and Van Morrison. While Gray's singing
and musical styles may remind the listener of these rock
icons, Gray brings his own unique background and experiences
into the recording secessions. His music is unique and
soothing, a very refreshing quality in a recording artist
today.
White Ladder contains 11cuts. The first
two songs, Please Forgive Me and Babylon,
were released as singles. Other interesting songs include
Silver Lining, Sail Away, Say Hello Wave Goodbye, Babylon
II, and the title cut, White Ladder. The music,
lyrics, and style of David Gray in this CD made me want
to explore his other works.
Lost Songs, released in the spring of 2001,
is David Gray's latest work. Recorded in about a two-week
period, Lost Songs features a lot of acoustic
guitar work done by Gray himself. The 11 songs and musical
accompaniments on this CD are very reminiscent of Dylan's
works during the late 1970's and 80's. On Flame Turns
Blue and Twilight it almost seems as if Dylan
is singing and playing guitar. Such songs as If Your
Love Is Real, Tidal Wave, Falling Down the Mountain, January
Rain, Red Moon, and A Clean Pair of Eyes make Lost
Songs a great CD. While not as strong as White
Ladder, this CD is a good companion for cool night
around the fireplace with that someone special.
The success of David Gray's White Ladder
has aided in the re-release of his CDs from the 1990s.
His first CD A Century Ends (1992) was followed
by Flesh (1994) and Sell Sell Sell (1996).
There is also a collection called EPs. These are available
at the on-line music stores.
David Gray is sure to make a mark in the music world.
I've added his works to my collection and recommend him
to the Clarion Issue readers.
