Album Reviews
On Being May 1992
by Martin Fawkes
When I was very young, I used to watch a television program called
Jackanory. Every week, a famous person would appear and read a children's story, and it was here that I heard tales such as
The Light Princess,
The Steadfast Soldier,
The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe and many others. Of course, being a young child, I was unaware that many of the stories which my imagination caught light were loaded with Christian sybols, and were to become a much loved part of my adult life for that reason.
Well, when I opened up the new Randy Stonehill CD and found myself looking at five rock musicians dressed as toy soldiers, I had to smile. And when I heard the music box dance leading into the first song, I knew I was about to re-enter that child-like world of love, betrayal and noble sacrifice.
In some way,
Wonderama is a return to Randy's earliest methods - some ballads, some funny songs, a song about a girl, a song about a relative and so on. But this is much more than just another attempt to rewrite his best work. There is a playful feeling here that keeps the fun songs from getting too silly, and gives strength and heart to the ballads without letting them become to maudlin. YOu can almost see the twinkle in his eye.
A handpicked band - including long-time side men Tim Chandler and David Raven, as well as Rob Watson on keys and Rick Elias on lead guitar - do a fine job of interpreting the material, which ranges from robust acoustic rock workouts to circus waltz pieces. A string quartet and brass band even make an appearance, and it's the usual touches that are dotted throughout the album that lift it above the pack.
Randy Stonehill has always written lyrics of great meaning, but has not always made consistent albums. This one's a winner.
Reviews provided thanks to the writers, magazines and newspapers listed as well as fans that have helped us collect them - Martin Fawkes
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