David Gray - The EP’s ’92–’94 (2001)

One of the nicer things about David Gray becoming successful--which he very much has on the heels of White Ladder's much-deserved platinum sales--is the sudden availability of his older work. Much of the material on The EP's 92-94 was unjustly ignored outside the UK upon its release, despite certain influential admirers--Joan Baez, after hearing his 1992 debut, A Century Ends, proclaimed him "the best lyricist since Dylan." While that might be a bit much, The EP's, taken from singles and B-sides off Century and 1994's Flesh, expertly captures both the intensity and the schmaltz-free poignancy of Gray's music. Kicking off with the stunning "Birds Without Wings," and moving through now-familiar tunes (from Gray's frequent touring) like "Shine," Gray's distinctive vocal style is in full bloom as he chews and spits out vowels like watermelon seeds. Like most of his work pre-Ladder, Gray's approach here is sparser, often featuring only voice and guitar, and even more akin to the naked poetry of folk soulmates like Van Morrison. There are exceptions, as the up-tempo rocker "Wisdom" could easily fit on White Ladder if its earthy drum sound was leavened with a little more of that record's subtle electronica. Regardless of his arrangements, Gray can always be counted on to avoid easy sentimentality while still rending hearts and reaching for universality. (This enhanced CD also contains videos of "Shine" and "Wisdom".) --Matthew Cooke