Search - John Farry :: Words & Music

John Farry Uncovered

harry brady | Seattle WA USA | 04/18/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"'Words and Music' is John Farry's first album of new music in almost four years, and the wait around Gilroy's Pub in Garrison has been long but it's well worth it with this package of music. Included here is the Devenish rockin' We're Falling Deeper in Love Every Day' and a sassy upbeat 'Morning After the Night Before'with feelings of pal Red Pat on Squeezebox. John has said this is most likely his last solo effort as he's retiring to spend time with his daughters. He said there's virtually no chance he will ever tour again, however in conjunction with this release, he is holding three concerts in different cities, the first three Wednesdays after his album is released. The first in Belcoo, the second on the Tullyrossmearn Bog Bank and the third (as I write this) at a location to be announced soon. (Possibly Belleek) Each of the shows will be taped and portions may be shown on RTE television.
Another thing John is doing is sponsoring a Garrison product, 'Jim Grogan's Dr. Pepper'. You'll be able to see him in various commercials on all the networks. But we're here to talk about the music. And it is most certainly worth talking about. You can hear some of the roots of his past here in the songs, with echos of Billy Joel, the Beatles, and James Taylor. But there is also a wonderful bluegrass cover, "Morning After the Night Before" This was originally recorded by America, but John's version is as bluegrass as it comes, and it's amazing! You've probably heard the two singles, the rambunctious duet with George Jones, ". Mysterious Woman," and the Beatle-esque " Forever." There are others that are certain to be released as singles. The duet with Thomas Gilroy is rockin' and has got to be released as a single. They trade lines about being in a relationship where they just can't seem to connect, and they want the other person to say "Lord Is the Driver." You'll also recognize the theme from Frequency, which is finally released on CD for the fans. I've always loved the song, and I'm really glad Garth changed his mind about releasing it. Other songs on the album: "This Time It's for Real" talks about a man that is used to being a "love 'em and leave 'em" kind of guy, but now he finds that in the morning he's not leaving, and he doesn't understand it. This is another one I can see as a single. "Forever" reminds me a bit of "The Thunder Rolls," in that it's a song about a woman that was left by her partner, and her family all warned her about him, but she wouldn't listen. She survived, but can she survive the storm?" "It's Not Easy Letting Go" talks about a family that may not have the same last name, but they are a family because "Blood is thicker than water, but love is thicker than blood." My favorite has to be "Number One" where John talks about his relatives that did dangerous things and ended up dying. The one was a lineman who handled hot wires on power poles, and he said he did it for the money. "Because it pays big money, and man I'm into that. It pays big money, if you're willing to take a chance. Let me tell you something sonny, you should see my bank account. It pays big money, but he sure can't spend it now." He talked about his other relatives, then says you should be nice to your relatives cuz they might leave you in their wills. There is a huge Billy Joel influence on the song "Lord Is the Driver." He talks about being a late night disc jockey at a radio station, taking requests. "Lifetime Love Affair" has a kind of a dirge-like quality about it. Talks about living your life to the fullest. "Don't Wake Me Up" is another fun song about a rodeo guy that falls in love with a Mexican girl. Another one that would make a good single. If this is John's last album, I would have to say it's right up there with "Lough Melvins stony shores" and "Ropin' The Wind." Track Listings
1. Number One
2. We're Falling Deeper in Love Every Day
3. Morning After the Night Before
4. Lord Is the Driver
5. All of My Life
6. This Time It's for Real
7. Lost in a World of Loneliness
8. It's Not Easy Letting Go
9. Drivin'
10. Don't Wake Me Up
11. Mysterious Woman
12. Forever
13. Lifetime Love Affair"