Is anyone else sick to the back teeth of this bloody phrase? It must be one of the most used or paraphrased in music, and consequently, one of the most cliched too. Perhaps, then, it's a suitable title for David Kitt's fourth album, especially considering that his two previous efforts were diabolically bad (2003's Square One and 2004's dire covers album The Black and Red Notebook).Fortunately, however, much as it may pain the 'Kittser'-haters amongst the population to admit, Not Fade Away is actually really rather good. This time 'round, the warm texture, variation of style and overall contentment of the songs overcome his uncompromisingly dull and languid vocals, which is a start - especially if that dreary monotone has been a source of alienation in the past. Opener One Clear Way borrows (apparently shamelessly) the bassline from Air's La Femme d'Argent and coats it in a multitude of laidback summer sunbeams; Up to You sees him scrounge a similar line from U2's early years, add a Hammond organ and gospel vibe and duly expand his sound admirably, and both I Know the Reason and the excellent Say No More are bustling, rock-out affairs and welcome additions to an album that, despite its fleeting brilliance, still tends to plod now and again (Nothing Else).To keep things fresh, he's even roped in a number of special guests: two of the Magic Numbers (the hairy ones) appear here, as do members of Irish post-rock masters The Redneck Manifesto and various other members of the Whelan's Posse. Harking back to his lo-fi organic bedroom beginnings in places (Grey Day, With You) will be enough to please the Kitt Parade in their entirety, as will the polite nods to Gram Parsons and Americana (Wish and I Won't Stop) - but whether this undeniably decent collection is enough to win over the cynics is another thing. Either way, it would appear that David Kitt isn't ready to fade away just yet.
