Album review: Phil Cooper – Thoughts and Observations

Artist – Phil Cooper

Album – Thoughts and Observations

Release date – 13th April 2018

Reviewer – Stuart Todd, Liverpool Acoustic

Thoughts And Observations is the latest studio album by West Country singer-songwriter Phil Cooper. The artist is currently undertaking an extensive acoustic tour to promote the release. A more commercial set than previous effort Things I’ll Never Say; the album is preceded by the terrific single Shake It Up, which comes with a music video on his YouTube channel. Originally the front man for the group The Haiku, Phil Cooper has been going it alone since 2012.

It’s clear from the opening number that we’re in for something special. The build up of its acoustic title track leads straight into the next number Keep Something Inside; which kicks everything into full gear. Highlights include the hypnotic acoustic mood of Smokescreen, the driving rocker Face Doesn’t Fit, the jazz flavour of Paradox and the socially conscious Citizen. However the stand out track has to be Only A Song, an honest confession about being a songwriter.

The songs, arrangements and performances are sharp and tightly focused. Phil gets the balance between stripped down acoustics and full band arrangements just right. Other musicians supporting him are Ellis Cooper on bass, Jack Moore on drums and Jamie R Hawkins on backing vocals. Pete Maher also does a fine job on the mastering.

His music may mine the territory of Neil Finn (Crowded House) and Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze) but his vocals and arrangements often recall the work of Nigel Clark from Dodgy. This is especially prevalent on Fear Factory; which provides the sharpest social commentary on the album.

In short, Thoughts and Observations by Phil Cooper is an outstanding achievement by a gifted tunesmith that comes highly recommended.

Stuart Todd

Review © 2018 Stuart Todd, Liverpool Acoustic

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Thoughts and Observations was released on 13th April 2018 and is available to buy in physical form on CD and vinyl, and digitally via Bandcamp, iTunes and Spotify.

Phil Cooper will be the special guest at Midweek Melodies on Wednesday 23rd May 2018.

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Phil Cooper

Website – phil-cooper.co.uk

Facebook – facebook.com/philcoopermusic

Twitter – @philcoopermusic

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