Music Review
Band: Phil Honey-Jones
Title: Naked and Naive

Acoustic / Alternative / Blues

You should have seen the dance I did at the post office today when I saw I had a package from Phil Honey-Jones!

You see, it was early June of last year that I first stumbled onto his MySpace page. The first music clip I listened to was ‘Mine Enemy U’. Almost from the very beginning of the song chills ran down my spine. I completely froze and I was absolutely taken and stunned by the magnificence of this tune. Seriously. Then I heard ‘Under My Hat’. Man, I talked about Phil and his music for weeks to anyone who would listen. I messaged him and got a genuine “thank you” in return. I featured him in my magazine 3 times within 7 months (June, September, and December) in hopes to spread the word about his sound.

So, here in this package is the new full-length cd, ‘Naked and Naïve’, accompanied by a lovely picture and an informative (and personalized) letter. He seems like a very nice guy as well, folks.

Phil has the makings of greatness. His vocals are layered with warmth, soul, depth, and emotion. The melodies are nothing less than utterly gorgeous and the lyrics are ones you’ll want to know by heart. I hear qualities in his voice and music that could one day put him right up there with the likes of David Bowie, Lou Reed, Peter Murphy, and such. That’s right. Phil Honey-Jones may one day be a household name. If not, it’ll be another one of life’s tragedies.

‘The Alchemist’ – I wasn’t sure what I thought of this song at first. Now, at third listen, it’s safe to say I quite like it! Call me crazy (you won’t be the first), but I hear a minuscule hint of Robyn Hitchcock and Oasis in this track.

‘Train To Nowhere’ – A catchy tune. Beautiful chorus as well. Although I know Phil’s daughter, Charlie, sings with him sometimes, I believe it is another pretty voice backing Phil’s on this one.

‘Under My Hat’ – Love the drums on this one! For me, the song starts out dark, dramatic, and then the sun shines in.

‘Mine Enemy U’ – I’ve already raved about this song, as you know! I will add that this is probably my favorite on this release. A very pretty song that has me feeling many different emotions. A bit of a movie in the song. I have to mention that our ghost even approves. She’s whistling along. I’m not kidding.

‘Loveline’ – A song you’ll try humming along with immediately. Topped with a little sprinkle of Peter Murphy-ness.

‘Look Through The Mirror’ – This one features some unusually fresh harmonies – but they seem so natural. Nice to hear another song that’s so unlike any other and yet is so right!.

‘Looking Out To The Sea’ – Wow! Hypnotizing, dazzling, and mystical! After hearing this one I really have to say that I am amazed at how different each song is from one another on this release. Phil’s sound can’t easily be labeled and that makes it all the more exciting!

‘Mrs. Red’ – If it wasn’t for ‘Mine Enemy U’ this would probably be my favorite song on here. I absolutely adore this track (and find it to be quite sexy)! Very much a sound unique to Phil's but with a small pinch of Jazz Butcher flavouring.

‘Twilight’ rocks! Is Phil gonna give me something to pan or what? How often does an artist put out a full-length cd where every song is fantastic? Not often enough.

‘Bop de Bop’ – Due to the title I was worried I was going to hate this song. Guess what? I don’t, not even close. It’s a really fun tune, and again, it sounds like nothing else on ‘Naked and Naïve’! At one point during this song something made me think of Shriekback’s ‘Big Night Music’ album.

‘Crazy Drug’ - There were a couple of moments where I could almost hear David Bowie singing. It’s another great song with beautiful melodies. Another highlight on here.

‘Dancing Duel’ – FANTASTIC! This instrumental is the perfect ending to a perfect cd!

Honestly, my words couldn’t possibly do Phil’s debut justice. It is one of the top 5 albums I have heard in one full year’s time... most definitely, and I have heard a lot of amazing stuff. There isn’t one single song I’d skip on this 11-song release. His vocals captivate me and his music mesmerizes me. I cannot recommend this release enough. Please check him out and tell him we sent you.
Official MySpace - Hear songs from, and buy, 'Naive and Naked'
Label: Banana Castle