Universal Import Can You Do Me Good

Amazon.co.uk Contrary to popular belief, Can You Do Me Good? is not Del Amitri's only album since first unveiling their songwriting prowess on their debut Waking Hours, they've just been keeping a low profile. Quietly they've gone about their business, turning out four albums of dependably accomplished and unfashionable rock with a middle America twang. Their first studio album since 1997's Some Other Sucker's Parade, Can You Do Me Good? is another solid addition to the Del Amitri canon. Sticking resolutely to their earthy, no-frills values, it's hardly going to set the world alight, but with singer Justin Currie's cunning metaphors for love, drugs and self-loathing undiminished, it certainly shouldn't be underestimated. Mid-tempo country jaunts "Buttons on My Clothes" and "Baby It's Me" are by turns sweet and poignant, cementing their reputation as the Glaswegian Crowded House. But, like his melodies, Currie's lyrics are deceptive slow-burners with an inherent darkness. Although the brooding "Just Before You Leave" and cynical dissection of greed "Cash & Prizes" clearly aren't the sound of a happy man, they pale next to "Wash Her Away", which comes on like a lustful love song, and mutates into a troubled ode to addiction with every subsequent play. It's not alone, which is just as well, because heavy hearted introspection is what Del Amitri do best. --Dan Gennoe Product description CD: Del Amitri,Can You Do Me Good?