TIM SCOTT

RARELY FALL—Scottland Sound Records

Tracks: Powder Keg; Leaving A Clean Break; Finally Got It Right; Send Regards; Bakers Dozen; Twice As Mean; Seven Years; Offer Up His Hand; Katrina’s Solution; Words We Know; Rarely Fall.

Singer-songwriter Tim Scott comes from Denton, Texas, on the Dallas Metroplex. Rarely Falls is his second album following Fabletown which proved to be quite successful especially in and around Texas. As a fan of Texas music I welcomed this second album from a guy that was new to me until now.

Tim Scott has all of the credentials for success with his lean youthful good looks; crafted musicianship; the ability to write a good song—he wrote all 11 on this album. Plus the ability to deliver vocally. I guess that the vital ingredient of success is still in the mixing pot but who knows? If you don’t try when you most certainly won’t get.

The album opens with the sombre “Powder Keg” which is miles away from country music with its repetitive drum pattern. “Leaving A Clean Break” is cleverly worded but again rather boring musically. “Finally Got It Right” finds a much better groove to my ears in proof of the potential of Tim Scott. “Send Regards” continues the momentum of the last track, Warren Zevon comes to mind. “Baker’s Dozen” tends to find a country groove at last probably through the mandolin and a general rounded sound.

“Twice As Mean” rocks some. “Seven Years” is a pleasant enough ballad of failed love. “Offer Up His Hand” provides further enjoyment because of its singer-songwriter’s simplicity. “Katrina’s Solution” is delicate and heartfelt. “Words We Knew” follows the path of most of the album which probably means more to Tim Scott than the bulk of casual listeners. “Rarely Fall” is possibly the albums highlight from my point of view.

For me this album is too inverted towards the star to draw the masses into the world and music of Tim Scott even though it does prove that the guy is talented at what he does. It fails to stand out above the natural talent of Texas.

By BRIAN AHERN