Like all good things, Ed Harcourt appeared like a bolt from the blue. The debut of British songwriter Here Be Monsters (2001) was critically acclaimed and nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize. Harcourt has subsequently been placed on a pedestal several times by critics and Luster, his fifth album, again invites a standing ovation. At least with professional listeners, because outside the
… United Kingdom, Harcourt only manages to address a large audience in Scandinavia. The enthusiast will find candid songs on Luster that are beautifully recorded and played. After five good records, Harcourt is clearly one of the best British singer / songwriters of the noughties and can easily compete with other sensitive compatriots such as Tom McRae and Badly Drawn Boy. In terms of popularity, Harcourt is a bit behind, but certainly not in terms of talent. (JE)more
