Mick Flannery has today released his eighth studio album Goodtime Charlie on Oh Boy Records.
A healthy fourteen tracks in length, Mick showcases his celebrated songwriting ability across a variety of genres on Goodtime Charlie. This variety is heavily reliant on the sheer number of collaborations on the album of which Mick said, “(Goodtime Charlie) sparks you out of your comfort zone. It opens up the neural pathways, and you wonder ‘how would someone else do this?'”
For instance, “OKLA” was written in Nashville with writer Adam Landry and is “a love letter to a dead dream”. “Give Me Up” was written in Los Angeles with producer Tony Buchen and Australian musician, producer, and songwriter Justin Stanley.
There’s also a trilogy of songs co-written by Ana Egge via online video calls during the pandemic. “Machine”, a song about an emotionally distant mechanic, is the equivalent of a Raymond Carver story while the opening track “Neon Tonight” details a nervous and excited band waiting to go onstage. Greater than the sum of its parts, Goodtime Charlie has its standout moments nonetheless, and “Someone To Tell It To” is one of those. Classic Mick Flannery, the song delves into love and what it is to feel lucky to have it.
Another epic collaboration is the appearance of Anaïs Mitchell on the previously released track “Minnesota”. Addressing the relationship between individuals and their state, this collaboration made its way to the stage of the Cork Opera House when Anais’ band Bonny Light Horseman, supported by the RTE Concert Orchestra, played the Sounds From A Safe Harbour festival.
Check out the video for “Young”, directed by Mark Logan from Dublin’s CLTV Films, below.
Recorded in Cork City by producer Christian Best, further collaborators on the album include Valerie June (“The Fact”) and Tianna Esperanza (“Old Friend”). Ana Egge, Justin Stanley, Adam Landry, longtime collaborator Tony Buchen and Andrew House (Christy Skulls) also feature on co-writing duties.
Mick Flannery on Tour
In support of Goodtime Charlie, Mick has announced a string of North American tour dates, including headline shows in New York City, Toronto and Boston. Mick will also play shows across Germany, The Netherlands, Denmark, the UK and Ireland during this time.
You can pick up tour tickets here.
Album Cover: David McElroy
G.M
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