[2015-02-17] Colin Hay "Next Year People" (Compass)

Linda · **Posted:** Thu Jan 01, 2015 9:54 pm

Description
Colin Hay’s voice and visage are familiar to millions as front-man, songwriter, and vocalist of pop sensation Men at Work (“Down Under,” “Overkill,” “Who Can it Be Now?”). But over the past 15 years he has reinvented himself as a solo artist, regularly selling out theaters and listening rooms across the US and around the world and introducing himself to a new generation of fans in the process. The frequent use of his music in TV and film—including hit shows such as Scrubs (on which he has made several cameo appearances) Army Wives and Modern Family, the hit soundtrack to the film Garden State and the recently released Words and Pictures—has proven the timeless appeal of his songs.

NEXT YEAR PEOPLE is the work of an artist who is a true master of his craft. The album is full of quizzical, curious, cynical yet open hearted songs with catchy melodic hooks that underscore deeply insightful lyrics. Some of the songs are based on Colin’s personal experiences such as “Waiting in the Rain” written about his parents and the almost mystical experience he had growing up in a music shop in Scotland, surrounded by instruments and a constant stream of 50’s and 60’s radio hits. Others, according to Colin, “just appear from somewhere” such as “Mr. Grogan”, a dark study of a fictional character whom he has been developing over the years. The album’s title track, “Next Year People,” is a stand out composition—a stark but beautiful homage to the depression-era farmers who kept going by holding on to hope that next year would be better. “They kept doing the same thing and expecting a different result,” explains Colin. “I can relate, although their situation was so much more bleak.” The album was produced by Hay and mixed by Chad Fischer (Chasing Mavericks, Ice Age 3, Lisa Loeb) and includes contributions from two young Cuban musicians, San Miguel Perez and Yosmel Montejo, both of whom recently emigrated from Havana, as well Larry Goldings on piano, Jeff Babko (Jimmy Kimmel) on B3, and as Colin’s wife, vocalist Cecilia Noël.

This album comes packaged in a 4-color bi-fold wallet with a 12 page booklet with full credits, lyrics and liner notes. This CD edition includes two bonus tracks not found on the digital version.

Tracklist
1. Trying To Get To You
2. If I Had Been A Better Man
3. Did You Just Take The Long Way Home
4. I Want You Back
5. Next Year People
6. Lived In Vain
7. Scattered In The Sand
8. To There From Here
9. Mr. Grogan
10. Waiting In The Rain
[Bonus Tracks]
11. Are We There Yet?
12. Lament For Whiskey McManus

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R55TZV8/?tag=imwan-20

Linda · **Posted:** Thu Jan 01, 2015 9:55 pm

Beachy · 18 Sep 2005

I will be picking this up.

Don Schouest · 13 Jan 2007

My wife and I saw Colin live solo in North Carolina a few years ago and it was easily one of the most fun concerts we've ever attended! He is a brilliant performer!

Looking forward to this new CD!

Don Schouest · 13 Jan 2007

Just a few more days!

TSmithPage · **Joined:** 20 Sep 2006 **Posts:** 3671

I love Colin Hay. He's touring this summer with Barenaked Ladies this summer so I'm hoping to get to see him play live again.

Invisible Pedestrian · **Joined:** 24 Sep 2006 **Posts:** 26163

Saw Colin acoustic solo in Philly around 2002 and he was fantastic.

I also saw Men At Work who were awesome-wayyyyy better musicians than anyone gave them credit for.

Beachy · 18 Sep 2005

I think it was in 1983 that I saw Men at Work in concert in Minnesota.
Quite a few years later, I saw Colin Hay and Greg Ham together in a small bar.
Great stuff.

Rick A · 23 Jul 2006

Playing this record this Sunday morning. Really good, tight band and Colin's in fine voice.

It's been four years since his last solo album and the time has allowed him to write some really good tunes that are offered here.

Rick A.

Beachy · 18 Sep 2005

Hey, thanks for the heads up, Rick. I'll pick this up soon.
I like Colin's work, but I haven't heard he had anything new.

Rick A · 23 Jul 2006

Beachy wrote:

Hey, thanks for the heads up, Rick. I'll pick this up soon.
I like Colin's work, but I haven't heard he had anything new.

Your welcome Beachy, you are going to really like it.

Rick A.

[2015-02-17] Colin Hay "Next Year People" (Compass)

Who is WANline