DARK END OF THE STREET

Following up a debut like "Moving Hearts" the previous year must have been a daunting task, and subsequent partial implosion was inevitable, but MOVING HEARTS easily met the challenge on "Dark End of The Street". This is more an album of its time and, while still arguably a classic, isn't entirely in the same league as its predecessor.

The album opens with perhaps its weakest track, "Remember the Brave Ones", penned by Christy Moore's brother Barry, soon to be known as LUKA BLOOM. It's not bad but a bit overwrought and marred by period synthesizers. Still, "All I Remember", while easily the poppiest song ever released by the group, manages to buck the signature sound more convincingly, like an affectionate cross between BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN and RUNRIG. The title track is a convincing interpretation of a classic folk song with lyrics that can be applied to one's own unique circumstances. "Allende" and "Let Somebody Know" are both warm ballads, while "Half Moon" is a languid and lovely instrumental with bass, sax and piano blending sultrily.

"What will you do about me" is probably the most transcendent piece here, sung from the point of view of an aging peacenik environmentalist who refuses to give up the ghost much to the chagrin of the authorities. The chorus makes one and one's hairs stand equally at attention and the sax, pipes, lead guitars and synths round out this roughly woven and moody number.

Highly recommended even if somewhat dated, "Dark End of the Street" shines at the 4.5 star level even today.