Mike Bones - A Fool For Everyone
Like a statement of intent for what's about to follow, 'A Fool For Everyone' opens with 'Today the World Is Worthy of My Loathing' a song that brandishes one hell of a solo that even J Mascis would be proud of. The reason for this you see is that Mr Bones (real name Strallow), made a conscious decision on his first album not to have guitar solos but on this album he is most certainly feelin' the axe.
Mike Strallow has been a constant on the New York underground scene for a number of years now, playing on numerous records and touring with The Sian Alice Group among others. 'A Fool For Everyone' was recorded in 4 days amongst other projects and the results show an album that has very little fat, but acres of quality.
He has lazily been compared to Cohen and Dylan (maybe due to his deep, American drawl) but that would be to lump him in with a plethora of mediocre imitators. Instead you have a complex set of songs, with cryptic lyrics questioning love and spirituality. See 'One Moments Peace' which is a tirade against spirituality - almost you're damned if you do, damned if you don't. Despite its dark lyrics 'I'm the other man with your wife, I've shown many men the business end of a knife' the rhythm is a lilting reggae jaunt concealing what lies within.
'What I have Left' is a glorious piece of sting laden pathos, pumping along with multilayered vocals and hammered piano until it grows into a cacophonous crescendo, again, exploring the insecurities of a man. 'I could marry you with what I have left, But I'm certain you'd do better on your own'. One wanders why this is left to get lost in the middle of the album, and isn't used as the grand finale.
If an easy singer songwriter album is what you came for, you're going to leave mightily disappointed, but if you came looking to be exposed to the darker side of love and life, and the human condition then look no further. This world weary outlook is continued on the album's closer 'Why Does Everyone Come Down On Me' showing mans lack of self awareness and that he's the only one to blame for his misfortune; 'Show the Vampire my biggest vein, make two holes for blood to drain'. If there is one song that does justify comparison to Dylan, this would be it, with its slightly strummed acoustic guitar, brushed snare and drawling violins.
The only two compositions that fail to ignite are the title track and 'Give Up On Guitars'. The former being a bit GCSE in its unoriginal and simple style, the latter a dull excuse of a song that solely exists for the guitar workout towards the end.
Set apart from the lyrics the music at times could be too bland, maybe indistinct from any American indie rock since 1990, but as a whole it works, even if you do come out the other end rocking back and forward, with mad look in your eyes, and a desire to seek out the nearest noose.
Top Tracks: 'What I have Left', ‘Why Does Everyone Come Down On Me’.
Released February 02 on Vice Records