Swan Songs: The Singles 1976-1981
Omnivore, 2024
9/10
Listen to Swan Songs: The Singles 1976-1981
An assembly of 29 tracks, i.e. every A and B side from Dave Edmunds’ time at Swan Song Records, the selections here showcase the Welsh artist’s tremendous and varied skills with guitar and vocals.
The upbeat and playful “Here Comes The Weekend” starts the listen with Edmunds’ melodic voice amid the quick guitar playing, and it isn’t long until the crisp and rhythmic “Juju Man” immediately invites a sing-along and displays animated keys.
Further into disc 1, “Deborah” emits plenty of power-pop fun amid the intricate guitar, while “Trouble Boys” exits this portion and benefits from tambourine and more rugged singing for a more gritty version of Edmunds.
Disc 2 begins with the breezy and rootsy “A.1. On My Jukebox”, and the thick, retro rock and roll spirit of “Bad Is Bad” welcomes flowing harmonica to the festivities. The final track, “(I’m Gonna Start) Living Again If It Kills Me” exits and offers a pretty moment of heartfelt song craft.
An excellent outing of cover and originals, Edmunds first hit the charts in 1968 and remained active until 2017. The songs here illustrate his unique guitar tone, inimitable production style and timeless musicianship that certainly has aged well, and it’s accompanied by liner notes thanks to Joe Marchese.
Travels well with: Traveling Wilburys- Vol. 1; The Tremeloes- Master