Unfinished business or just a calling that every artist gets from time to time? Either way the good news is Michael Weston King showing a side of his work that has taken a back seat for a decade or so. Underpinning the mission statement of My Darling Clementine was a raft of supremely crafted songs that would blossom whether dressed up in a country/Americana persona or not. On THE STRUGGLE we see the singer-songwriter art in its purest form, albeit the production does frame it as more sophisticated than entirely raw and stripped back. During the My Darling Clementine years (very much still active) projects occasionally diverted to reflect an utmost respect for songwriters like Townes Van Zandt, Jackie Leven and Elvis Costello. Now the words of Michael Weston King as an artist in his solo form come to the fore.
THE STRUGGLE is a ten track collection of songs, slightly streamlined by re-working one of the flagship numbers 'Weight of the World' with an alternative version in the closing slot. Opening with this song acting as an acute representation of what to expect is a shrewd move as many curious newbies are likely to click on the first one to test the water. There is an epic feel to this track where the full ferocity of a songwriter's passion feeds into a void for the listener to access. As you would expect from a seasoned songwriter, there is plenty to grapple and decipher in the lyrics pouring from the mind of Michael Weston King. Alternatively, feel free to kick back and soak up the grandeur of the music from a guy who knows how to present his songs in an accessible way.
Before a delve into what else surfaces on an album launched into the world by Cherry Red Records, a quick reference to the alternative version of 'Weight of the World' which gets credited as the Ghostwriter re-mix. The changes are subtle with a couple of moments that give the song an extra edge including some pertinent spoken clips.
Successful albums require tracks with momentum qualities to carry things forward when the impact of the release period wanes. 'Another Dying Day' blessed with some significant lines is a candidate to do the leg work here and give the album an opportunity to prosper long in the future. To pump a slice of diversity into the proceedings 'The Final Reel' provides a Celtic twist to firmly put the union back into the UK. Whether dabbling or being inspired by sounds Stateside, Michael Weston Kings portrays his Englishness right at the heart of his music and a reach out to all four corners of a wider land often disunited is refreshing.
Two songs where the words of others were kindly lent includes 'Theory of Truthmakers' where a lyric from the late Jackie Leven inspired to the extent of getting a co-write credit and 'Sugar' which had its origin in Lafyette via a co-writing session with Peter Case. For those who come to the music via his work with My Darling Clementine, 'The Old Soft Shoe' will resonate. This country porch lullaby could have quite easily featured on any of the duet albums from the last ten years. Insert some pedal steel instead of the short brass interlude and its style would have been nailed.
The title of 'The Hardest Thing of All' synchronises with the album title in theme, but any melancholy gets blown away with a snippet of shimmering organ to usher in some soul. Like on so many parts of THE STRUGGLE the skilled production gives the song an added glow to enhance the listening experience.
The final brace of tracks nestle just before the closer and are linked by a character name in the title. Storytelling comes to the fore in 'Valerie's Coming Home'. Frank gets his introduction in the lyrics of this one, a likely prelude to 'Me and Frank'. Both tracks draw you into the narrative. A trait that is core to what makes THE STRUGGLE an album rich in sincere goodness.
2022 is shaping up to be a busy year with My Darling Clementine shows rubbing shoulder alongside Michael Weston King sharing the intimacies of the solo record on alternative dates. THE STRUGGLE is likely to take on an added dimension in the presence of its architect. In lieu of such an occasion, it warrants a place on your retrievable shelf of fulfilling contemporary singer-songwriter music.
