REVIEW: Pat MacDonald, Sleeps With His Guitar (Ark21)

- Reto Koradi

It's a new name on the cover, but Pat MacDonald is not a freshman. Timbuk 3 was the name of the band he formed with his wife Barbara K., spawning at least minor hits with songs like "The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades". While the Neil Young reference in the title indicates that MacDonald has not lost his wit, the trademark cynicism and social criticism of Timbuk 3 is largely absent from his first solo album.

This more serious approach enables MacDonald to showcase musical qualities that could hardly be expected from him. In the foreground is an expressive and full voice, combined with some very fine playing on the acoustic guitar. A prime example is the breathtakingly beautiful ballad "Missing". Sensible and deep lyrics like the ones in "Like Water" ("wish I wish I could find, a way to get inside you, a way inside your crazy head, but you're like water, slippin' through my hands") are prevalent over most of the album. Really reminiscent of Timbuk 3 is only "The History Of Man", which rather cynically treats the vast topic in 4:30 ("Cicero couldn't keep his big mouth shut, so Anthony wreaked some havoc on his butt, then lost his to Cleopatra, that slut"). A good deal of irony is also in the title "Stupid Simple Song", which may be rather simple, but far less stupid than most songs by other artists.

Sleeps With His Guitar is an album that does not make use of any cheap thrills; it sounds unspectacular at first listen. But it shows a degree of honesty and dedication that is rarely found. Unfortunately this is not what is needed on the mass market, so Pat MacDonald is likely to join the club of great underrated artists, with people like T Bone Burnett. But this should not stop you from enjoying this wonderful album for your own private pleasure.