Angle of Entry - The Mutton Birds

Instead of the usual "we've put out four LPs, let's cash in with a live LP" routine, the Mutton Birds have a better idea: Why not release a sparkling, immaculate acoustic show (with usual bass and drums) in its entirety without overdubs instead? Recorded July 7, 1997, at London's intimate 12 Bar Club, this is a fantastic treat. Based around the then-current Envy of Angels, it's terrific to hear how well these lush songs stand up when pared to essentials, without the protective cover of Hugh Jones' comely production. In fact, they're drop-dead brilliant, their hooks jumping out at you like an over-affectionate dog happy to see you. Down, boy! And when the Muttons reach back to the equally brilliant second LP Salty (don't miss the worried "Esther," though they should have tried out "The Heater!") and the lesser first LP, the golden moments don't abate. Singer/songwriter Don McGlashan has a Midas touch where it comes to such mannered but beaming pop, with his so-likable, confident voice never wavering from pitch. "At a time like that you wouldn't care about your job/Or your mortgage/Or the fight you had with your wife," he sings with merry conviction on the Mutton Birds' "A Thing Well Made," and he might as well be talking about encountering the transformative power of music such as this, refreshed in new clothes. Certainly, the recording is so immediate, it makes you think you're in the third row, happily swaying to Envy's "Trouble With You." A truly good job, and a case of "wish I was there," Angle of Entry is easily ordered on the band's web site. With each release, they prove yet again they're a special band in a barren era! (muttonbirds@easynet.co.uk) ~ Jack Rabid, The Big Takeover, All Music Guide