Murray Attaway – Tense Music Plays
Murray Attaway is the former lead singer of the great early ‘80s Georgia band Guadalcanal Diary (“Always Saturday”). With this new 8-song set, the often-distracted Murray took 2 years to glue this one together with Mark Williams. Recorded primarily in Murray’s home studio, playing almost all instruments.
There are rock tunes similar in the tradition of Guadalcanal Diary & some somber moments about mental decline (heavy subject), lost identity, nostalgia, joy & the oddball track.
All with the electrifying significance of Murray’s words & music the songs (with “Better Days” co-written by Layla Attaway) keep things interesting on the distinguished Tense Music Plays (Drops May 9/Moon Ray Sound/31:55). In the past there were several lead singers of sophisticated independent bands that slipped between the cracks of rock ‘n’ roll’s less supportive floors.
Belfast’s Ghost of An American Airman’s Dodge McKay, Jeff Calder & Anne Richmond Boston of Georgia’s Swimming Pool Q’s, the late Michael Been of The Call, Scott Walker (“No Regrets”), Dean Chamberlain of Code Blue & Steve Gould of Rare Bird. So many…
But with Murray Attaway, it’s better late than never. This is a fine showcase by Mr. Attaway. On songs like “Hole In the Ground” he seems to be even more aggressive & matured. He still has the magic tonality of a singer with authority. It’s not an eccentric or weird voice but a smooth stylistic & well-articulated voice much the same as Stackridge vocalist Andy Davis (“Jabe”).
Even on the more subtle acoustic “Better Days,” with little fanfare added, Murray’s voice is the essence of the music. A beautiful song. What mainstream artists often shoot for is a groove, filled with cliches, standard performance repetition & beats. The experimentation, the poignancy & risks are seldom taken. But Murray doesn’t compromise. He plays it the Attaway way.
With “Never Far Away,” there’s a splendid narrative going through the song that many listeners can relate to. “Even when I’m dreaming, I’m never too far away…” as poignant as The Payola’s former lead singer, Paul Hyde’s line from his solo LP — “I miss my mind the most…” in his touching ballad of the same name. Key lines & catchy melodies always tug my ears. That’s what happened with the infectious melody of “Always Saturday,” I heard years ago & still listen to.
“Old Christmas” & the incendiary & chiming guitars of “You Were There” on this new set make an irresistible splash. Mr. Attaway has lost none of his alchemy. Let’s hope this isn’t a one-off but the first of many. I’m not getting younger, you know. And this artist — I admire.
Highlights – “Breath,” “Hole In the Ground,” “Better Days,” “Never Far Away,” “Old Christmas,” & “You Were There.”
Musicians – Robert Schmid (drums/bass on “Hole In the Ground,” “Breath,” & “You Were There”) & Ana Balka (violin on “Stars Behind the Moon”).
Color image courtesy of Murray’s Bandcamp. CD @ Bandcamp & https://murrayattaway.com/