Michael Hansonis Shark Week (LP, 180g Vinyl)

(Meyer Records) 13 tracks, gatefold cover

The plugs have been pulled, the drums left in the garage - this year Hansonis comes along on very quiet soles. Acoustic guitar, stripped back vocals and a few dabs of electric guitar, piano and keyboards - that's all the musician needs to make "Shark Week" a compelling affair.

From folk to country to blues to killer balladry, Hansonis strolls through songwriting genres on his melancholy journey, but always enhances his songs with that crucial pinch of distinguished '80s pop. Here an irresistible melodic arc, there a concise phrasing - the Cologne native marries US-American musical traditions with a British-influenced understanding of pop and in the end does his very own thing. Great songs! And if you don't know him yet because of his past glories, you should just get to know him now!