Album Review: Nation Shall Speak Unto Nation by Edwyn Collins

Instantly likeable songs that touch on communication issues, growing old and lessons of life, to be promoted by the Orange Juice lynchpin’s final UK tour As obvious as it may sound, a brush with death changes you. It makes you reassess things, and inevitably, informs your future movements. Which is why it’s impossible to listen to Edwyn Collins‘ 10th solo album Nation Shall Speak Unto Nation without remembering the event which almost cost him his life 20 years ago.

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Knowledge, the first song on Edwyn Collins' 10th solo album and the fifth since he suffered a catastrophic cerebral haemorrhage which nearly took his life in 2005, is a gorgeous and endlessly quotable piece of work. "Knowledge is a friend of mine / Once was lost, but now it's found," runs its world-weary chorus, with Collins' arch, reassuring croon sounding as strong as ever. There's a rustic warmth to the song's production, with steel guitar and piano murmuring away in the background and the voices of Lena Wright and Bianca White floating in gospel harmony over Collins'.

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The remarkable late career arc of Edwyn Collins has proved to be one of British music's most inspiring stories. Battling his way through some appalling health struggles , the songwriter has not only survived, but thrived - 2010's 'Losing Sleep' for example, easily ranks alongside his best work. Now firmly ensconced in the Highland village of Helmsdale, new album 'Nation Shall Speak Unto Nation' is wonderful, a warming song cycle of wit and affection, boasting pristine production and some fine, fine vocals.

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