Review - Michael O’Rourke “Mining Dust Burning Sun”

album on Stallion Records/Streetwise through Warners

 

There is nothing I can say about Michael O’Rourke that has not already been said in or applauded by the press, award nominations, radio additions and album sales. His debut single achieving top 10 on NSW and Victoria country radio; the follow-up reaching #15 nationally; awards and nominations including Star Maker finalist 1998 and New Talent in 1999 at Tamworth: Michael O’Rourke’s star is just beginning to shine!

 

“Mining Dust Burning Sun” is an excellent record. It contains all the hallmarks of a classic-country release – ballads, fun, up-tempo, chicken-pickin’ and formula tracks about life in the bush. Setbacks, a hard life on a hard land, loves won and lost, driving down the interminable highway; typical Australian stories that separate Australian country music from the rest. Then there’s the voice, a combination of James Blundell, Paul O’Gorman and John Denver. There are huge things awaiting Michael O’Rourke and according to this album those huge things aren’t far away.

 

“Mining Dust Burning Sun” from Michael O’Rourke on Stallion Records/Streetwise through Warners – a promising start to a promising career «««««

PG (Jacky) Gleeson