Bob Evans - StolenSongbook

Mon 11th Dec, 2006 in Music Reviews

It’s been a huge year for singer songwriter Bob Evans and indeed, the greater Perth music community. Evans has released his second solo album Suburban Songbook, Little Birdy has delivered Hollywood, The Sleepy Jackson finally resurfaced with Personality One Was a Spider One Was a Bird and Eskimo Joe’s third album Black Fingernails Red Wine wooed the country and earned the three boys an ARIA Award or two.

To celebrate the fine efforts of the west, Bob Evans has released a digital EP entitled Stolen Songbook. Why is it called Stolen Songbook, you ask? It’s simple! The five track EP is a collection of tracks originally by Evans’ compatriots. Yes, Evans has taken the easy way out and stolen his peers’ tunes. He’s added his very own alt-country, stripped-back style and the results are by and large pleasing.

Evans’ rendition of Little Birdy’s Beautiful to Me starts with a short harmonica solo, then a deep voice follows. Maybe it’s the key changes, or the slow tempo, but the usual magic of Evans’ acoustic guitar is somewhat lost on this track. It’s not an unpleasant cover but it’s far from stunning. In many ways it’s just mediocre.

Evans has also put his spin on the classic track Wide Open Road by The Triffids and he’s made it accessible to a new generation of music lovers. Call me ignorant, but I’m not familiar with the original version of the song. I have however been enticed by Evans’ offerings It’s definitely more his style, fast paced and melodic, with a hint of country.

Next up, it’s time for The Sleepy Jackson. If you can stretch your mind back to its debut album Lovers and recall the poppy heartfelt number Come to This, you’ll be on the right page. It’s a sensational cover! The original charm is not lost - it’s merely built upon. The track will be in your head after one listen. Now that’s infectious!

Red Jezebel is the next act to get an Evans makeover. See Through Dress is the dark and murderous tale of a man who killed his daughter and Evans makes the song come to life. He usually puts a positive spin on his stories of heartbreak and woe, but alas this is one account of loneliness and regret that escapes him.

The final track on Stolen Songbook is Eskimo Joe’s Liar. This is a sweet reminder of the band’s humble roots that it tries to shy away from. Before From the Sea there was an immature band that captured the hearts of indie fans and I for one am glad Evans revisited those days.

This EP is a superb retrospective of West Australian music. Download it today and celebrate some of the amazing musical produce that WA has to offer.