Jackie Leven – Oh What A Blow That Phantom Dealt Me!

Mixed review: the “estimated 23rd album” is an all too cosy sequel to the last records, “preaching to the converted”. Variety is provided by Johnny Dowd (allegedly won over a bottle of absinthe) with “One Man One Guitar” and the Patchen poem “The Skaters”; the Judee Sill homage “The Silver In Her Crucifix” is a success, the Kevin Coyne song “well meant”. “I've Been Everywhere” lists German tour cities, with “Baden-Baden” in the chorus. Verdict: the “iron man” has developed a little rust.