‘The more I know men, the more I like dogs’.
One of the most amiable, engaging and harmonious voices in the industry belongs to Duncan Reid, always stress -free, full of life and love, homely, and comforting.
It is with an incredibly heavy heart that I write this piece, for Duncan Reid and the Big Heads are leaving us, it is the right time to call it a day, and they do it their own inimitable style with the album ‘And It’s Goodbye From Him’ the violet suitcase cover art is ready for you to pack up all the memories and cherish them forever.
If you find yourself ‘Lost Again’ you’ll be redirected correctly so you can partake in ‘Funageddon Time’ there is a silliness amongst the serious messages, which makes it altogether easier to relate to.
The lockdown tale continues with ‘Can I Go Out Now’ a much better way to talk about a situation that was imposed and came with a whole host of issues and liabilities, which in turn caused much confusion an anxiety.
The tomfoolery continues with ‘He caught me having fun in the storeroom with Daisy’ from ‘It’s Going So Well’ I just had to laugh out loud. I love the songwriting, it’s simple, not gimmicky, yet deals with the subject matter, suitably, perceptively with an amusing aspect.
Summery, swaying under cloudless skies, just sublime, and those vocals, not a jagged note to be found, immaculately smooth and sophisticated. The fanciful feel of ‘Would I Lie To You’ sounds like a waltz, that accordion style composition, and a nod and a wink to The Tiger Lillies, a nostalgic carousel for the modern age. We finish with a tribute to The Beach Boys, those kings of summertime rock, remembering their golden tunes and re-imagining them here, still fresh, not having aged a single day.
From the first time to the last, this is a legacy that I will find myself re-treating to time and again, for gorgeous sounds supplied by Duncan Reid- lead vocals, bass, keyboards, guitar and BV, Sophie Powers – guitar, keyboard and BV, Nick Huges – guitar, BV and Karen Jones on drums and BV, take a bow my friends, bathe in the glory of an astounding legacy, absorb every second of applause for such a well-deserved performance, the curtain call is so important as the audience thank the artists for sharing their ideas, thoughts, passions and imperfections in the great wide open, vulnerability and accessibility are the protagonists in a show where no-one knows how things will turn out. Duncan Reid and the Big Heads will always be part of our lives, a soundtrack that uses ordinary musings and opinions and creates an extraordinary listening experience. With a grand finale scheduled for 7th October at The Lexington, it will definitely be a ‘I’m not crying, you’re crying’ moment, sigh…swoon….
Azra Pathan
Duncan Reid and the Big Heads – And It’s Goodbye From Him out now