Loudon Wainwright III - Older Than My Old Man Now

AMERICAN singer-songwriter Loudon Wainwright III turns his attention to the Grim Reaper in his latest generous musical offering.

This 15-track exploration of mortality takes an unflinching look at how time will be called on all our lives - sooner or later.

Now this would be grim listening indeed, without Wainwright's trademark wit and humour.

Joined by most of his immediate musical family, including son and daughter, Rufus and Martha, plus at least one ex-wife, Wainwright hits the mark with stand-out tracks All in a Family, The Days That We Die, In C, Somebody Else, Over the Hill - written with his late former wife, Kate McGarrigle - and the self-explanatory title track.

Blessed with poignant prose introductions by Wainwright's late father, this quality album's apparently gloomy subject matter is ultimately life-affirming.

8/10.
TERRY KELLY

Loudon Wainwright III
Older Than My Old Man Now
(Proper Records)