AND CLOSE AS THIS

This type of Peter Hammill album is my least favorite. While he is a decent musician, I find that his songs are more compelling when played by a full band. Hammill alone at a piano, or with a guitar just doesn't convey the power that this songwriting demands.

Here, his songwriting is good, but as I stated above, his low key piano and synth playing keep the songs too soft and sometimes drab for my tastes. At times, as in Too Many Of My Yesterdays and Silver, I find myself imagining in the rest of a band, adding the oomph that these songs are crying out for.

All of this is underscored by Beside The One You Love, a song so mellow, it almost lulls you to sleep. That's not what I turn to Hammill to provide. And Confidence is sung so boldly, that the piano backup just doesn't fit with the vocals. Hammill must see that, as tries to fill the song in with some effects, but it's too little too late, and ultimately fails.

But don't forget, this is a Peter Hammill album, so there is still much to like about his songs and delivery. So I cannot rate it less than three stars.