Fifth solo album and follow up to the terrific Foburg from the legendary and prolific Corkman, who has previously enjoyed long careers with Microdisney and Fatima Mansions. Happy to report that Rancho Tetrahedron is one of strongest offerings to date. Also, arguably most commercial and accessible work in years. Opening track, 'Shipman Memorial' – a Steely Dan-meets-the- Beach Boys slice of melodic sunshine type thing – comes replete with harmony-laden chorus. Harks back to Microdisney days. Not, in fact, a million miles away from Md's radio hit of the time 'Town To Town' in both tempo and execution. Much of the rest follows similar sonic template. Highlights? The Americana/jazz/ blues backdrop to 'The Examined Life' and the title track, sorry will read that again, 'Rancho Terrahedron'.
CC hasn't lost his way with an impressionistic lyric – and sense of mischief is intact in wordplay. Spoken word 'Terelyne Ghosts in the Sunshine' finds him playing an Irishman lost in California – and lost in time. “I saw Seamus Ennis walking briskly, a bit hammered, porter stains spoiling his white shirt collars… I saw the River/ Shannon flowing across the Mojave Desert.”
Yup. CC's an utterly unique talent. National treasure. Will be here for live dates later in the summer. Don't miss him. Meantime, groove on this...