Songs to Play [Bonus Track] [CD]

Robert Forster's last CD, The Evangelist, was hauntingly beautiful. It was strongly influenced by the death of Grant McLennan, Forster's partner from the band The Go-Betweens. Using unreleased McLennan lyrics as well as lyrics about McLennan, The Evangelist was a moving tribute that also had McLennan's simple, joyful spirit. Songs to Play is less extraordinary but, like Forster's later work with the Go-Betweens, it's not as stilted as Forster's earlier music but still funny and idiosyncratic. The music is fairly basic and pleasant. It doesn't distract from the songs' vivid characters and stories. Songs To Play is a worthy addition to a the collection of a Forster of Go-Betweens fan.