I guess if you consider the subject matter of songs written across the ages the vast majority would fall under the category 'Life', and the 'Incidents' people had along the way. The Danish based musician and songwriter 'Thomas Büchel' in his album 'Songs About Life and Other Incidents' sets this all out in a really honest manner in his debut album, with a short, simple and personal album that documents events across his life, all backed up by some beautifully played guitar.
In terms of his background, Thomas Büchel is a musician who for years has played for other projects, and previously studied jazz guitar, the techniques of which are clearly demonstrated in the album. This is backed up with a real precision in the sound, with the guitar manipulated by an Ipad to offer something slightly different to the normal listening experience. The lyrics meanwhile are written with the same honesty as you'd perhaps find in Country music, where the songwriter sets himself out as a 'storyteller' rather than a 'poet', and the overall effect is a charming personal account of incidents across his life.
The album opens with 'Prologue', a swinging / jazzy track that at first listen almost appears slightly self indulgent, but immediately showcases the quality of guitar playing and sound. ' Sønderboulevard' sets out the songwriters quest to find his purpose in life, but my early favourite track has been 'Goodbye', a classic relationship dilemma with some well constructed lyrics that tell the story so well. 'When the Day Breaks' is an instrumental guitar track, which gives Büchel full freedom to express his musicality, as well as experiment with sound techniques, before the albums highlight, 'Crossing The Line', where intricate guitar playing accompanies a story about a thwarted potential relationship with a former work colleague.
'Dressed Up For Sunday' is a really thoughtful song which paints a clever portrait of his own family life as a youngster, and the advice he wishes he could give to himself as a child not to be restrained by his surroundings. 'Song For My Father' is a sad lament to an absent father, with a totally stunning trumpet solo that takes over the track. And the album ends with 'Your Eyes', a classic love song but the highlight is the beautifully subtle guitar work that gently underpins the track.
'Songs About Life and Other Incidents' is unlikely to soar to the top of the latest 'Hit Charts', and musically the songs are nicely written without ever setting my mind racing with excitement. But this is an album worth listening to, firstly because its played and produced with such a great sound, but also because the songs are so personal and relatable. At only 8 songs long and just under 30 minutes, 'Songs About Life and Other Incidents' is an album which will easily fit into your morning commute, and I hope you'll give it a chance.
Buy the Album on Itunes now..!