Two years on from his last album of original material, Anthony Toner returns with his twelfth oeuvre, with his trademark wit, observation and emotional connection with the listener.
In many ways, opener, ‘The simpler the Song’, might be Anthony’s proclamation for the album. The lyrics, the poetry, are up front, the music at times a gentle, sympathetic background to his empathetic mediations on life and the living.
The simpler the song, the more connected to you
You’d say the simpler the dream, the more chance it comes true
‘Good People’ is a reflection on the darker days of the troubles, when bands travelled dark, foreboding roads, to play dance halls or bars to earn a living, with the spectre of the Miami Showband massacre hanging, heavy, yet unspoken in the air.
And if some stranger with a red light should step out into the road
In the lonely space out there between the towns
That split second decision could make your blood run cold
Should I be speeding up or slowing down
‘Address Book’ is a beautifully written poem, that requires no music at all. It’s such an acutely drawn, almost Mike Leigh-like, cinematic slice of domestic life of an elderly couple, settling down over a ‘ceremonial meal’ of tea and toast, to fortify them as they cross out the names of family and friends who have died over the year. Again, the picture is painted with such elegance, and emotion. Wonderfully evocative.
The album is filled with little gems, set in a quiet acoustic setting, the more to set off their sparkle and shine of Anthony’s acute observations.
There’s so much to admire here, from the memories and negotiations of ‘At Annie’s House’ to the elegy to lost friendships of ‘Tell him I was asking for Him’. ‘Speechless’ talks of the inarticulate state of the heart, (Thanks Van!), ‘Long Time Gone’ lifts the pace, and advises us to seize the day, and the emotion.
‘Private Ward’, is an eight line deeply affecting poem/song that conveys so much emotion, so succinctly. But isn’t that what Anthony does so well! ‘Comfort’, is a quiet and grateful acceptance of the love and the presence of a loved one.
‘Long long Way’ is a wonderful piece of work from Anthony Toner. So many layers to the writing, that reveals more and more on each listen.
File under poetic excellence!