Album Preview: Fran Healy “Wreckorder”

KCRW is happy to offer up the solo debut from Travis frotnman Fran Healy as part of our Album Preview series. Listen here

More from DJ Eric J Lawrence:

Fran Healy“Wreckorder” (Rykodisc)

Scottish rockers Travis have long been a KCRW favorite, appearing on Morning Becomes Eclectic numerous times. Bandleader Fran Healy has even served as something of a music scout for us, introducing then-music director Nic Harcourt to Coldplay during a visit in 2000. But most of all Travis has been an inspiration, demonstrating what chart-topping but critically-acclaimed British alternative rock can sound like in a post-Britpop world.

Now Healy has taken a break from the sometimes-overwhelming task of representing a group of artists by being the face of a band. He’s struck out on his own for his debut solo release, “Wreckorder.”

Longtime Travis fans should find plenty of familiar sounds on the album, but its intimacy and stripped down production reveal it to be a true solo release. Some remarkable guests chime in, including Neko Case on the duet, “Sing Me to Sleep,” and Sir Paul McCartney playing bass guitar on “As It Comes.” But it is Healy’s engaging personality and superior songcraft which fully shine throughout the album.

– Eric J. Lawrence, KCRW Music Librarian and DJ

“Wreckorder” Track listing:

1. In The Morning

2. Anything

3. Sing Me To Sleep

4. Fly In The Ointment

5. As It Comes

6. Buttercups

7. Shadow Boxing

8. Holiday

9. Rocking Chair

10. Moonshine