A Larum

If you have any doubt that this is great music find a way to listen to a few of the songs at lost Highway or Johnny Flynn's myspace site. Think Nick Drake does country perhaps. This is rocking and witty, yet thoughtful country-folk-blues music sung in a sonorous and sometimes mournfull voice by Johnny Flynn. "Hong Kong Cemetry" Reminds me of Beirut in its opening chords and then goes in Johnny's own unique direction. "All the Dogs are Lying Down" reminds me of the Celtic folk-rockers Whapweasel.Consider these great lyrics from Leftovers: "Leftovers is what I want. Don't need no fine cusine Give me a dime for bacon rind..." sung (in this example) in a wonderful upbeat style. Or these lyrics from Shore to Shore: "Jesus won't you please us cause you seem a damn nice guy." There are so many great songs I can't choose a favorite. Listen and buy it.

Johnny Flynn can do no wrong in my book. I write this review on a CD that I've had for over a year and can't seem to take out of my CD changer. I just bought his most recent CD last week (Been Listening) and it is incredible!A Larum contains 13 songs and eazch of them beter thn the one before. It starts out with Teh Box which was the first Johnny Flynn song I'd ever heard and the one that hooked me. As if that wasn't enough The Wrote and The Writ and Brown Trout Blues (my personal favorite) are songs I could sing in my sleep and sing everywhere else to make up for the fact that I don't.BUY THIS CD! Johnny Flynn is sotal original and sounds like no one else. Also, see him live if you get the chance. He's on tour right now and he's amazing!

I was super happy to see this album reissued as copies in the second-hand market are rare and often very pricy. But I was very disappointed with the album's packaging. There was no information about the individual songs, such as can be found in the CD release and the original LP, and there was no booklet. Whomever came up with the reissue design really missed it on this one!

This is one of my favorite genres. I love folk music. I love singer-songwriter music. And there are just too few quality baritone singers in popular music. Flynns lyrics are very British, so his word choices and references are always surprising to Yank ears. His affinity for John Fahey guitar stylings make his work very approachable for me. Good stuff.

I love Johnny Flynn music ! You can hear how he feels the lyrics in the sound of his voice. It comes through on every track . He IS an authentic artist! On every cd he comes through with pure joy ! Take a listen , sit back and ENJOY every bit. Added plus, he’s a very good actor as well ! Great talents!!! Looking forward to much more from him ! Thank you.

I"ve owned this album for over a year and I still find it in my rotation. It's very well crafted and I find it works at all times of the day. Morning with coffee and for sleep as well.They have created a wonderful mixture of melancholia and positiveness that is difficult to do and a joy to listen to.Thank you Johnny Flynn & the Sussex Wit for hours upon hours of musical happiness.

Johnny's best songs.

I first stumbled upon this band via a link to their Wikipedia page and when I heard bits of this album I fell in love with it. Each song has such a distinct quality to it's sound and the lyrics are beautiful and inventive. All of the great sounds of the band come through even better on the vinyl.

Johnny Flynn.....bought this because I am a big fan of Detectorists (he wrote and performs the theme song) and wanted to see if I would enjoy other pieces of his work. It is different! I find his work whether it be music or acting has an appeal that I can't quite put my finger on.....honesty perhaps? Anyway, I am a fan and love it.Listen to it often...

Really enjoyed this - hard to pin down the style, which is a recommendation itself - mix of folksy songs with some rye lyrics. Who'd have thought you;d find the little ditty "when you're dead" earworming its way into your head.

sans commentaire

I love this CD, especially 'Eyeless in Holloway'. Have been a huge fan ever since I saw him in Lovesick (Scrotal Recall) and googled his name to see what else he'd been in. At the time I had no idea he was a musician. So glad I found out!!! Now I have a collection of his music.

Johnny Flynn has produced some great modern folk music - steeped in the historically aware (in folk terms) traditions of the likes of Denny era Fairport Convention, yet Johnny offers his twists and great voice, and great ability to mutter a killer hook amongst travelling variations.Yes I said that in all one sentence.A Larum is a must hear for any folk fan - stand out tunes? There are.....but Im not gonna say because the charm of this kind of album is the whole album listening experience. You will not be disappointed. Think catch Fairport COnvention Tunes. Think sadness and charm and fooling around. Think existential beauty and silly football puns.Currently listening to Been Listening......also fab - a bit more rock like but totally folky too and some great duets alongside Laura Marling.Johnny is still young, talented and hopefully he will stick to his love of folk and let it blossom on his next works.Havent heard latest album yet........still happily absorbing the other two.....