One of the keys to a good-to-great album is song placement. And though there isn’t a big problem in that department on Simple, IMO “Lay Down” would have been a better choice to set up album ender “Ode To A Friend,” instead of “Surrender”.
On “Ode,” Andy Yorke saved the absolute best and most gorgeous tune for last. A catchy rhythmic rim shot by drummer Nigel Powell and strummed acoustic parts by Yorke starts things out, along with his poetic singing in a low key. His lyrics don’t exactly spell out what exactly the song is about, but it could refer to the death or near death of a close friend, as lyrics like “Don’t let go/I don’t know if I am ready” show. Later, Yorke’s singing rises with emotion, as does the music. The big payoff comes near the end when, after Andy’s voice soars and stretches out every word in the song’s title, “Ode” reaches a heavy crescendo, complete with a rotary-speaker type of effect on the lower piano parts in the final minute. Powerful stuff, indeed.
In all, Andy Yorke’s Simple proves the younger Yorke is a near masterful songwriter in his own right, even after so many years away from the industry. It has a few dull moments, but the majority of the 12 tracks are emotionally resonating, one way or another. If you like the blissful lo-fi beauty of Heartbreaker-era Ryan Adams, Damien Rice, or even The Fray, you will like this record. A lot. It’s therapeutic, peaceful and inherently enjoyable, regardless of Andy’s relation to Thom Yorke and Radiohead – Jonny Greenwood and Andy Yorke were in a grammar school band together, FYI. Thus, get Simple now digitally on Amazon, or the CD itself when it hits stores November 18. 
Article comments