For some inexplicable reason (and despite insistent recommendation from colleagues) the charms of Dr Millar have somehow eluded me over the years. Maybe it’s because his brand of acerbic, observational song-writing demands close attention rather than casual listening. All the better then to catch up with his oeuvre on this overdue Best Of collection which culls tracks from albums such as The Deal, Bitter Lie and last year’s Always Coming Home along with some singles and B-sides.
What immediately impresses is his range, which takes in such a wide reach of styles that you’re hard pressed to pin him down. From the faux-country stylings of ‘All That I Am’ and the jangly power-pop of ‘One More Shot’, to the self-effacing folk of ‘Alcohol Problem’, his versatility knows no bounds.
His sometimes deadpan vocals might be an acquired taste but it’s never at odds with the mood he creates, while lyrically Millar is sardonic, occasionally bitter, but mostly very clever – the cinematic references on ‘National Velvet Underground’, are priceless while songs like ‘Donna Quixote’ underpin his literary leanings. He convincingly chronicles his early struggles on ‘Hard Years’ while the musician’s tough life is perfectly encapsulated on ‘Always Coming Home’. But despite his tendency for wordiness Millar is still capable of penning a straightforward love song like last year’s ‘Love Girl’
Do yourself a favour.

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