David Ford's I Sincerely Apologise for All the Trouble I've Caused

David Ford isn't new to the music scene. Nor is he new to my ears. He used to be in a band by the name of Easyworld. It had broken my heart when I learned Easyworld was no more, but then I heard the good news - the good news that David Ford was going solo and releasing albums in the US. This was good for two reasons: I'd have a chance to see him perform without needing to travel abroad and I would be able to get my hands on his albums without tracking down some shady CD suppliers online that charge far too much for something they never ship to you anyway.

So that's a long way of saying, I was fortunate enough to get my hands on David Ford's solo debut I Sincerely Apologise For All The Trouble I've Caused. But why haven't you heard of it? Well, David's songs are all rather long to be radio singles, with the shortest still over four minutes long. But that's the way he wanted it, no restraints or limitations on his writing, just him making the music he wants to make.

Unlike his work with Easyworld, I Sincerely Apologise shows growth from an admittedly limited guitarist to someone who is quite skilled with many instruments - as can be evidenced by going to any of his live performances. And seriously, what isn't incredibly attractive about a guy who can sing and wail on the harmonica?

"State of the Union" is my favorite on the album. Maybe because it is directed at exactly who you think it is - those in power, but not in the same way that most political songs of today are crafted. No, "State of the Union" has the class and style of the political anthems of yesterday, the timeless classics that can be loved generation after generation. With lines like "with friends like these, who needs politicians?" and "what a model of Christian behavior preach on with the message of go fuck thy neighbor" we can all pretty much figure out what he is talking about - the men in suits who "talk and talk and don't fucking listen."

Listening to I Sincerely Apologise will make you think David Ford has bad luck with relationships or is a hopeless (or hopeful) romantic. But no worries for those thinking he is a cynic; his album includes the more hopeful "If You Only" and you could perhaps consider "Cheer Up (You Miserable Fuck)" more hopeful as it is about coming to terms with and accepting flaws.

While I am admittedly biased and think anything David Ford would release is wonderful, I do think his voice leaves him sounding a bit too sensitive and genuine. His songs on I Sincerely Apologise are all more toward the ballad end of things and leave me wanting something punchier, much like Easyworld's "Bleach" or "Somebody Do Something". But I do look forward to his next release and am excited that his US tour has been doing well.