B-Sides (Bonus CD on living)

Albums with bonus discs of outtakes and B-sides are a curious phenomenon, and are regarded as altruistic and opportunistic in equal measure.
In this case, Paddy Casey has seen fit to include a bonus CD on a new pressing of his (already) platinum-selling album, Living. Having taken a good three years off between albums, it’s probably fair to say that he had plenty of material left over after Living was finally put to bed.
It is worth noting from the outset that B-Sides and demos don’t appear on the album proper for a reason.
Ultimately, few of the B-sides on this disc boast the anthemic, engaging qualities of the likes of ‘Saints & Sinners’, ‘The Lucky One’ or ‘Want It, Can’t Have It’. Though I certainly admire Casey for attempting to drive his musical sensibilities in different directions, ‘Family Tree’ is just plain odd – a reggae-influenced, Calypso-type number with a peppy digitised beat that simply doesn’t work.
In spite of this, the disc does showcase Casey as a songwriting force to be reckoned with. In fact, the glistening ‘Don’t Need Anyone’, or the earnest and bracing ‘Shine’ make for rather pleasant listening, and surely deserve better than the status afforded to them as B-sides.
As a stand-alone body of work, this bonus disc is unappetising and bloodless, as many collections of out-takes and B-sides invariably are. Although, if you are a fan of Casey’s particular brand of neatly-crafted acoustica, it will certainly keep your hunger locked-up until his next album arrives.

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