What we have is an amalgam of Thomas Walsh`s songs and vision brought to the public ear by an orchestra of famed and highly respected musicians. Guests include Andy Partridge & Dave Gregory of XTC (Andy co-writes two tracks with Thomas), Neil Hannon of The Divine comedy, Michael Penn, Jason Falkner, The Section Quartet and Nelson Bragg of The Brian Wilson Band. Not only is that impressive but the band itself consist of the aforementioned Mr.Walsh with Keith Farrell (Mundy, Cathy Davey) and Johnny Boyle (The Frames). Gird up your loins for one of 2008`s most required releases. Here is a GREAT review from Alan Haber off his fabulous web site Buhdge.com(go there to read the entire review): "I believe that Walsh couldn`t throw an idea away if he wanted to, because his ideas are that good. Walsh is a pop pundit who fuels his ideas with his deep-seated love of the pop form, whose admiration of the classic pop sound brought forth by bands like the Move and the Electric Light Orchestra and XTC knows no bounds, who lives and breathes what lies at the heart of great pop music and knows how to mix all of that up and create songs steeped in ideas that sing with melodies and harmony and the odd musical quote, and has the good sense, thank God, to share it all with the world.The title of the album, Eleven Modern Antiquities, is ironic, for how can "modern" creations be antiquities, "relics or monuments... of ancient times," as the word is defined by Merriam-Webster? Walsh suggests that he is a songwriter writing pop songs today, not as if he were plying his trade in, say, the 1960s or 1970s. His is not a retro art, but a modern art that references and is informed by what has come before--a contemporary art, if you will, that is clearly created in the present. If you get a chill up your spine listening to Walsh`s music--if you`re of a certain age or you`re simply wired to swoon under the spell of a clever chord change, sumptuous melody, or a genuinely inspired lyric--you owe it to yourself to become immersed in this absolutely wonderful music. Top of the pops, in fact.
These eleven modern antiquities are really of a piece, so well do they fit together and alongside each other -- Special mention must be made of Dave Gregory`s genius that shines like the brightest of lights on "Here." Gregory`s guitar solo and haunting string arrangement, once again brought to lively life by the Section Quartet, reflect Walsh`s love of all things ELO. This nod to what has come before becomes an integral part of the song`s whole and contributes mightily to what will surely be looked upon by those in the know as a standard for the ages.
That`s what you get with these eleven modern miracles, these eleven modern antiquities that so resonate with the human condition. The whole of this album is a remarkable achievement that will be followed by more remarkable achievements from one of contemporary pop music`s most talented artists. That he speaks to the masses, to the hearts of one and all, is an idea whose time has come. And not a moment too soon." Listen below and ENJOY!
 Song #1 - mp3
Song #2 - mp3
Song #3 - mp3
Song #4 - mp3
Song #5 - mp3
Song #6 - mp3 | 
