CD: MA16
RELEASE DATE: 1995
LABEL: Marina

01. Sgt. Major
02. Neighbours
03. Dragonfly
04. Walters Song
05. Mood of the Morning
06. Hazy
07. Time Machine
08. Undecided
09. London Town
10. Mr. Appointment

Waterpistol, a treasure of the mid 1990s, is one of the occasional series of works by Liverpudlian singer/songwriter Michael Head. Along with John Head, his brother, Michael Head has through manifestations as the Pale Fountains, Shack and lately The Strands, provided a frustratingly brief catalogue of songs. The writing on Waterpistol is deeply personal, melodically complex, and lyrically inventive. Although the emotions on which Head reflects hang closely to experiences particular to an age in the development of man, nonetheless the themes on which he so beautifully reflects are universal: of love and loss; of change and friendship. From the airy, chiming guitars of Sgt Major - the CDs opener, to the gentle lyricism of London Town at its close - you are spared the bombast of mere statement, the rattle of aural stormclouds The arrangements vary, but each track has an inherent rythmn, be it the strumming of a rich acoustic guitar, or the open-production which allows percussion, guitar and vocal equal chance to be heard. Perhaps think of the Verve, or the Charlatans in their quieter moments as a comparison. Waterpistol ranks as a unique statement in British popular music. It is a rare delight, a treasure; it is Sunday morning and rainy Tuesday; the Beatles and the Stones.