Mick Thomas – The Paddock Buddy

Mick Thomas and the Sure Things – Paddock Buddy

Mick Thomas is an artist with a reputation for delivering thoughtful and insightful, in depth songs and at the same time Mick delivers some pumping, pacy songs as well, which he continues to deliver. Thomas’s reputation as an excellent songwriter remains firmly intact. Excellent album. (Review by Don Bannister)
Mick Thomas & The Sure Thing – Paddock Buddy CD review by Don Bannister
The Cover / Holder There is no mistaking that this is a Mick Thomas Album and if you still had doubts the inside cover shows Micks face and the members of “the sure thing”. Its good to see who you are listening too. The Front Cover shows three boys on a cobble road in an (Australian?) working class community. This too reflects Micks continuing interest in all things Australian (as well as Irish women he meets at parties) and also an appropriate sign displaying coarse language. The Back Cover shows an empty cobble road, perhaps representing Australia’s socio-economic development in decline. I would like to see the songs’ name in slightly bigger font size, but am glad to see the songs are numbered and timed. This is very important for airplay. The Artist – Mick Thomas is an artist with a reputation for delivering thoughtful and insightful, in depth songs and at the same time Mick delivers some pumping, pacy songs as well, which he continues to deliver. The Songs – Tommy Didn’t Want You tells the story of Mick gloating over his new Maton guitar that Tommy E has missed out on. Didn’t do a lot for me at fi rst, and then I found myself singing to it. What can I say, it grows on ya. Lust in Translation – This is an excellent song, very singable with a wonderful chorus sung by Angie Hart. There are many words of wisdom in the chorus, and the dream has a great story line. Maltby Bypass is a bit slow, sad & sardonic based on refl ections around Werribee. A Coat of Paint Is a very enjoyable song, fast paced and quite singable, with Micks usual in depth view of life. Making a List has a light and toe tappy rhythm, which will bring you up and make you dance. Forgot she was Beautiful is a lovely though somewhat sad song, with a boppy rhythm in the middle. Very listenable. (Lets talk about) Me – this is an excellent song, well written and with a wonderful insight into the self obsessed ego mixed with the irony of failure. The delivery Mick uses makes it even better. Tired Little Shop – One feels the tiredness of the shopkeeper in this song even if it is encased in a boppy little rhythm. Last holiday with the Family – Another great song but could’ve used more chorus, because it is quite singable. Back of the Storm – another pumping groovy dance tune about good neighbours and great feelings. Halfway up the Hill is a slowish lament for peace and past relationships. General comments – Thomas’ reputation as an excellent songwriter remains firmly intact. Excellent album Mick.