"Autumn Morning" by Neil O'Connor
NewsIn this world of multiple ways of sharing music, I'm not often unsure if new songs constitute "singles" in the traditional sense but frankly if I like them, I am certain the status is of little concern.
The good news is that Neil O'Connor, one of the people responsible for catalysing a paradigm shift in Coventry and Warwickshire music from 1976 with The Flys (check out their album 'Waikiki Beach Refugees' for starters if you don't yet know their work & all the best punk compilations ought to feature "Love and a Molotov Cocktail": in fact if you come to one of our 'Hot Music Live Presents' fundraisers for The Tin, it's on the playlist for between sets), has a new song out called "Autumn Morning".
Well that sounds something poised between Nick Drake and Clannad doesn't it? But just listen to it. The Flys were accurately cited as a pioneer punk group but they were never a three chord thrash example (even "Love and a Molotov Cocktail" has five) but like Buzzcocks with whom they worked, found melodies in even the most direct songs.
"Autumn Morning" shows Neil has lost none of his skill in constructing a highly accessible, catchy and radio friendly song: if this was a single and a big corporation bankrolled the necessary algorithmic processes, it could be a hit. Sadly I doubt that's going to happen. What a pity.
Stylistically it's a jaunty sort of rootsy folky rock track with upbeat lyrics to match. If you are interested in Coventry and Warwickshire music and want to learn a little of the legacy of creativity which has shaped it and the sort of material which an artist of integrity and independent spirit can continue to imagine after five decades of composition & performing, then check this one out.
You can find it on YouTube at:
