Reviewed by David Faulkner

You can't argue with Clive John's pedigree on the UK country scene. The title track of this CD won the Hot Disc Song of the Year at the 2011 British Country Music Awards. And alongside his regular pub gigging, John is known as the frontman for acclaimed tribute act The Johnny Cash Roadshow, even if the pitch of his voice isn't quite as low as the great man. But what about his own music? It's mainstream country with an approach seemingly influenced from before the advent of Garth Brooks and big hats, let alone Americana, yet without going back to Hank or the Louvins. So think 1960s C&W, while it still has slight tints of rockabilly, although a song like "Competitive Ways" shows signs that Gram Parsons once passed through this world. This CD is for you if you like quality traditional country but are wary of the more adventurous contemporary acts like The Civil Wars, Lambchop or The Low Anthem.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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