Hitting the ground running with this excellent double A side single, Michael Armstrong is a mature songwriter who clearly has a respect for the great songwriters of his generation. At a time when most chart entrants are teenage whippersnappers, Armstrong has come to the game later than most, but this first single - leading up to a self titled album later this year - shows that he definitely has something about him.

The single is a twin single of two tracks - 'The Radio Years' and 'Back to Work'.

'The Radio Years': Opened by a string section which switches to a soft, sprawling rhythm for the first verse, this is a straightforward pop song that lives on its metaphor. It seems to me talking about a love affair, and all the great things that can come from a great relationship, but it's made clear in the booming chorus that this particular love affair is with the music on the radio. Keep an eye out for the classy throwback sax solo too.

'Back To Work': Built once more around a metaphor, this track moves the listener through the monotony of a working week from beginning to end. Until the weekend...which rolls right back into the Monday. It sounds drab, but it's lifted by its chugging rhythms and humour.

This is a strong start fro Michael Armstrong - search online for Michael Armstrong music to see for yourself - and it will be interesting to see what these tracks are like in the context of a full album.