Anon

Hewerdine's songs are so intricately fascinating that the listener can admire them even without relating to them, though they mostly hold universal appeal, touching upon themes of lost friendship, childhood nostalgia, self-discovery and defiant heartbreak. The subdued brilliance of the album comes at a welcome time; as Boo sings in Looking for a Light on the Rails, 'We are drawn to poetry when the world goes mad'. Each track is artfully delicate, living up to the thrill of its title such as A Cloud No Bigger Than Your Hand, Mapping the Human Heart, Peacetime, and The Devil Takes Care of His Own.

Q magazine rightly awarded this album four out of five stars. The only questionable thing about Anon is why a man with such a heavenly, achingly expressive voice needed other singers such as Eddi Reader (Patience of Angels), kd lang (Last Cigarette) and Hepburn (Bugs, Butterflies) to make hits of his masterful songs. Even his work on soundtracks such as Fever Pitch has not brought him the commercial attention he deserves. I have given Boo albums as gifts-usually this one and the previous stunning Thanksgiving-to friends aged 20-50, and even to my father in his 60s, and I have never failed to convert anyone with that simple gesture. Whenever people hear him for the first time, they wonder why Boo is not a household name, and that is truly a great mystery. Fortunately, I am one of the lucky people who knows his music well, and this new release is yet another treasure, instantly appealing yet improving with every listen. This review is the best way I can share it with you; I can pretty much guarantee that no one would be sorry for buying this album, even if you are unfamiliar with his work.

Whilst Boo's melodies are unique so he doesn't sound exactly like these people, I am certain you will love this album if you are fond of Neil Finn, John Mayer, James Taylor, Harry Chapin, Aimee Mann, George Harrison, Martin Sexton, Dar Williams, Nick Drake, Loudon Wainwright III, Richard Thompson, James Grant, Heather Nova, Brian Kennedy or John Hiatt, or anyone remotely similar. It is worth taking a chance on Anon even if none of those artists appeals to you; Boo will. Let yourself in on the secret; you won't regret it.

Every song is beatifully crafted and given the kind of minimalist arrangements you can only get away with if they are supported by outstanding musicianship. And boy do these songs have that support - lovely acoustic guitars and beautiful singing from Boo, added to the support of Gustaf Ljunggren on Pedal steel guitar, piano and a host of other instruments (what is a mandocello?) - what more can you want.

I've been a big fan of Boo's for quite some time and his songwriting, singing and playing just get better and better with each recording.

If you want to hear one of the UK's finest talents at his very very best, then buy this album. You will not be dissapointed.