I have a definite love of 'Spare Bedroom' CD's.

They are so much more exciting than so many 'proper' studio recordings with everything levelled out and every zit squeezed and blemishes pasted over.
Self-made albums have a bit of passion and conviction about them.

Mike Silk's Several Songs falls into this category.

For many people, the heart-wrenching lyrics will make it too hard to listen to for long, but it's all about a rather sad view of reality and honesty, especially in songs such as Regarding Love.

Mike is from the Leonard Cohen stable, he even sounds like him, but I suspect not intentionally.

The doleful tunes and gravelly voices are definitely the stuff of late nights, black coffee and heavy conversations, but I love it.

The 70's wasn't the only time for thoughtful reflection. There is a time to weep as well as a time to laugh, as the Bible says.

If you're into Leonard Cohen, buy this album direct from Mike.

Mike's yearning melodies and gentle guitar style will make you listen and think.

It's not perfect, I'd argue with some of the use of lyrics here and there, and perhaps it's a bit too woeful, but it's real.