David Wall – The Spell I Was Under

It’s an unfortunate state of affairs, both for myself and those around me, that I can’t hold a tune. I wouldn’t go so far as to say I’m tone deaf, but I’m certainly an acquired taste when it comes to singers. Most of the time I can fake it ’cause I’m singing along to fellow vocal ‘tards like Lou Reed, Mark E. Smith and Daniel Johnston or else caterwauling to myself in the car. The public tragedy occurs when I’m faced with the likes of David Wall whose respiratory system is as naturally adapted and finely tuned as an Olympian’s and whose songs are so damn catchy I can’t help but sing along. I apologize in advance if you are subject to my contribution but don’t let that stop you from enjoying the gospel inspired rave-ups on this mighty fine disc. Just tune me out and open your ears to the spirit, to the joy, to the lungs throat and tongue of Wall and his collaborators as they hit the high notes and shake the floorboards. Even if you don’t believe in God, a tune like So Tired will make you Hail Mary, a tune like Wonder will make you reach for your Jackson 5 albums, and a tune like Have No Fear will convince you to sing along. Go for it. (Terence Dick)

CD, Black Hen Music, Box 74661, Kitsilano, Vancouver, BC, V6K 4P4, www.davidwall.ca, www.blackhenmusic.com