56 & Taller Than You Think is
Joe Brown's first studio album in nearly 25 years, and it's surprising how successful the record is. Granted, the album isn't much more than a nostalgic, laidback collection of pub rock, but there's a certain ingratiating charm to the whole thing that makes it work.
Brown contributes a handful of sturdy originals to the mix, but the highlights are "The Corner of Our Street," which he co-wrote with
Chris Difford, and covers of
Nick Lowe's "Without Love" and "The Rose of England." Those songs have enough melodic kick and sly wit for
Brown to chew on and adds some meat to a collection of unassuming roots-rock that should appeal to all old-time pub-rockers. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine