American Sunshine
Artist: Colin Hay
Label: Compass Records
Length: 11/40:37

Those that have a passing knowledge of Colin Hay think of him as the lead singer for '80’s band Men at Work.   However, _American Sunshine_ is Hay’s tenth solo album, and fifth this decade.  Familiar themes are revisited here, as Hay’s song characters look back at life wistfully, broken relationships, love, beaches, and potential beginnings.

“Oh California” is a relaxed tune, sort of Jimmy Buffett without the marimbas.  “Prison Time” fights for the right to assert blame, while “No Time” is sort of a reverse look at the book of Ecclesiastes.  As always, Hay’s laid back demeanor and his unhurriedness to tell a story provide time for the listener to take it all in.

"I Can’t Get Up Out of This Bed” portrays gloom in the face of beauty, while “The End of Wilhemina” is a eulogy of a life less lived.  The title track is an instrumental guitar piece somewhat in the vein of Dire Straits.

Love and flirting arrive in a two song suite.  “Baby Can I See You Tonight” is Claptonesque both vocally and thematically, while “Pleased To Almost Meet You” revives the age old practice of girl watching. While I prefer other discs such as Man At Work and Are You Looking at Me?, this disc should please the long time fan, and provide a reintroduction to those who wondered whatever happened to Colin Hay.

Brian A. Smith
28 December 2009