Paul Weller has written some of my favourite songs of all time ("Going Underground", "The Bitterest Pill"). Sadly, none of his solo albums have even come close. They have all been... fine, I guess, but there is an uncomfortable sense that each time he succeeds, he just sounds like someone else. That said, 66 is one of his stronger albums - with the soulful, elegant waltz of "My Best Friend's Coat" and the timeless melody of the opening "Ship Of Fools" being especially noteworthy. A subdued, introspective affair with one point of interest: the verses of "Flying Fish" sound like "The Winner Takes It All" by ABBA.
Times being what they are, Camera Obscura should be huge. With their lightweight, twee-tinged pop, they provide the perfect escape from the current state of things. Just consider that album cover for a second. Look To The East, Look To The West is all lovely and cute, but very little sticks beyond the breezy chorus of "We're Going To Make It In A Man's World". Melodies should have a little more meat to them. Unassuming and inoffensive. Six out of ten (on a good day).
I have similar feelings towards Jessica Pratt's new album, but there is a certain mystery to her, something pleasant yet elusive. Here In The Pitch is a decidedly retro affair. Think of the early 60s, of folk pop so subtle it almost slips through your fingers. Good stuff but I'm afraid I need a little more edge in this kind of music.
Lives Outgrown is Beth Gibbons's first album in a million years (22, to be exact - her last LP was 2002's Out Of Season with Rustin Man), and it is just as good as you hoped it would be. Subtle and undeniably powerful. These shapeless folk songs are not particularly immediate but further listens are rewarding. The tunes may not reach the autumnal heights of Out Of Season, but you can't deny the voice and a certain profound tension which cuts through the album.
Arab Strap are reliably brilliant. This new album I'm totally fine with it 👍 don't give a fuck anymore 👍 is seedy, dark, strangely hypnotic. Sometimes uncomfortable but then they bang you on the head with a huge chorus. Sometimes too disco-ish and straightforward but then they knock you down, beautifully, with that unsettling Scottish whisper. Great stuff.
Did I really love Lousy With Sylvianbriar and give it a 10 out of 10 back in 2013 or something? Because I have no idea what Kevin Barnes is doing these days. This latest of Montreal album, Lady On The Cusp, is a fluffy slab of nothing. The man has lost it to the extent where you would be excused to think that he never really had it in the first place. Whimsical, psychedelic? Maybe. Mostly, though, just bloodless and dull.
Finally, Steve Albini went out with a bang. Shellac's last LP, To All Trains, is a rough post-punk explosion of noise and energy. It is not pretty but it never tries to be. And, at 28 minutes, it is criminal to avoid this premature goodbye.
Songs of the month:
"Dreg Queen" - Arab Strap
"Demolition" - Mick Harvey
"Frogs" - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
"Beyond The Sun" - Beth Gibbons
"Ship Of Fools" - Paul Weller
"Claw Machine" - Sloppy Jane
