Conspiracy Theory

Yesterday I reviewed Part One of Lord Baldwin's new double music album, " A Flash Of Brilliance ".
Part Two is equally enthralling, musically, lyrically. This part of the album is an intellectual journey giving voice to a lot of the anxieties our world today plagues us with. The opening song of Part Two, " Conspiracy Theory " is deeply introspective and sets the mood for this poetic exploration of the world as it presents itself these days, full of shadows and duplicities. The unease is real, the questions unnerving. The song " I Shudder To Think ", explores a dream about a dystopian world where man has lost his moral compass. The song has a Tom Waits feel in the voice and emotions, that effectively underlie the anxiety and disbelief. " Thanatophobia ", exploring the anxieties of modern life, not the least of which is the fear of mass destruction due to a nuclear holocaust, is a surprisingly lyrical piece that beautifully expresses a longing for resolve and peace of mind, with the very effective instrumentation of a mournful and warning trumpet as if sounding from biblical times, a clever detail. "Replaced By A Robot " is a slyly humorous take on the escalating mechanization of life at the expense of the human component in the workforce. The harmonica in this song is a real treat. " And All For What ? " rings true to Neil Young in its mastery of voice and melancholy, a simply stunningly crafted poem deploring man's selfish exploitation of his fellow humans.  " Secret Societies " sent a chill up my spine. Against the backdrop of exquisite pianoplay, Lord Baldwin has President John F. Kennedy speak the famous warning before his untimely demise about the threat of a new world order at the hands of a global secret society bent on eliminating democracy. In a turn towards a more personal take on this interlude, " Spinning Plates " is a clever song about trying to juggle the challenges of being overburdened by life's relentless demands. " I Been Hearing Things " is a touching lovesong, whose colours are reminiscent of early Beatles songs in its guitarwork. With the last four songs, Lord Baldwin returns to the global concerns. " Nowadays " talks candidly about the world becoming a colder place emotionally and socially, with the instrumentation painting hints of the music of Jean Michel Jarre. " Things Will Get Better " is a bittersweet take on the realities of an unsure economic future.
This double album " A Flash Of Brilliance " is richly layered, emotionally, musically, intellectually and lyrically. Lord Baldwin visits us as a bard who comes to share his riches, the riches of his life's experiences shared with generosity of heart and mind. It is a journey both personal and universal, expressed with warmth and wisdom, connecting us not just to his soul and art, but to the realization we are all in this dumbfounding experience called life together, and that in the camaraderie of this togetherness there is hope, strength, courage and redemption.