CD Review

Artist: Brent Randall and Those Magnificent Pinecones

Title: We were strangers in Paddington Green

Label: Just Friends Records
Released: January 20^th, 2009

Reviewed by Sarah Miller (Vancouver Correspondent)

The wait is over. After five long years, East Coast Cabaret Pop sensation Brent Randall’s sophomore effort has finally arrived.

We Were Strangers in Paddington Square is the much anticipated follow up to 2004’s Quite Precisely, the EP that was Brett Randall’s debut album with the Pinecones. The album showcases Brett Randall’s songwriting prowess, along with creativity and imagination that is akin to Tom Waits or fellow Canadian Rufus Wainwright.

Randall’s songs draw influences and inspiration from all over the place. The first track, ‘Strange Love (Don’t Be Lazy)’ is a cabaret inspired pop song, while ‘Bluebirds, Flowers and Other Things’ is a happy, clappy, deliciously campy tune about love and sunny days.  ‘This House’ sounds like it could have come off of The Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour.

Although it has been five years since their debut release, the band has kept busy completing two national tours in 2008. The have played some of the best alternative music festivals in Eastern Canada and shared the stage with acts such as M. Ward, Wintersleep, The Hylozoists, Two Hours Traffice and Dog Day. 

Track Listing:

Strange Love (Don’t Be Lazy)

For in the Shadow of a Moonbeam

Bluebirds, Flowers and Other Things

Snowdrops

The Nightingale and the Rose

Lions Valley

Daylight

This House

Sweet Thames

Slumberjack

The Absence of Mine

In Our Red Balloon

Sunbeam Song

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