Elizabeth Fraser and Robin Guthrie may have said to the British music press, “Treasure was such an abortion. I hated it”, but the 1984 classic is still one of the band’s best-selling, best-loved studio albums. Originally, this, their third studio album, was to be produced by Brian Eno, but the band’s Robin Guthrie took thatContinue reading “Lost In Music: Cocteau Twins – Treasure”
Tag Archives: Classic albums
Overlooked Classics: Marc Almond With The Willing Sinners- Mother Fist
Much more than just beautifully crafted filth, Marc Almond’s third studio album from April 1987, created with backing band The Willing Sinners, is a doozie. Taking inspiration from Jean Genet, Judy Garland and the Weimar republic, Almond ‘s musical palette was ever widening, full of left turns and his trademark bon mots- he’s always hadContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Marc Almond With The Willing Sinners- Mother Fist”
Overlooked Classics: Nick Drake- Pink Moon
Everyone seems to like the other two Nick Drake albums- Five Leaves Left and Bryter Layter, but as much as I like them, for me it’s all about the quiet, sad, low-key gem from 1972, Pink Moon. Drake’s music, for me, reveals the kind of torpor of country life. It’s a paradox, a sense ofContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Nick Drake- Pink Moon”
Overlooked Classics: Goldfrapp – Seventh Tree
This one divided critics and audiences alike. The fourth album from Goldfrapp is a perfect spring album, all twittering birds, green fields and sunlit idyll. It’s a deliberate left turn from their previous foray into the sexually-charged glam of Black Cherry and Supernature. The folktronica direction evokes Nick Drake playing guitar under an oak tree,Continue reading “Overlooked Classics: Goldfrapp – Seventh Tree”
Mute Reissue These Immortal Souls
The blurb: THESE IMMORTAL SOULS ANNOUNCE LONG AWAITED REMASTERED REISSUES OF THEIR TWO STUDIO ALBUMS PLUS A BRAND NEW COLLECTION OF NEWLY DISCOVERED LIVE RECORDINGS & RARITIES GET LOST (DON’T LIE!), I’M NEVER GONNA DIE AGAIN & EXTRA – OUT 12 APRIL 2024 ON MUTE LISTEN TO AN UNRELEASED COVER OF ALICE COOPER’S ‘LUNEY TUNE’ A long-awaited remastered reissue of These ImmortalContinue reading “Mute Reissue These Immortal Souls”
Overlooked Classics: Sparks-Propaganda
Dismissed by American rock critic Robert Christgau as being made by “twerps’ (his slagging off is usually a good sign- just ask Iggy Pop) the fourth studio album saw Sparks expanding upon their trademark baroque pop sound, forever torn between arch and urbane (Something For The Girl With Everything) and sincere (the beautiful Never TurnContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Sparks-Propaganda”
Overlooked Classics: Little Simz- Grey Area
Maybe I’m cheating a little on this one, as it was the album which broke her (third time’s a charm) but I think Simz’ last two albums, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert and No Thank You have somewhat eclipsed even this 2019 gem. Grey Area broke the mould for UK hip hop in at leastContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Little Simz- Grey Area”
The Space Age Genius of Tomita
Before Air or Aphec Twin, there was Isao Tomita. Born in Tokyo, Japan in the early 30s, he’s often overlooked for similar sound pioneers. While Kraftwerk and The Radiophonic Workshop were rightly praised for their forward-thinking approach to electronic music in Europe, Tomita was quietly, brilliantly, doing his own thing in Japan. Sadly, his passingContinue reading “The Space Age Genius of Tomita”
Overlooked Classics: Danny Brown – Atrocity Exhibition
Overlooked may be a strong term, but this album by Danny Brown remains, for me, a trailblazer. There’s an old adage that goes, “you’re only as good as your friends” . I believe this is as true of artists and their collaborative colleagues. Featured here are Kendrick Lamar; Kelela, Be Real, Petite Noir and EarlContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Danny Brown – Atrocity Exhibition”
Lost In Music: David Bowie -Hunky Dory
Hunky Dory is, for me, absolutely peerless. It’s perfection. It’s still overlooked in favour of The Rise and Fall Of Ziggy Stardust, etc, but it never fails to make me feel all warm inside. It’s hard to believe that Bowie was only in his twenties when this masterpiece was created. The songwriting, as well asContinue reading “Lost In Music: David Bowie -Hunky Dory”
Hit The North 