The Music Spectrum 2004 Year-End Lists:Special Feature: Glenn Aitken

The July 2004 issue of Uncut featured a compilation CD of tracks selected by Sir Paul McCartney. One of the tracks he selected was from a new songwriter, Glenn Aitken. Hailing from New Zealand, Aitken was a perfect choice for a compilation CD selected by a Beatle. The track, “The Way,” rings with McCartney-esque style, structure, and harmonies. The tender picked acoustic guitar actually is what drew me to seek out Aitken and hear more of his music.

A demo of Aitken’s other work shows that he has promise as a songwriter. “Underground” deepens the mood, expands his sound beyond the Beatles pop found on many other tracks, finding him in Glenn Tilbrook territory. I also hear at times the strains of folk singers such as David Wilcox and Ellis Paul. “My Finest Thing” and “Man in Stripes” especially have similarities to Ellis Paul’s songs.

Given the right backing musicians and production, Aitken could develop his music beyond this demo, letting the songs breathe and find full shape. As a featured writer on the staff of MPL Communications, it could also be that you might hear Aitken’s songs done by others in the future.

Thanks to Glenn Aitken for the review copy.