Paul Cusick – Focal Point

First of all I have to thank Mr. Cheezy, one of our contributors here on MFTM for recommending Paul Cusick to our ears. It was one of many highlights from his recent Long and Winding Music Mix and demonstrates what fantastic taste in music you guys have.

The album, Focal Point, is one of those albums that on first listen you say “mmm that was good”. On second and third listen you say “mmm I like this, who is this guy?” – and on the 4th or 5th listen you are gently foaming at the month saying “Gosh, this is truly f*%@ing wonderful, where has this guy been all my life”.

It’s a very good album and if you like Porcupine Tree, Floyd, Marillion etc. you will like this. One question for you – I have numerous albums by these bands and more – I don’t play them every day, but they are classic albums that hit the spot time after time after time.

So why should you buy Paul’s album?

Reason to buy it No. 1 – this guy is very talented, is keeping the prog rock genre alive and it sounds very fresh in his hands.

Reason to buy it No. 2 – This guy is an honest, hard working musician who has put all his talents, his efforts, his blood, sweat and tears into making this album – he should be supported. He wrote and recorded this debut album, whilst still maintaining his career as a freelance Chartered Civil Engineer and plays all the instruments (except for drums).

Reason to buy No. 3 – It’s a bloody good album with 12 songs that are truly memorable, have great melody and structure. Songs that you can play time and time again and hear something new every time – its a wonderful achievement. There are too many highlights to note here, but I particularly like his use of sound effects, the whurr of helicopter blades, the telephone conversation you can’t quite hear – it all adds mystery and drama.

Reason No. 4 – We all have Floyd, PT, Marillion etc. but guys like Paul are surely the future of not only prog rock but of rock music in general. Paul has, in spite of recording and distribution offers, chosen to remain independent. This allows him the freedom to release what he wants whenever he wants – the freedom not to bow to music industry executives who think they know what we want – Paul has the power to make the music he wants to make – for this reason you should buy his album. Buy the album directly from Paul or from here.

Then sit down in your favourite chair, pour yourself a glass or two of whatever takes your fancy, and listen. Listen and enjoy.

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