By Andrew W. Griffin

Red Dirt Report, editor

Posted: January 25, 2012

reddirtreporter@gmail.com

CD REVIEW:  Nick Lowe – The Old Magic  (Yep Roc Records) 2011

Best known for the 1979 rock hit “Cruel To Be Kind,” as well as one of my faves, his 1990 song “All Me Are Liars,” Nick Lowe has long been the sort of “musician’s musician” who has wowed listeners with new wave classics like Pure Pop For Now People (aka Jesus Of Cool) and the mid-career comeback Party Of One.

And in recent years, Lowe has been getting a second and third look by younger artists. He has been recently seen opening up for Wilco and performing “Cruel To Be Kind” with them on stage, introducing a younger audience to the work of this slightly eccentric English singer-songwriter, the guy who wrote “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding” which was a hit for Elvis Costello & The Attractions in 1979.

With The Old Magic, Lowe, equipped with his 61-year old voice, a guitar and a competent backing band, offers up a stylish, low-key and retro-fuelled collection of songs that show a man perfectly comfortable at this stage of his life.

Starting off with the Oribson-esque throwback ballad “Stoplight Roses,” Lowe really embraces each word while, appropriately enough, he takes on a bit of shuffling rockabilly on “Checkout Time.”

The dreamy-and-bookish ballad “I Read A Lot” is one of Lowe’s best songs on The Old Magic.

Pour yourself a cocktail and crank up “Restless Feeling.” What a breezy, carefree “easy listening” track. And while it may sound lightweight, it’s a great song and Neil Brockbank’s vibes are nice touch.

There are a few covers, including Elvis Costello’s “The Poisoned Rose” and the Tom T. Hall track “Shame On the Rain.”

The Old Magic ends with “’Til The Real Thing Comes Along,” a song that sounds as if was composed and recorded in 1968.

These 11 songs are evidence that Nick Lowe is definitely not worried about living up to some distant past version of himself. He’s now in his early 60’s and seems perfectly content offering us songs that reflect that reality. Plus, for an older singer-songwriter, he’s got a real ear for a good tune. That’s a plus!

Copyright 2012 West Marie Media