Anybody remember Del Amitri? They released a number of solid pop albums in the 90’s before disappearing from the scene by the turn of the century. Although I was never a fan of the band’s biggest hit “Roll to Me,” their catalog is rich with intelligent pop songs. Singer-songwriter Justin Currie excelled at capturing a moment; from the pleading lover in “Be My Downfall” to the optimistic “Some Other Sucker’s Parade” (featuring a gem of a lyric, When every heavy sky just empties on your fate, sometimes keepin’ dry’s something to celebrate”).
Well, Currie just signed to Ryko Disc. Hopefully we’ll see a proper release later this year. In the meantime, you can preview tracks on Currie’s MySpace page. While there, you can also read Currie’s “Beginner’s Guide to Songwriting.” On the use of simile in sing, Currie opines “Likewise, simile, where the writer might liken his girlfriend’s face to an item of furniture (e.g. “When she smiles at me she looks like a sofa”) can mislead the listener in ways not intended by the author.” And don’t even get him started on the Beck’s songwriting prowess.
Also check out a recent Currie live performance and some Del Amitri videos:
September 12th, 2007 at 2:24 am
okay so I’m not afraid to admit that I’m an unadulterated fan of Del Amitri and Justin.
just tell me where the “f” to find him these days…cuz I’ve got a gig for him in his home town of Glasgow in September…
Dee Rambeau
coboys@gmail.com
September 25th, 2007 at 7:57 pm
Justin swung through San Francisco last week and played an amazing set accompanied by a keyboardist. He previewed songs from his upcoming solo LP “What Is Love For” along with select Del Amitri cuts. He starts playing full band gigs in the UK in October to promote the release of his new CD.
September 30th, 2007 at 6:41 am
Saw him in April when he was in Manchester. There were about 100 people in the smallest venue I’ve ever been in but JC was amazing! No Surrender is the song that I wish I’d written, sharp observation and pithy lyrics make this a stand out track. Justin was brilliant … funny, talkative and musically on top of his game. He never went away but its so very good to see him back! He’s touring in October and that includes gigs in Glasgow … tickets are on sale now!
October 5th, 2007 at 12:02 pm
Del amitri should try and get back in the charts coz they are fantastic iv grown up with there song and love them like.
January 23rd, 2008 at 12:40 pm
I bought his CD about a month back, and I’m so blown away by it! I shouldn’t be surprised by this amazing CD because Del Amitri was always my favorite, but WOW! Justin sure did nail it this time! Not a filler song to be found on this CD!