In Paddy Casey’s native country of Ireland, his name could send a crowd into hysterics. In the United States, however, it is virtually unknown. Thanks to recent commercials on MTV profiling him and his music, Casey’s latest album may be the one that establishes him as an international celebrity.
Bringing back the genre of genuine folk music, but with a twist, “Addicted to Company” proves that Casey is worthy of whatever fame he receives. His unique sound is enough to intrigue you, but his one-of-a-kind voice and stellar songwriting abilities take center stage.
It seems that adding the background band was only necessary for the completion of the album, and that he could have succeeded alone with only his guitar.
The title track is a slow, but steady, tune accentuated by an acoustic guitar and a violin during the chorus. There is even a ringing xylophone evident during some parts. Casey’s voice is pleasant and he wastes no time getting through the lyrics, coming very close to rapping them. While it all may seem like one big mouthful, the words seem to bring you into Casey’s mind and leave you feeling like an old friend. He sings, “Maybe I’m just addicted to company and I love / Places to go and I love people to see / And that’s all right / That’s enough for tonight.”
Since he is a folk singer above all else, he has to have some songs protesting the fallen state of humanity. The song “Fear” is catchy with a serious meaning. The intense drum beat in the background and fast pace of the music mirrors the message he is trying to convey. “And I’m scared that my child won’t live a long time / With your murderin,’ rape and your drug money crime / Scared of the drugs stealin youth from the young / Well their life story. Well that’ll never be sung.” It is evident while listening to the song that it is not a trendy “make art, not war” attempt, but a heartfelt plea for change.
A song on the album that other critics have raved about is “City.” The funky mix of bass and saxophone create a truly unique sound, while Casey for once pronounces the words slowly with much detail. The story behind the song is of a lonely soul in the city, looking to make it big.
The song “Not Out to Get You” takes a trip back in time, with the tune and music coming inches away from the famous track “Putting on the Ritz.” “Leaving” is a ballad, with a light airy tune and a somewhat island-infused feel. The last track, “It’s Over Now,” is just Casey and his guitar. Reminiscent of his fellow Irish man Damien Rice in “The Blower’s Daughter,” he nearly screams the lyrics with raw emotion. “Well it’s over now, and we both know why / ‘Cause our bridges we burned as we passed them by / Yeah it’s over now, and the dream is broken / And all our bitter words, will have now been spoken.”
Without making any of the tunes cliché, Casey succeeds at including many emotionally jarring songs on his new album. The tracks include a cry for peace, the ballad of the lost soul and, of course, the break-up song. Although his curly red hair and skinny frame doesn’t scream “rock star” — his music speaks clearly of the road stretched out ahead. Soon enough, the name Paddy Casey will cause more than just the Irish to cheer.
