Perth born singer songwriter Paul Jackson is releasing his new single “The Head and the Handle” – a retro feeling, emotive track with a continually catchy beat – today Wednesday, July 16th. The new song was recorded at The Lab Studios in Auckland, New Zealand, and was produced by Scott Seabright (Neil Finn, Mick Fleetwood, Passenger) with Paul Jackson on vocals, guitar, bass and harmonica, Stephen Small on piano and keyboard and Adam Tobeck on drums.
“This is a song of nostalgia which came in parts over a long period of time,” Jackson said. “The first lines came while sitting on a balcony overlooking a river in Gisborne, New Zealand, where I’d moved with my Irish girlfriend. The phrase ‘the head and the handle’ refers to the philosophical idea of identity over time – asking, if all parts of something are replaced, is it still the same thing? Juxtaposed with the line ‘if I knew then what I know now’, the song reflects a calm nostalgia and self acceptance.”
“The Head and the Handle” is a little reminiscent of some of my favorite Saw Doctors songs, while still being utterly unique. It’s a warm, reflective piece with weighty lyrics that manages to squeeze in a passionate harmonica solo (an homage to “Rainy Night in Soho” by Shane MacGowan), and really gives Jackson a chance to further show off that particular brand which has earned him a strong following on Clare FM.
This is a song that feels full of heart, and for me, it’s a solid 7/10.
Reviewer – Rachel Cooney