Mark Mulcahy is the former lead singer of Miracle Legion, the band responsible for such jangly indie-rock classics as Surprise Surprise Surprise (1987) and Me And Mr. Ray (1989). For his solo debut, Mulcahy chose to truly go it alone, playing all the instruments on this collection of ten original compositions. The result is a glorious and engaging pop-rock gem.
The album begins with the 1-2 punch of “Hey Self Defeater” and “Hurry, Please Hurry”, a couple of delicate ballads featuring gently strummed guitars. Mulcahy’s poignant, expressive voice is in fine form throughout Fathering, the lead vocals often meshing beautifully with his own backup singing. He even has the confidence (or gall) to sing “Ciao My Shining Star” in a falsetto…and it works.
“Bill Jocko” weaves back and forth between a theatrical Tom Waits vibe and a toe-tapping tale of drunk driving. Here, the infectious music provides a sharp contrast to the gruesome subject matter. The same is true for the gently swaying melody of “Apartment Murders”. Sprinkled throughout the album are subtle touches of tambourine, wooden flute and maracas.
The lyrics to “I Woke Up In The Mayflower” provide a commentary on Mulcahy’s solo career and make reference to his songwriting partner in Miracle Legion, Ray Neal: “Could I make a comeback, based on what I have done?/And can I have the keys, please, to get out of this dungeon?/Will I be alternative, if I change myself around from year to year?/Or will I be like Mr. Ray, and get myself on outta here?”
Mulcahy’s debut ends with a hidden track containing samples of spoken-word recordings. Miracle Legion’s swan song, Portrait Of A Damaged Family (1996), closes with a similar hidden track. While this may suggest some continuity with his recorded past, Mark Mulcahy has definitely moved into a new era.