Working on the spotlight.."

Review of Tim Feehan's 'Carmalita'
Tim's 2nd solo album, following on from "Sneak Preview". The last album before the more rock orientated years rolled in. Released originally in 1983, then re-released in 2002. I own both editions.

First impressions:

Hot off of the heels of Tim's 1990 album, Full Contact, which was my first exposure to Tim's work, I found a copy of "Carmalita" (in a flea market nonetheless) and was at first suprised by the differences between that and "Full Contact" but after a couple of listens fell in love with its sound, feel and the pure intensity of the vocal ability which sadly remains unknown to most.


Anyway, My thoughts:

Carmalita
The opening track, reminds me of "Look Before You Leap" from Full Contact. It is awesome with a capital A. Very well polished, If someone were to only read the lyrics within the albums booklet without having a listen they wouldn't be too out of line to say some of the lyrics would *seem* cheesy;

"Are you lonely tonight?
Working on the spotlight.."

But the intensity of Tim's voice really shines through, pulling everything off perfectly and without fault. The arrangement is truly excellent and cannot be faulted whatsoever. It is probably the most melodic track on the whole album, some subtle hints of guitar, both electric & acoustic. Tim's vocal ability cannot be praised enough, on this track it really takes center stage. 10/10.

January
Really a beautiful and uplifting track, for some reason it reminds me of a "Coming of Age" film, like 'St. Elmos Fire'. Again, like the opening track has hints of "Look Before You Leap". We start off with a very slow tempo then as each time the chorus plays we are introduced to a far faster keyboard piece. The bridge between the two however isn't as well done as it could be; The Keyboard piece doesn't fade out as much as almost stop abruptly with only Tim's voice to carry us through. Theres a lovely Sax solo which bridges the gap about 1/2 or 3/4 way through and does it far better than what was used originally! 9/10

"But Go Slow, She can do things to you you don't know,
She creates desire in your soul, she can make the fire in you glow"

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