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My CD player had a fit of pique this morning, leaping from my hands and
crashing onto the pavement moments after I loaded in Run by Stephen Fretwell. I
couldn't get the thing to play. Having finally managed to listen to this limp
wristed drivel, I understand why the CD player was so stubborn.
Big things are expected of Stephen Fretwell. He supported Keane on
their last tour and is being talked up as the next Damien Rice or
David Gray. On the strength of this single it's wishful thinking. It would
take a quantum leap of the evolutionary proportions for it to happen. Remind me of
this next year when he collects his Brit award.
From a singer songwriter it's all polish and no song: A twee piano and
tastefully strummed guitars - very dinner party, finger food and merlot. The
central lyric "A beautiful tree, it's a shame the root of it's me" is okay, in a
sub-Nick Drake sixth form sort of way, but it is then repeated so often is
loses any of its charm. It's the kind of music for those who think that pop music
is for kids but need something to make them feel current, something to play in
the Focus on the way to work. Give me Girls Aloud over this any day.
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