I want to like this CD, I really do. It's just thatwellfor some reason I don't. Not that I don't but it isn't for me. Do I have a valid explanation? Knowing me (and believe me I KNOW me) I don't. I could give you a few lame excuses like:

- This would have been better if it was cut by about 4 songs (yes it would)
or
- His songwriting still has a way to go (he is only 19, give him a rest man! What were you doing at 19 'Disco' Stu? Fuck all!)

But really those things are quite obvious and both have simple reasoning behind them. From the looks of it, young Byron Short has footed the bill personally for this venture and damn it if he wants to put 12 tracks on it then who am I to argue? Secondly he just needs to find a good songwriting partner. After all he has attracted the interests of former Savage Garden maestro Daniel Jones (who engineered the album as well as pops up on keyboards on a few tracks) which is better than I could ever manage because I can't even attract the interests of women most of the time.

For what it's worth, a few tracks did prick my interest. The opening track for starters displays what a fine rock voice he has, one that belies his tender age. I am also quite partial to 'Desert Rose' with its psychedelic blues leanings as well as the Mike Patton-esque 'Devil And The Deep Blue Sea'. Stick to these left of centre sounds, leave the pop to others and everything will fall into place.

I am certain there is a good mini album in amongst what makes up Before My Time I just can't wait to hear it one day.