Richard Swift - Songs of National Freedom (Universal)
4/5
By: Tom Hocknell
Richard Swift pounds into single action with what can only be described as a laavely lit'ul pop ditty. Its gorgeous melody elevates it well above the lo-fi sleeve and the too-easily pigeonholed singer/songwriter ghetto. With clear 60's piano lines and brushed with Californian, psychedelic bonhomie, it shines like a sunny morning after the night rain at Glastonbury. Evidently, despite his characterful lyrical style, even the most determined misanthrope must come out into the warmth sometime.
Most importantly it's summery without being cloying, despite it being easy to imagine the Monkees having a stab at it. That's not to say its pastiche, because it isn't. It's stunningly short, clear and simple, perhaps too simple, with an idea that could have been extended, but who knows; honey hasn't been bettered yet.
Basically, if it isn't yet clear enough, this is a very cheerful single and the perfect soundtrack for those dirty, dog-tired car journeys all the way back from the West Country this coming weekend.
Watch the video to 'Songs of National Freedom' HERE.
Artists in this article: Richard Swift
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