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Track Listings
| 1. Coney |
| 2. Darlin' Don't |
| 3. She |
| 4. Dead |
| 5. Funny Hat |
| 6. Bumper Cars |
| 7. Scar |
| 8. The Scheme |
| 9. Now |
| 10. Sleep |
| 11. The Ground Beneath Your Feet |
| 12. Saturday |
| 13. San Francisco Blues |
| 14. William Shatner's Dog |
Product Description
Review
The fact that Fretwell headed to New York to write and record Man On The Roof has no doubt influenced its sound. Subtle hints of Americana flow through this release, which gives off resounding echoes of early Dylan and Springsteen in both the voice and music. With contributions from former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha and Fountains Of Wayne's Adam Schlesinger, Fretwell is no longer a loan troubadour.
From the vaudeville-flavoured swagger of 'Coney', with its heavily distorted microphones and calls of 'Boom, cha-cha boom' (which wouldn't sound out of place in a boozy bar room at 2am), to the subdued brilliance of 'Bumper Cars', this album has an undeniably quixotic sheen. But it's perhaps 'Darlin' Don't' that is the standout, although at under three minutes its brevity is frustrating. Achingly beautiful and expertly constructed, it is one of those perfect bittersweet ballads that makes you long for a reprise.
After reading the sleeve notes, which give a cheeky nod to the album's title by thanking iconic children's entertainer Rod Hull (who plummeted to his death while trying to adjust his television aerial), you see Fretwell is more than just a master of the melancholy. Hinting that he doesn't take himself as seriously as other singers of his ilk with such flourishes and naming one track 'William Shatner's Dog' only adds to his likeability.
Unwavering in its simplicity, and a little less introspective than previous efforts, this album will find its way under your skin. Earnest storytelling, sincerity and a sense of humour combine to make Man On The Roof one of those albums which may not garner awards, but will win the hearts of many listeners. --Kate Sharp
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Customer Reviews
Ok, now for the good news. Stephen is undoubtedly a talented songwriter and musician so there remains much to admire and the CD still makes a fine addition to anyone's collection. Standout tracks are "Darlin Don't", "She", "Bumper Cars", "Now" and "The Ground Beneath Your Feet" and a fine piano only re-interpretation of "The Scheme" from the EP. The short "Saturday" also hints at what could be an interesting future departure.
Stark arrangements and Stephen's distinctive vocal delivery are what make his compositions special. His songs do not require "dressing up" as they are for the most part here; they are good enough to stand on their own. "Magpie" was always going to be difficult to better and this record misses....maybe not by much.....but misses all the same.
Hopefully, for his next release Stephen will realise that for the most part "less is more".
Although i do have to agree with the previous review, that some of the production is a bit heavy, and agree with the less is more comment......i think this album is a grower, but it does fall short of Magpie....however i could listen to Fretwells voice over and over again, everyday!!
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