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John Martin Serendipity; An Introduction to John Martin Island This is a beautiful album at times, a collection of old songs ranging from 1968 to 1987. It's a shame though; Island have done it already so many times. Martyn's lilting voice, accompanied by that glorious guitar and glittering piano just makes you feel lovely and warm inside. It kicks off with Solid Air and I'd Rather Be The Devil (Devil Got My Woman), two stunning old tracks. Martyn's voice sounds like several choirs singing together at once. The banjo-like guitar of Seven Black Roses may grate on your nerves, but Stormbringer, featuring Beverley Martyn, will soothe them away. It continues in a similar vein, blending gentle, melodic tracks like May You Never and Ways To Cry. His shuffling guitar and murmuring voice combine perfectly for My Baby Girl, full of harmonies to make your spine tingle. Here Serendipity... goes slightly down hill with some weaker tracks. Some are too angular and disjointed to be pleasant listening, like Smiling Stranger. Johnny Too Bad picks up the pace but Coming In On Time simply kills it with awful cheesy organ and vocals that recall a bad Michael McDonald. Luckily, hope is restored with the classic Sweet Little Mystery. Gorgeous rolling melodies, you're willing the song not to end. Simple perfection, it leads the album to a gentle close with Small Hours. Definitely worth a listen. 7/10 Maddie Cross |
