STYLE: Pop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 45573-14633 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Graeme Crawford
The overall feel of this album is that Chris Betts has decided to write songs for himself, wearing his influences boldly, and if anyone else likes them then so much the better. His musicianship is impressive, even more so when you see the list of what he plays, and his storytelling lyrics are reminiscent of Bob Dylan or Neil Young. He veers from one style to the next with ease, displaying an all encompassing talent. His influences are extremely apparent through his writing, with "Son Of Dust" sounding like Dire Straits' "On Every Street", while the sultry blues track "Your Restless Heart" smacks of Gary Moore's "Parissienne Walkways". The other standout track is a folk-rock version of "Lord Of The Dance" which manages to not sound clichéd. Betts' main love though is '60s pop, which he expresses through a cover of The Byrds' "Turn, Turn, Turn!" and the upbeat "You Make It All Right". The sound is somewhat dated, and a muddied production doesn't help. He may not win too many new fans here, but Chris Betts supporters should find 'Big Sky' quite satisfying.
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