John O’Regan wrote this review which first ran over on Green Man Review.
In their own words, The Clumsy Lovers play, for lack of a better phrase, “Raging Bluegrass Celtic Rock.” You might call it a “genre-hopping mix of fiddle-and-banjo-fueled supercharged folk-rock”. That is a pretty accurate description of this Canadian outfit’s capabilies. Seven albums and innumerable concert and festival appearances have tightened the band and helped realize their musical vision.
Just like the title suggests Under The Covers with The Clumsy Lovers is an album of cover versions. However the swagbag includes songs by Paul Simon, Shane McGowan right through to U2, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, so this is a pretty eclectic collection. Likewise, the band’s habit of inserting tunes from Irish, Scots, bluegrass, and other genres into songs with equal aplomb shows no lack of imagination. Indeed, this very boldness is what makes this album such a refreshing treat for the ears. The sound is like a great live band, fiery, and energetic, full of subtle nuances that belie the punch-drunk velocity with which they attack their craft. Jason Homey’s banjo and Andrea Lewis’ fiddle are an exciting front duet while Trevor Rogers’ vocals recall Shane McGowan at times. While The Pogues adrenaline pulses through their veins, The Clumsy Lovers have some tricks of their own.
The selection of material on Under The Covers with The Clumsy Lovers is wide ranging and unusual to say the least; U2′s “Where the Streets Have No Name” includes inserts from Home On The Range and the fiddle tune “The Tyska Polka.” That’s just one instance where the Clumsy Lovers’ eclecticism and combined virtuosity yields intriguing results. “Norwegian Wood” is another prime example delivered with a snappy pop rhythm complete with Eastern sounding violins; the result resembles a rootsy version of Madness — the brilliant English, 1980′s pop eccentrics. Instrumentally, The Clumsy Lovers master their collective crafts very well.
As a souvenir of a high-energy live show Under The Covers with The Clumsy Lovers captures both their eclecticism and greased lightning bluster. For the casual listener it’s a lively ride through some standard favorites seen through delightfully different eyes.
(Clumsy Lover Records, 2002)
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