Anthony Toner - Light Below The Door
2011, Dozens Of Cousins
2011, Dozens Of Cousins
Irish crooner Anthony Tonercontinues to impress with his second album, Light Below The Door. Asmooth voice, a distinctive flair for 1970's style singer/songwriter, rock andsoul sounds and solid songwriting make any concert or recording from Toner atreat, but he raises the bar a bit this time around. Opening with "All OfThe Above", Toner sews a memorable melody into an arrangement that's across between Barry Manilow and early Chicago. "Gratefully" findsToner using a talk/sing vocal style that is appealing. The song is intelligentand heartfelt, and is among the best that Toner has written to date. "EastOf Louise" is a brilliant story song about a friend that is full ofamazing imagery underscored by a subtle, acoustic-guitar driven arrangement.
"Way Too Dark" again usesstark imagery to build a picture of a single mom left high and dry in thelistener's mind. The blues/folk blend in the arrangement is anathema to theneurosis and longing that fill this tune. This is an absolute "Wow"moment for Toner, and is worth a listen even if the album escapes yourattention. "You're The One" is a classic, simple love song full ofgreat poetry that shows off Toner's quieter side. "The Great Escape"tells the story of a family feud in a stirring rockabilly arrangement. Tonerbrings the characters to life in song in the way that only great songwriterscan, and highlights the achievement with some impressive guitar work along theway. Light Below The Door bows with "Nashville Snowflake", thetale of a snowflake that wants to live together. Once again, Toner's melody andimagery are near-perfect.
If Anthony Toner was plying histrade as a singer/songwriter in 1975 he'd be signed to a major label and knownall over the world. Today his material may sound a bit dated to some, but whatdoesn't change is that Anthony Toner is a world-class songwriting, with a voicethat's eminently pleasant to the ear. Artistically he seems to be peaking rightnow, as well. Light Below The Door, consequently, is not an album to bemissed.
Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)
Learn more at www.anthonytoner.net or www.myspace.com/anthonytoner. CD copies are only available from Toner’swebsite. If it’s digital you crave:
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