By Michael Arnold
It’s not usual that after a dry period of eight years a singer/songwriter returns to recording with a contemporary masterpiece. Nonetheless there are exceptions, and with the release of Hey-Ho Believe, Jimmy MacCarthy is one of the few. This album is one that can appeal to casual fans as much as the dedicated with hooks for the former and subtle messages for the latter.
Opening with an odyssey (‘By the drum’) into the modern life of “sky channel jive” this album, much like its predecessor The Moment pays homage to the fact Jimmy is a child of the radio, and knows how to combine pop sensibilities with intelligent lyricism. And while the Corkman’s songs self-consciously anticipate what is to come next “as we wake the new dawning”, the melodies remain exuberant and catchy, as the listener will no doubt extricate from later tracks ‘What We Came Here For’ and the title track ‘Hey-Ho Believe’.
So with a few slightly more personal songs here and there (‘Lonelier Than Any Man’ and ‘The Heart of the Man’) Hey-Ho Believe ultimately demonstrates a more ethereal side to Jimmy’s character than what was seen in his previous offerings. In songs like ‘Throwing Doves’ which symbolize a philosopher of love assembling missing connections “Threading ashes in a quest for the spark” the listener is taught that often the answer is not so easily found and often the chase is like a game “Colder by far before you find her heart”. At this point, I may draw an allusion to Jimmy’s belief in a Christian ministry and society whereby humanity can follow in the footsteps of Christ. In ‘Tears to Picardy’ it is said that “Compassion is the panacea for so many of the world’s great ills”, and in effect “With forgiveness, compassion love and understanding / We can be all that we should be”. Simply put the world of the twenty-first century is a complex one, but through love for one another we can all do our part to make a change.
This in mind, the album despite its humanitarian undertones is conceivably accessible. The electric guitar riff in ‘Switzerland in Snow’ or the jangle pop sound of ‘What We Came Here For’ continues to ensure the casual listener isn’t lost among the deeper content. The more humorous lyrics such as “Then a dog a great composer / To shift the play he changed the game / Traded gold for nickel silver / Put it all on long lost fame” and perhaps some solace in an unsure world “sit close together / Like birds of a feather / With no place to go / Singing songs of redemption” keep new fans on track as the album builds to its climactic finale.
With the anthem-like ‘Begin Again’ the listener is made aware the keen world news fan justly blames “TV poisoning the mind” and “those who hold the covers, insist that there’s no cure” knowing that if nothing is done “There’s never gona be enough blood”. The latter line performed magnificently with the Thukolo Gospel Choir and Mandy Murphy with Jimmy himself serves its purpose in giving listeners a chance to reflect on the state of international conflict before the serious but revolution-oriented title track ‘Hey-Ho Believe’.
The up-tempo ‘Hey-Ho Believe’ which has been a radio airplay single for a few months prior illustrates Jimmy’s view that we live in a society where, despite its shortcomings there is a lack of belief. Instead detriments to humanity we often hear about are left by the wayside and nothing is done about it, as the lyrics illustrate “I see the moneylender sniffing coke, I see the switch blade flashing as it slits a young man’s throat, I see the empires crumble, the acrid smoke, I hear the newsroom laughing but I just don’t get the joke”, however if we act as a compassionate society “when you’re waiting on the mystical angel / Belief is what it’s all about”.
Finally with ‘Christian Telephone’ and the bad taste left in people’s mouths (“tongues of fire”) over clerical abuse and dwindling humility (“hearts of stone”) among the Catholic parish Jimmy concludes with a strong plea for restored social care in spite of “no reply on the Christian telephone”. Wrapping up the album with excerpts from the King, Leiber and Stroller-penned ‘Stand By Me’ Jimmy refuse to quit in his quest to right the wrongs committed by scandals announcing he won’t “shed a tear / Just as long as you stand, stand by me”.
The album with its perfect blend of pop melodies and blues-inspired imagery concludes leaving a little to the imagination but also enough intrigue to encourage listeners to revisit again and again. Not too dark, and just the right amount of rhythm and beat to entice music fans young and old. Highly recommended listening.
All songs quoted written by Jimmy MacCarthy, except ‘Begin Again’ (J, MacCarthy & A. Karg) and ‘Stand By Me’ (King, Leiber and Stroller).
Jimmy MacCarthy 