Customer Reviews

Mike & the Mechanics

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First of all, this review refers to the 1999 release, and not the great first effort, also called "Mike and the Mechanics." Now, with that out of the way, if you like Mike & the Mechanics, you need to get this CD. Order it from Amazon, it's probably not in any stores, and that is a shame!

As always, Mike Rutherford, the true soul behind Genesis, has come up with a collection of melodic and insightful songs, with understated but effective arrangements. Each song flows smoothly into the next, with just enough change in style to keep it from being too similar.

"Whenever I Stop" features the always reliable Paul Carrack in a bouncy up beat tune revolving around trying to understand a broken relationship.

A slight disco/dance groove permeates "Now That You're Gone," an infectious tune again about a broken relationship. Isn't it funny how that's what most writers find the most appealing---the end of, rather than the beginning, of a relationship. Oh, well, if it's this good, who cares?

With its faux chamber-orchestra opening, "Ordinary Girl" turns into one of those happy Billy Joel songs, upbeat and uplifting. How this man's ordinary girl doesn't need anything but his love. Now, we're moving in a positive direction. Tasty.

"All the Light I Need" is another love song, beautiful in its lyrical content and simplicity.

Carrack tells off his woman in the upbeat and edgy "What Will You Do?". The repetition of the title throughout the song gives it a quiet desperation that is quite effective.

"My Little Island" is one of those pleasant diversions that break away from the previous material, and kind of makes you want to grap a Margarita and go to Margaritaville or even Montego Bay. Pleasant.

"Open Up" is one of those "Living Years" types of anthems, that builds and builds into one of those soaring choruses at the end. Paul Carrack is in fine form on this one.

"When I Get Over You" is my favorite track. It has a driving pulse that accentuates Paul Young's desperation in trying to resolve the end of his affair. "When I get over you, I'll be who I want to be/I'll sleep where I want to sleep and laugh at your memory..." This is a great track.

"If Only" is reminiscent of "Taken In" with its laid-back, melodic paen of lost love.

The group even gets a little rhythm and blues/soul into "Asking" (for the Last Time); wherein the singer is giving his woman one last chance to reconsider "voting him off the island."

"Always Listen to Your Heart" has a seventies sound, reminding me of both the Hollies and Three Dog Night, but unique in its own right. This is a warning song, with a positive subtext.

"Did You See Me Coming" has a floating quality that is easy on the ears.

Paul Young's delivery of "Look Across at Dreamland" is even more touching and poignant, in light of his untimely passing away in July of this year. His vocals are understated, but emotional, and he doesn't have to resort to Boltonish vocal pyrotechnics to make us feel his passion. This is a beautiful closing to an all-around excellent CD.

In these days of teen music, rap, and alternative whatever, it's nice to hear a band that still cares about melody and substance. The string arrangements by Simon Hale are wonderful, as well as the backup vocals from Sharon Woolf.

This is a little sparser than some of Mike's earlier efforts, but it feels symphonic in its simplicity!

Michael Butts

Mike & The Mechanics' 1999 studio album, either known as "Mike & The Mechanics" or "M6," is an excellent album from Mike Rutherford and company, with many catchy tunes. It is also a fond farewell (however unintentional) to singer Paul Young, who passed away from a heart attack a couple of years later. Young and co-lead singer Paul Carrack deliver the goods in the vocal department throughout, on such great songs as "Whenever I Stop," the pulsating "Now That You've Gone," the fun pop rock of "Ordinary Girl," the beautiful "My Little Island," the dramatic "When I Get Over You" (which sounds very similar to the Traffic classic, "Dream Gerrard"), "If Only," and the concluding "Look Across At Dreamland." The songwriting & performances are strong, the production clean, and the sound is superb.However, I'm profoundly disappointed that Mike Rutherford can no longer get any of his new Mechanics albums released in the States anymore, courtesy of the poor US sales of the previous two Mechanics discs, "Word Of Mouth" and "Beggar On A Beach Of Gold." "M6" did not receive a US release, and ditto for the brand-new Mechanics album, "Re-Wired," so the import route will have to do for us American fans. But Mike Rutherford's music is worth every single penny, and "M6" is a GREAT Mike & The Mechanics album. And so long, Paul Young, you are greatly missed.

What a total bummer! I think that this is if not their best CD to date, then it is just about a hair short of it. I was greatly saddened to hear of Paul's untimely death, and to hear his voice on the hauntingly appropriate "Dreamland," it is with a heavy heart that I contemplate the fact that we can't hear his voice anymore. Some might not be very happy with this CD because Paul Carrack carries the majority of the load as far as vocals are concerned, but I thought that it made the songs with Paul Young as lead the pearls to find. If you have not heard all of Mike and the Mechanic's previous work, I think that this would be a great introduction to a group that a lot of people have passed by.

Mike + The Mechanics have always been considered "adult contemporary" music, basic pop tunes which are easily accessible for most anyone. This album is along the same lines. While there are brief moments of musical adventurism, this is pretty much a straight forward 90s style pop-rock album with a heavy dose of relationship break-up lyrics in most of the songs. The singing, sound, and production qualities are all top notch.

Mike + The Mechanics are a supergroup that was formed as a side project by Genesis Guitar and Bass player Mike Rutherford and would feature vocalists Paul Carrack (formerly of Squeeze) and Paul Young (formerly of Sad Cafe). This side project would lead to commercial and critical success. Their first album, the self-titled album "Mike + The Mechanics" would have some commercial success - including three Top 40 hits. Their second album "Living Years" produced a #1 song and Record of the Year candidate in the title track - as well as commercial success. Commercial success in the U.S. would elude Mike + The Mechanics as they released albums their third album, 1991's "Word of Mouth" and fourth album, 1995's "Beggar on a Beach of Gold". Despite the lack of commercial success in the U.S., these two albums would maintain the high musical standards that Mike + The Mechanics fans have become accustomed to. By the time their fifth studio album came along, this album would only be available as an import and not be distributed on any American record label. This fifth album was released in 1999 and also was a self-titled album, "Mike + The Mechanics". This album is known as the "M6" album (for "sixth" album - while this was the fifth studio album, there was also a Greatest Hits album released). It's unfortunate that this album was only available as an import because many fans would miss out on another high quality product. In fact, I'd put this up with the Mechanics best work.

"Beggar on a Beach of Gold" had seen Mike + The Mechanics go through lineup changes. Adrian Lee was demoted to studio musician status. On "M6", Lee was no longer a member of the band. Keyboard duties were now handled exclusively by Carrack - which made sense since the Mechanics were moving toward a more guitar-laden sound and therefore only one keyoardist was needed. Also gone from the band was longtime drummer Peter Van Hooke. Although Gary Wallis would take Van Hooke's place, it was clear that Mike + The Mechanics were now focusing around the main nucleus of the band - Rutherford, Carrack, and Young. Paul Carrack's influence in the band significantly increased with the "M6" album. Carrack teams up with Rutherford to co-write 8 of the 13 tracks (of those eight songs, Young collaborates with Rutherford and Carrack on two of them). Longtime songwriting partners Rutherford and B.A. Robertson only contribute 4 songs while Rutherford with longtime producer Christopher Neil contributes one song. Neil's presence is definitely reduced as he only produces 3 tracks. While Carrack and Young have normally split lead vocal duties down the middle, it is clear that Carrack has emerged as the primary vocalist. This may be because Carrack had a major footprint in the songwriting. However, on "M6" , Young plays a key role with the background vocals. Despite these changes, the band doesn't lose a beat.

On the previous two albums, Mike + the Mechanics definitely migrated toward an Adult Contemporary band. This trend continues on "M6". At the same time, the band experiments in some non-traditional Mechanics areas - including Dance, R&B, and "Coffee House" sound.

Here is a review of the tracks:

"Whenever I Stop": The guitar-laden "coffee house" sound will be the predominant one in this song. Carrack's vocals are the perfect compliment to this "acoustic" feel. There are some nice background vocals to compliment him.

"Now That You've Gone": This song has a Euro/Techno Dance feel to it. With some remixing, this could easily be something played in the dance clubs. I really like this track and I give the band credit for not being afraid to experiment with a new sound.

"Ordinary Girl": This song sounds with a qusai-orchestral sound, then progresses into something that sounds Beatle-esque. This track is a great example of how Carrack and Young blend their vocals beautifully.

"All the Light I Need" This is more of a romantic song. It has a more guitar-laden sound with Carrack's vocals complimenting beautifully.

"What Will You Do When I'm Gone": This has more of a classic Mechanics feel. Carrack delivers his trademark intense vocals, but Young blends some background vocals in perfectly. There is a short, but good guitar bridge midway through the song.

"My Little Island": Young's vocals are the highlight of this song. It shows why he was an integral part of the band as he delivers his trademark passionate sound.

"Open Up": Outstanding song. The formula of Carrack's vocals over a "coffee house" guitar sound works once again. Young also blends in his background vocals perfectly.

"When I Get Over You": This song has more of a classic Mechanics sound with a heavier use of keyboards in this song. Young is terrific on the lead vocals.

"If Only": Great track. The highlight of this song is going to be a trademark intense vocal performance by Carrack. This song has a slower melody.

"Asking": This song has a "remix" type of beginning with the words "Asking". This song then progresses into an R&B sound with Carrack delivering vocals.

"Always Listen to Your Heart": If you heard Genesis' "Calling All Stations" album with Ray Wilson, the chorus is going to have a similar "haunting" sound to it.

"Did You See Me Coming": The "Coffee House" guitar sound is going to start this song. There is a terrific 'aaaaah" that highlights the chorus.

"Look Across Dreamland": Young gets the nod to take the lead vocals and his vocals will be the highlight. This would be the last song on the album, but also the last song by Paul Young as he would pass away just one year later.

Mike + The Mechanics have always turned out quality products. This album is right up there with their best - there is not one bad or weak song on this collection. If you can find this album, it is worth getting. Highly recommended.

I really enjoy this album. There are 13 songs, the most for a Mechanics release. All but a couple are very good. Whenever I Stop, the opening track is among my favorite Mechanic songs ever. A great little pop number with acoustic feel and fantastic hook. Kind of like "Over My Shoulder" but even better. Second track, "now That You're Gone" is more of a dance pop song but still very catchy. My only complaint with this album is there are 8 Paul Carrack songs and only 5 Paul Young songs and actually one of those "Ordinary Girl" Carrack harmonizes with Young. I like Carrack but Young is the better vocalist in my opinion. He got the short straw on this album unfortunately. As an earlier review stated it does seem a little like a Carrack solo record but it is still very good and recommend it for any Mechanics or Carrack fan.

M6 is another great album from Mike & the Mechanics. I like to think of it as all their previous works put together with some newer stuff added into the mix.

The opening song, "Whenever I Stop" starts the album off and sets the stage for the album itself. Paul Carrack does most of the singing on this album, but his voice is one of the best. He shines through on the light-hearted "Ordinary Girl" the rocking "What will you do" the soft and memorable "Open Up" and "Asking (for the last time)," and "If Only" and "All the Light I Need" some my personal favorites, soft pop music to the ears. Carrack also delievers on "Now that You're Gone" a dance-pop song that grows on you quickly.

Paul Young (we miss you so!) also shines on his tracks, the dark yet powerful "When I get over you" relaxing feel-good "My Little Island" and the beautiful "Look Across At Dreamland." My favorite song from the album is also a Young work, "Always Listen to your Heart." It's a mix pop with some of the classic sound from previous M&M albums.

If you enjoyed all of Mike & the Mechanic's earlier works, you'll like this album, too. Also, try Paul Carrack's solo albums! You won't be disappointed!

Paul Young might not have had the same impact or following that Freddy Mercury did, but he was the same quality of vocalist for his genre. Mike Rutherford, Paul Carrack and Paul Young were a much more inspiring trio then the post Peter Gabriel Genesis team, unfortunately we will no longer get music from M&M. There is not a bad song on the album (CD), and "Whenever I stop" sets the tone for everything else. Immediately following that "Now that you've gone" jumps in with a seldom heard dance tempo for the guys. In the spirit of "The Living Years" comes "All the Light I need." For fans of "Beggar on a Beach..." they threw in "My Little Island" and "If Only." A stand alone tune is "Always Listen to your Heart."

These guys do what anyone likes or follows M&M they did what they always do, they keep it very comfortable and they tie it all back to their other albums in one fashion or another.

If you like M&M you might also try Paul Carrack's solo albums (Blue Views or Satisfy my Soul), or anything Chris DeBurgh (my favorites are The Get Away, Crusader and Man on the Line).

As a long standing Genesis fan, and more of a Peter Gabriel and Tony Banks groupie, I still love Mike and the Mechanics. I only recently learned about M6 and was shocked at how outstanding this album plays (a hidden gem for me). My wife is already annoyed with me for playing it over and over again in the car. This is a pretty good barometer for much I like a new album. I will not detail the entire album, but for me 2 songs stand above the rest.

"Ordinary Girl" opens with 20 seconds of ELO-esque violins and transitions into a very catchy, almost reminiscent of the Traveling Wilburys, guitar riff. You can here the influence of Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty, and the Beatles on this catchy yet simple and joyful tune. The lyrics describe how an ordinary girl cannot be wooed away from her ordinary man by another who offers more worldly riches.

"All the Light I Need" is a gorgeous ballad with beautiful vocals and harmonies. Tear jerking lyrics appropriately fit the tone of this lyrically simple yet poignant song. The piano is a nice addition to the song, but I cannot do the music justice in description, so sit back, listen, and enjoy.


I only gave M6 4 stars, because I reserve 5 stars for albums like, Rubber Soul, but it is a must listen if you like the Mechanics.

Robertson, Rutherford, and Neil continue to write heartfelt lyrics and melodies. What's missing on this record is Paul Young. Yes, he's pictured in the jacket and listed in the credits--but songs featuring him are few and far in between. Definately a Paul Carrack record; in fact it sounds a lot like Carrack's previous work/solo albums rather than a Mechanics record. (Maybe because he co-wrote many of the songs this time 'round?)