If I owned a café or restaurant I’d play Paul Manchin’s new Truth album as part of my music rotation because of the variety of non-intrusive songs and moods he portrays. Boz Scaggs comes to mind with this work because of the picture with a tie and variety moreso than the voice, and I’m sure that when Scaggs breakout album “Silk Degress” spawned the disco classic “Lowdown” it was unexpected. I feel that the same kind of magic is possible with Manchin.
In this case “Truth” (purchase/download) might be that track. It is my sexy sentimental favorite; beat reminscent of the late Aaliyah’s smash it “Rock The Boat”; or possibly the wormy windings of “I Just Wanna”.
Like a little ice cream shoppe, there are several flavors to choose from here amongst the eight original songs and five other versions. This isn’t knock your socks-off stuff, and oft appears as uncertain as the economy, but it may be interesting to hear what our Canadian crooner has up his sleeve next with a more creative, far-reaching producer, and thus I bestowe three truthful stars.
Released March 2008 on Angel Caesar Productions.