By the time Austin City Limits comes round England and Scotland might have filed for divorce but for now we are still together which means that we can call Paolo Nutini one of our own. Earlier this year the 27 year old (he's younger than me!) released his third album Caustic Love which seriously changed the game, along with flawless performances at Glastonbury and T In The Park he grew into a star.The Scot released his debut These Streets in 2006 which wasn't perfect but it had glowed with potential, three years on that potential came through with Sunny Side Up where Paolo used his chart-bothering pop skills from his first record but chiselled creditability into them and the end result came anthems like Candy and Coming Up Easy but it was Pencil Full Of Lead, the happiest song you will ever here stood out as a new era of pop.
It was an ever longer wait for Paolo's next release, six years it took Caustic Love to be created as he went through a break up but the result was exceptional. The album doesn't have anything like Pencil Full Of Lead on it but you don't need it, the intensity on Iron Sky is raw emotion and this is where Paolo really shines as a true artist, powerful vocals, universal-yet-personal lyrics and great tunes will always live on. This summers festival performances have shown a new confidence, he no longer looks uncomfortable on stage with his head down, he is now in control, standing tall, his voice was there to be listened to and he was backed by a band who feel like his band, not just some session musicians being paid to play, representing the latest chapter for the talented singer.I wasn't surprised that Caustic Love shot straight to number one but I was shocked when an arena tour was announced, how on earth would this introvert and awkward performer make arena shows work, then I watched his Glastonbury set and it all made sense and why his afternoon set on the Samsung Galaxy stage on day one of ACL will be a huge 'moment'. He will be starting festivities early playing at Stubb's BBQ the night before it all gets going over at Zilker Park.
This guy really is at the top of his game. You'd be a fool to miss out!
