The Go-Betweens – 16
LOVERS LANE
He was not supposed
to like this album. Not at all. He had a vast collection of 60s singles on vinyl
(including The Monkees’ immortal “Alternate Title”), thought “She’s Your Lover
Now” was Dylan’s best song and played in a bluegrass band in the streets of
Newcastle.
But I did play it to
him, and at some point during “Love Is A Sign” he nodded his head in quiet
appreciation. “This is good”. By the
tone of it, this was verging on delight.
That said, it’s hard
to play certain albums to other people. It’s not so much insecurity as a fear
to be disappointed. Or in some way discouraged from communicating with these
people. You get over that with age, inevitably you do, even if you still wince
at someone unmoved by The Elephant Man
or bored by Pale Fire. These albums
are normally made by artists who speak to you.
As opposed to whoever else is listening.
16 Lovers Lane is the sound of intense, poetic, emotional,
intelligent pop genius.
