ALBUM - Richard Hawley - Lady's Bridge

In the center of the sleeve notes for Sheffield troubadour Richard Hawley's new album is a photograph. In that photograph is a wooden barrier with a simple sound bite, graffiti'd on in thick black spray paint. It reads 'macho music is stupid'. If that is Hawley's moto, i hope he's being ironic as 'lady's bridge is one of the manliest records i've heard in quite some time.

Hawley's world beaten vocal evokes a pained man, his soul deep and rich like the stout in a working man's club. His guitar rumbles and mumbles beautifully, like Johnny Cash on rohypnol. Hawley's lyrics are the soundtrack of an old tortured man, desperate to be with the one he loves and at the same time, loving the one he's with.
This album is a crafted work of a soulful songwriter at the top of his game. It matters not that his style is a little dated, the fact he has style in his style is enough to carry him above the fecklessly charisma-impaired flock of balladeers that have been belched out in recent years. Hawley isn't James Morrison, or Paulo Nuttini, or James 'cocking' Blunt.
The main comparisons Hawley does have are the obvious Roy Orbison, the afore mentioned cash and modern day crooner Morrissey, which when you look at it, isn't bad company to be in when you used to be in the longpigs.
Hawley is a songwriter that all men -not only songwriters- should aspire to. unashamedly open and honest, with a magical voice and an obvious presence that is just about on the right side of menacing to earn your respect.
How more macho can you get?

Jon - tohellwith

www.richardhawley.co.uk