Still fresh the second time

(Muso's Guide, Friday 6 March, 2009)

FROM the very first chiming chords of Men In Prison and folk singer-songwriter Jackie Leven's trademark Scottish burr, the magic of this record cannot be denied - even though it is almost a decade since its original release.

Winter is the first in a series of double albums entitled The Haunted Year from Leven, originally released earlier in his illustrious career but dusted off now to be enjoyed anew.

The delicious eight-track Men In Prison still sounds fresh, recorded live in Bergen Men's Prison in Norway only adding to its depth. The wonder of Leven is profound here, with songs like An Extremely Violent Man pressing all the most emotive buttons.

Munich Blues, from a live performance 2002 in the southern German city, shines throughout, but the particular poignancy of I Saw My Love Walk Into The Clouds proves that Leven's work is blessed with a multilayered genius which only blooms and blossoms with repeated listens.