cd review
Darren Poyzer - Global (Live CD 2003)
(also available as a live concert DVD)
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"I couldn’t think of a better name than to describe this collection of songs recorded at Derbyshire’s The Globe. Taking in issues that effect you, me, them, us, everybody, everybody. Issues of global concern such as on ‘From The Beaches Of Ibiza To The Shores Of Vietnam’ where the events of one day make up how much we are all connected:

“From the beaches of Ibiza to the shores of Vietnam / from those stoned for their religion to the stoned in Amsterdam / from the rioting disabled people at the bottom of the stairs / to the movers and the shakers in the world of stocks and shares / we breathe together / believe together / that with God on our side we will live forever / justice must be done and the killing just goes on and on and on”

That chorus line is one of the most powerful I’ve ever heard for its global impact and scope. A simple chord, a violin’s curling melody and a voice. An honest voice. A voice that has lived these times and carries them on his back, experienced and ready to pass on and educate, open a few eyes and free a few minds.

As a live performer Darren Poyzer is the brand new rock and roll. Who says that rock and roll is all about sex and drugs, leather jackets and haircuts? It’s about liberation, freedom, magic and honesty, all of which you get on this Cd. “Believe in me” he pleads. An intelligent and witty songwriter he sings “I am the brand new rock and roll”.

“This is the bit where I completely lose the plot” he states before singing ‘Julie Rainbow’ an ode to some girl and life’s choices fro women of the working class.

“The adverts say life’s about choices/using actors paid to deceive/so it’s making babies on factory floors or riding with smack heads and thieves”

There’s tragedy and comedy in his lyrics that most writers find difficult to achieve.

‘Buskers’ is a great journey through any town centre:

“The cost of living is getting me down ... We fire-bombed the cash points /shop-lifted the so-called sales / the judge was great when he sealed my fate he said you’re free to go you’re already in jail”

You can take any lyric from any Darren Poyzer song and it does mean something to you however you may interpret it. Even on ‘Looking for the Positive’ where he sings quickfire “haveaniceday haveaniceday haveaniceday haveaniceday haveaniceday have a bloody nice day - yeah woo!”

While ‘Beaches of Ibiza’ is probably my favourite song on this album, there are some that deserve mentions such as ‘Beautiful Addiction’ , ‘Cuckoo’ and ‘Any Other Day Street’ that all serve as great songs. While on his endless tour of venues preaching his word and your word this album seems to have captured everything that’s great about a Darren Poyzer gig. Go out and see him live but if you’re agoraphobic just buy the CD."

By John Togher
Published by 'Bang Yer 'Ead 'Ere', Wigan, Grt Manchester UK, April 2003