Bon Apetit! review

Bon Apetit!

Review by Thomas Kercheval

First off, just let me say how much I appreciate the band releasing things like this to their core fan base. The internet has opened up such a wave of BC communication across the world, and has really given us access it seems to more BC music than has ever before accompanied one of their releases. So, thanks to Track Records and the band for making these Eps available, and I hope more will be in the future. Okay, onto the review:

Track 1 "Birmingham"

What a great, catchy song. I love it from the opening chords. Much of this ep reminds me of the b-sides from the "You Dreamer" CD single, i.e. "Magic In Your Eyes" and "Ice Cream Smile" – there's a definite country twinge to a lot of these, but it's not your typical, twangy American country formula. The song is another example of Stuart's current storytelling trend in his songwriting, no longer taking on the grand themes of human existence like he used to. The lyrics are fine, but it's the music that really gets me, especially the very catchy lead line that repeats throughout the song. It's traditional BC mixed with country influences. I like the combination. Great song, the best of the bunch here, I think.

Track 2 "Living By Memory"

Reminds me of something Springsteen might write – another storytelling song, about how a man copes with the loss of a loved one. Great, haunting guitar lines in this, and a really catchy, singable chorus, despite the dark subject matter. I always loved this one live, and they really improve on it here. Stuart wrote this one and "Shattered Cross" with someone named "Boonstra." Seems like a good collaboration here.

Track 3 "Don't You Stay"

An absolutely beautiful opening, with very haunting (I like that word) acoustic guitars, and that same type of guitar effect used in "Ships" and "Take You to the Moon." Unfortunately for me, once the song proper kicks in, I lose a bit of interest. It's not a bad song by any stretch, but just a bit boring to my ears. Maybe it?s the presentation, I can't say for sure. Some nice elements here, but, overall, mediocre stuff.

Track 4 "Sun and My Shadow"

I guess stealing is okay if you steal from yourself. In this case, Stu has obviously stolen elements of "Leap of Faith" and "Bianca" to create what I consider to be another boring tune, moreso than its predecessor. I'm not moved at all by this one, from the lyrics to the music. Maybe the fact that I think "Leap of Faith" is a low point in BC's body of work influences my opinion. Just kind of a listless song in every way. Again, certainly not bad, but not Stuart at his best by any means.

So, is this worth buying? It is Big Country, of course!! The first two tracks are, I think, worth the price alone. Some fans seem to love "Don?t You Stay," so maybe you will, too. Haven't heard much good said about the final tune, but, like Stuart says in its lyrics, "Ah, but what the hell." Buy it anyway. Personally, I think "Birmingham" should've made the album. Keep this kind of thing comin', boys!
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Review		by Thomas Kercheval

		First off, just let me say how much I appreciate the band releasing things like this to their core fan base. The internet has opened up such a wave of BC communication across the world, and has really given us access it seems to more BC music than has ever before accompanied one of their releases. So, thanks to Track Records and the band for making these Eps available, and I hope more will be in the future. Okay, onto the review:

Track 1		"Birmingham"

		What a great, catchy song. I love it from the opening chords. Much of this ep reminds me of the b-sides from the "You Dreamer" CD single, i.e. "Magic In Your Eyes" and "Ice Cream Smile" – there's a definite country twinge to a lot of these, but it's not your typical, twangy American country formula. The song is another example of Stuart's current storytelling trend in his songwriting, no longer taking on the grand themes of human existence like he used to. The lyrics are fine, but it's the music that really gets me, especially the very catchy lead line that repeats throughout the song. It's traditional BC mixed with country influences. I like the combination. Great song, the best of the bunch here, I think.

Track 2		"Living By Memory"

		Reminds me of something Springsteen might write – another storytelling song, about how a man copes with the loss of a loved one. Great, haunting guitar lines in this, and a really catchy, singable chorus, despite the dark subject matter. I always loved this one live, and they really improve on it here. Stuart wrote this one and "Shattered Cross" with someone named "Boonstra." Seems like a good collaboration here.

Track 3		"Don't You Stay"

		An absolutely beautiful opening, with very haunting (I like that word) acoustic guitars, and that same type of guitar effect used in "Ships" and "Take You to the Moon." Unfortunately for me, once the song proper kicks in, I lose a bit of interest. It's not a bad song by any stretch, but just a bit boring to my ears. Maybe it?s the presentation, I can't say for sure. Some nice elements here, but, overall, mediocre stuff.

Track 4		"Sun and My Shadow"

		I guess stealing is okay if you steal from yourself. In this case, Stu has obviously stolen elements of "Leap of Faith" and "Bianca" to create what I consider to be another boring tune, moreso than its predecessor. I'm not moved at all by this one, from the lyrics to the music. Maybe the fact that I think "Leap of Faith" is a low point in BC's body of work influences my opinion. Just kind of a listless song in every way. Again, certainly not bad, but not Stuart at his best by any means.