The Songs I Love So Well: Phil's Vocal Album
People who know Phil Coulter primarily for his orchestral arrangements of traditional Irish melodies on recordings such asClassic TranquilityandCeltic Tranquilitymay be surprised to discover he is also a songwriter of rare ability.The Songs I Love So Wellis a collection of some of his personal favorites including "My Boy," which he wrote forRichard Harris's 1973 follow-up toMacArthur Park, and "Scorn Not His Simplicity," a moving song written for his son who was born with Down's syndrome. Also included is the duet withRonan Keating, "The Town I Love So Well," which was voted one of the best songs of the last millennium in a poll in Ireland. On most of the tracks Coulter eschews his trademark lush instrumental sound in favor of stripped-down, intimate arrangements that are well suited to his limited vocal range. By emphasizing the meaning of the words over the prettiness of the melodies (and Coulter has composed some lovely tunes here), he delivers more powerful versions of these songs than a more "accomplished" singer might have done. But then most songwriters, even if they aren't the best singers around, give the best performances of their own songs.--Michael Simmons