At the dreaded words ‘singer-songwriter’, this reviewer generally RUNSAWAYSCREAMING. Or, more accurately, runs forward brandishing a pair of scissors screaming, “For fucks sake get over yourself". The only thing more boring then listening to other people's problems is hearing about other people's dreams.
But, disliking this track from Fionn Regan would be akin to disliking dew in the morning, shimmering rainbows and puppies in the snow, i.e. nigh-on impossible, for even the most cynical. It’s delicate, charming and as catchy as a nursery rhyme you’ve always half-known, albeit with not-so-sinister lyrics than your average 'Ring a Ring O'Roses'.
Okay, it does verge on the twee-er side of Belle and Sebastian when the fem-voxed harmonies kick in (interestingly, Fionn’s vocals bear an uncanny resemblance to a pre sex-in-the-office Stuart Murdoch), but they’re mercifully short lived, and so don’t overstay their welcome.
’Put a Penny In the Slot’ is as irresistibly appealing as a smile from a pretty stranger, and far from running away, it may actually make you turn back and ask for more.
A Grower
The album's a real grower. Bella Union Records can't put a foot wrong as far as I'm concerned. Although I share George's dread of the singer-songwriter tag almost as much as I do funk-rock, this Fionn chap does it in a way I can tolerate, even like..!
this is quite something.
i like a lot. wonderful lyrics, too.
great song
I really really like this.
Good Stuff
I'm gonna investigate the album.
end of history
fionn is playing on a different field from the rest of the singer-songwriters as well. Without sounding gushing, other singer's lyrics can sound so CLUMSY next to Fionn's. The album is great to - not a bad track on there in my humble.
single of the year
for me.. next to 'Monster Hospital' and 'Steady As She Goes'.
fact.