Mike Forse - Running (Stone Premonitions)

It's going to be there at the end of the year, vying for album of 2001. For this is nothing short of stunning.

A bit of a departure for Stone Premonitions, this is more traditional singer / songwriter fare than their usual psychedelic fare. But for those of us brought up in the grand tradition of Roy Harper, this is just like coming home.

Having played it first, without reading the bio or sleeve notes, the words "Finn Brothers" forced themselves to the fore of my consciousness. Imageine then, the 'spook' factor upon discovering that Mike hails from New Zealand and covers a Split Enz track on the ceedee!

As early as track 2, Mike manages to affect my life, in the shape of the incredible, percussion driven "Wonderful Life". Song of the year so far. I know it's a dirty word, but there's more than a hint of the del Amitris about some of the arrangements. Which is a good thing. Other highlights include the hard driving "All We Create", the late 60s poptastic "Global Millaliens" and the heart wrenching title track.

Ten tracks, not a note wasted, in a world where David Gray is king, Mike Forse should be revered.

Buy this, or live a life diminished.

Stone Premonitions, 271 Park Road, South Moor, Stanley Park, Co Durham DH9 7AP, UK
terrib@stoneprem.co.uk
http://www.mikeforse.co.uk - Buy online at http://www.the-rocker.co.uk