If I had a relative who was a lion tamer, I think that’s all I’d talk about, never mind the fact that I was (in Dean Owens’ case) probably the best folk singer of my generation.
And a folk singer, at that, who releases records in an innovative way. This EP is a taster for his new “Spirit Ridge” album, like last time, that means a couple of Radio Edits, an instrumental and a demo.
First song, “Tame The Lion” is set in Italy, (where it was recorded) the land of his lion tamer Great Great Grandfather, which is enough for everyone to chew on and it’s a more strident track than usual, perhaps. It’s not just the format, though, there is also perfect instrumentation as ever, the way the piano blends with the guitar here is a joy to behold, this time using The Stone Buffalo Band, revolving around producer Don Antonio, rather than his usual Sinners.
A sense of place is always in Dean Owens’ work, and it’s right there on “My Beloved Hills”. “When I leave this place”, he sings. “My heart will not”.
And it’s got everything you’d want from a Dean Owens song too. Expansive, as if it’s saying we’re all looking at the same sky wherever we are, yet lush and the use of trumpet as ever is clever.
But as anyone who’s followed Owens’ career (particularly in the last few years) if the Irn Bru of Scotland, as it were, flows through his work, then it’s washed down with Tequila and more than a dash of Tex Mex. “Sergio’s Kitchen” is a mighty instrumental example of that, the whistling echoes all the way around the prairies.
“Sinner Of Sinners” – listed as a Demo here – is as different again. Folk in the grand tradition. “I’ve been an orphan since the age of two. My father killed my mother for having me, they hung him high, now it’s just me”.
It’s an example of how when it’s just Owens and a guitar, he’s still the best, and one of the finest storytellers music has.
The best thing about releasing singles like this – aside from the retro angle that appeals to me as someone who loved singles and misses them dearly – is that each of these EP’s feels like a glorious event. This one is no different.
Rating 8.5/10
