To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of Solid Rock, Shane Howard's only major hit, this collection of his work gets a new studio recording. This re-working of his most popular songs is a monument to his songwriting and ability to recharge the batteries after years of touring. The album is more acoustic- and folk-based than the original versions, which have survived through the years.
Howard's Celtic roots come out in these songs with their lyrical and mystical musings. He loves to tell a story and on Razor's Edge, it doesn't get better. He tells tales of characters who make their way in the new world, which is of course Australia. Howard's signature tune Solid Rock gets two re-workings here, both with an indigenous edge. His daughter Myra Howard appears with her ethereal vocals and makes Solid Rock the perfect anthem for what we love most about this country.
There are other guests, including Archie Roach and Peter Deneahy, but it's Howard's down-to-earth touring band that gives this album a homespun feel. In the spirit of Woody Guthrie or Henry Lawson, Howard captures the beauty of the Australian wilderness as only a man with great vision can. Let The Franklin Flow is a subtle song on the subject of the Tasmanian wilderness without any over-righteous commentary. Silvermines is another classic that gives away his Celtic background with its storyline and fiddle playing.
Other Side Of The Rock is the perfect reminder of what's important in our itinerant lives.
