Phil Thornalley - Holly Would (2024) [Hi-Res]

Nothing if not prolific, albums of world-class song-smithery having been pouring out of Phil Thornalley in recent years. Initially under the Astral Drive moniker and more recently plying his craft under his solo ‘brand’. Of course, Thornalley has been honing his writing chops for a while. Since well before the big hits he became most known for (Natalie Imbruglia, Bryan Adams, Pixie Lott, etc). “On ‘Swamp’ , my first album as a solo artist in the 80s, I wasted my time and talent trying to fit into an industry ‘box’’. Now I’m free to be irreverent, irreligious and probably irrelevant. I can laugh at my own narcissism and cynicism.” “With this new album I wanted to have fun lyrically with the concept of ‘fame’, the ‘lust for glory’ but deliver it with some good old fashioned tunes and some self deprecating humour” Once again Phil uses his enviable collection of vintage recording gear to capture the humming, strumming and drumming of his one man band. Or, as Phil quips, “a one-man self delusion!” “If only Holly would love me” With an album title based on wry wordplay, the eponymous lead track reflects the same tension between art and celebrity mulled throughout this affectionate, tongue in cheek album.