I Will Love You At All

Darren Hanlon is a folkie singer-songwriter from Australia. He’s definitely got a way with words: there are a lot of clever lyrics. (RIYL John Prine, e.g.) Interesting instrumentation ranges from just guitar to odd combos incl cello, sax, euphonium. His voice is a rich tenor, maybe a Phil Ochs with an Australian accent. This is a pretty good and entertaining record, but nothing really blows your socks off.

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1. * Clever, intriguing song. Simple melody backed by elegant touches from several instruments. Driven by a quick “50 Ways To Leave Your Lover” drum cadence. (2:27)
2. ** High quality folk-pop. Mid tempo. Real nice singing by Darron & backing female. (4:25)
3. The quick 6/8 meter gives this a sing-songy feel. The length makes it tedious. (5:47)
4. * Clever little ditty; unusual instrumentation; nice dialog b/t M&F voices. (4:33)
5. Visit to former house conjures sad memories & mixed metaphors. A bit like Bare Naked Ladies’ “Old Apartment” (7:43)
6. Fun campfire song. Alternating fast & slow sections make it entertaining. (1:51)
7. * Just singing & folk-guitar strumming thru a series of verses. Woody Guthrie–ish (4:12)
8. Tom Paxton-ish on-the-road sort. Good song & good guitar. Peculiar string accompaniment doesn’t fit it though. (4:18)
9. Gallops along briskly. Elec guitar for a change. Humorous lyric & surprise sax solo. (2:46)
10. Opens w classical-ish keyboard & cello flourish, settles into a funeral dirge. Then we get a kitchen sink of keyboards, strings, and a chorus. (3:32)