Napoleon Jukebox

Pete Morton - Napoleon Jukebox (Further Records)

Pete Morton is unquestionably one of the top singer-songwriters of our time, and one of the true unsung heroes. In terms of right-on political commitment, lyric and vocal strength and total integrity, he's right up there with Robb Johnson, with whom he's been compared - and with whom he shares the "why isn't this guy's talent not more widely appreciated?" tag. Pete (like Robb) has for years modestly remained both utterly dedicated to his art and unshakeably constant in terms of quality of invention and output. Although both performers also share what might be termed a true post-punk sensibility; the principal difference between them might arguably best be expressed as: whereas Robb's more of a "born-again chansonnier", Pete's arguably more of a "born-again folky" (indeed, that's how he described himself when releasing his album of traditional material, Trespass). For one of Pete's special gifts is for absorbing and incorporating influences from history and the tradition into his writing while retaining a real contemporary relevance. At the same time, each song shows Pete's deep and all-encompassing regard for a common humanity and an expression of the hard-won hope which arises out of the perception and realisation of despair.

Napoleon Jukebox is a set of supremely passionate new guitar-and-vocal performances which revisit 17 key songs, probably those which at gigs are the most-requested. They span over 20 years of writing, demonstrating both an extraordinary consistency and fine balance and breadth in terms of emotional climate. Songs which are both thoughtful and thought-provoking (two vital qualities which don't always come together, but they certainly do with Pete). Among the songs given punchy fresh readings here include acknowledged classics like Another Train, Harvest, Further, The Shepherd's Song and the powerful political allegory of The Two Brothers; quieter (yet brilliantly effective) philosophical musings like On Your Side and Constant Motion take their place alongside the raucous and eccentric rock'n'roll portrait of The Battle Of Trafalgar (the disc's bonus hidden track). The no-frills recording is direct and intimate, and sounds like it was done in one live take, such is the immediacy of the experience. Literate, distinctive, charismatic and entertaining with it - if you've not yet sampled Pete's excellence, then here's the chance you need to grab. Napoleon Jukebox may be only the very tip of the enormous creative iceberg of Pete's œuvre; sure, it's not quite a complete "best of", but this abundantly generous selection is still a great place to start if these ice floes are for you still uncharted territory.

David Kidman October 2008

PETE MORTON
Napoleon Jukebox Further 001

A well-known and popular singer-songwriter and globetrotting troubadour, Pete has been engaging audiences around the folk scene with his distinctive singing, rhythmic guitar and thoughtful songs for many years. With several notable albums under his belt, Napoleon Jukebox revisits those songs of his that are most requested at concerts, including Shepherd’s Song, I’m In Love With Emily Dickinson, the wonderful Another Train and many others.

Always an entertainer at heart, Pete can do raucous (The Battle Of Trafalgar) and tender (On Your Side) with equal aplomb,
and that’s well captured here. The solo, no-frills production is simple and unadorned, and perfectly conjures up the intimacy of a small live gig. Intended only for sale at concerts, this admirable album is decidedly worthy of wider exposure. Who knows… if you contact him at pete@petemorton.com you might persuade him to part with one even if you can’t get to a gig.
Would be worth your time.
www.petemorton.com

Bob Walton
fROOTS - Issue 298 - April 2008
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