Tom Minor’s songs might often seem like they come from a similar place to Chas ‘n’ Dave’s cheeky-chappery, but that would be to miss the wonderful depths that the lyrics explore, not to mention a subtle sophistication running through the music itself. Yes, the music is often light, addictive and sparky…although I would argue leaning more towards The Kinks Village Green era than Messrs. Hodges and Peacocks’ mockney marvels… but there is always a lot more going on than would first seem.
‘What a Little Moonlight Could Do’ mixes metaphor with lyrical jauntiness, philosophical musing with real-life moments of poignancy…both perhaps an actual tale of life’s slip-ups and more general thoughts on the big picture: the moon both casting light on those best-laid plans of mice and men and Minors gone awry and a metaphorical light bringing redemption to your life in a more general sense. I think. (That’s the great thing about Tom’s lyrics: the more you think about them, the more complex and consuming they become.)
This latest single really embraces that vintage sound that often echoes in his songs: 60s pop meets the quirky new wave of songwriters who would find the spotlight towards the end of the following decade – Costello, Difford, Hitchcock, Lowe, Partridge – to name a few, a timeless vibe evoked in the modern age free from fashion or fad and flying in more rarified sonic currents way above the zeitgeist.
I know it is a bit of a cliché to say that Tom Minor’s music is increasingly more rewarding with every spin, that there are increasing sonic and lyrical pearls of wit and wisdom, musings and melodies to be uncovered the deeper you go, but it is certainly the case here – points are made, analogies dance with tall and tantalising tales, philosophies are woven through home truths, metaphors are found in unexpected places. Then again, maybe I am just overthinking things.
But what good is art if it doesn’t make you think?
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