This week Sunset Boulevard Records released the latest album from Iain Matthews, called How Much Is Enough. By his own admission, it’s his 53rd (or 54th) album.
You read that right. Over the course of his 60 years in music, Iain Matthews has released over 50 solo albums. That number does not include any albums by groups he’s associated with, like Matthews Southern Comfort, Plainsong or Fairport Convention. It also does not include any album he’s been a guest performer on.
Wow. Prolific and passionate are two words that come to mind.
I have been listening his new album quite a bit over the last few weeks and love all 13 tracks.
The themes the album explores are both timely and timeless. In additions to songs that feature a self-reflective Matthews (How Much is Enough, Ripples), there are also songs about love and harmony (Bird and the Fish, Where is the Love), and the challenges of 21st century life (New Dark Ages and Digital Girl).
The song Rhythm and Blues is a tribute to the pioneers of music within that genre, including John Coltrane, James Brown, Aretha Franklin and Biggie Smalls.
Details on ordering/streaming the album is available from Sunset Boulevard Records or at iainmatthews.nl.
In this podcast, Iain Matthews joins me on Oldies Without Borders on INDI 1015 and talks about the new album, his career, including his time with Matthews Southern Comfort and his solo work in the late 70’s.
Enjoy!
Copyright Peter J. Maurin, The Vinyl Professor. Published under Creative Commons License: Attribution/Non-Commercial Use.
Photo Credit: Marcel Van Ewijk
