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Paul Timings: Paul Timings

Christchurch singer/songwriter, Paul Timings' self-titled album takes a step back in time to a style made popular by Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Cockburn - good honest acoustic folk-blues music. This well-presented (and self-released) debut CD features 10 original tracks recorded by Geoff Cox at Crossworks Studios. Timings plays guitar and sings on all tracks with limited backing vocals from Laura Tomlin. Lyrics range from the standard lovers lament to more topical current events such as suicide bombers and a little ditty titled Talkin' Bin Laden Blues. If there is any complaint, it is that his young voice lacks the character of his idols who are stylistically such a strong influence. They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and they are possibly right, but to be honest Paul Timings is at his best when he sings as himself - track eight, Say Hello From Me is a fine example. Still, at 21, it's early days.