The Proclaimers: Charlie Reid (vocals, guitars); Craig Reid (vocals).
Additional personnel: Stuart Nisbet (mandolin, penny whistle); Gerry Hogan (steel guitar); Steve Shaw (fiddle); Dave Whetstone (melodeon); Pete Wingfield (keyboards); Phil Cranham (bass); Paul Robinson (drums).
Originally released on Chrysalis (21668).
SUNSHINE ON LEITH continues in much the same vein as Craig and Charlie Reed's debut, THIS IS THE STORY, with inventive harmonies, blue-eyed soul, and straight-ahead acoustic songs. The brothers' excellent, hook-heavy tunes and distinctive vocals, heavily flavored by their appealing Scottish diction, are rooted in folk. Here, the song structures and harmonies are high caliber coffeehouse fare, and the acoustic guitars loom large; the sound is expanded and strengthened by electric guitars, piano, violin, and a tight rhythm section.
"I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" sets the tone for the album with its infectious, punchy chorus and the brothers' close, interlocking harmony. Though singalong barroom ditties such as "Cap in Hand" and "Oh Jean" gloss the duo's native musical heritage, there is also a noticeable influence of American musical forms. '50s and '60s rock & roll crops up in "I'm On My Way," while country music seems to inform "It's Saturday Night." Even some of the more overt folk balladry is given the down-home tang of a steel guitar, as on "My Old Friend the Blues" and the title track. SUNSHINE finds The Proclaimers' sound much matured and just as enjoyable as before.
