Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

"The following writings were discovered in the fenland marshes preserved in a stone that had been split open by what we believe was some lunar force. They are widely accepted as being from a chronicle of a dust shaker. This fragment was dated spring 1995." Well, yes, er - Thank you, Dan. As cryptic as ever the amazing Mr Donovan returns. Your intrepid reviewer is not even sure about how to describe the album cover. It is a beautiful picture... but what exactly is it? Never mind the cover, what about the music? Ambiguous, cryptic, whatever, 'Dust Shaker' is also a thoughtful, fragile and moving album. There is a move away from The Tribe Of Dan sound and the Trashbone Thang towards a more rootsy, introspective, bluesy feel. Dan Donovan has been through some difficult times of late (including a failed marriage) and many of these songs must have been painful to write. They re certainly moving to hear. Dan has been living in Clare Street, hence the wonderful "Arms Of Clare" and is now based at The Seahorse in deepest Northamptonshire. But be warned! The 'Dust Shaker Tour' is a-comin'. Get ready to fasten on you antlers. But, in the meantime, while away these dark winter evenings by listening to 'Dust Shaker' - it's good.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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