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Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Erasure – Light At The End Of The Tunnel:
As they approach their 25th anniversary, it’s a credit to the duo that every now and then they continue to churn out top notch pop songs. Not since the utterly gorgeous and sublime Breathe have the boys sounded so together and confident. The songs play to the strengths of Andy Bell’s gorgeous breathy vocals and tackle some intensely personal issues. It’s all froth and fun on the first two singles though, I Could Fall In Love and the adorable Sunday Girl (following the Arctic Monkeys example of releasing the better song second is a brave move) that percolate with modern computer pop slickness. When A Lover Leaves You should definitely be considered as a single as the poignant lyrics marry the music perfectly as Andy addresses the sad death of a lover. It’s actually a very listenable album, and while I think that sadly they are past the point of winning masses of new converts to their cause, it will serve the old faithful well and provide us all with true pop moments, not Scooch pop moments.
The Scottish band return with another uniquely titled album (named after Fran Healy’s baby boy) – their first since the underrated, politically charged 12 Memories. When Why Does It Always Rain On Me came out (an all time favourite of mine), they were hailed as the all conquering force for emotionally charged pop songs. While Keane and Coldplay may have stolen their thunder, Travis continue to put out bitter sweet melodic tunes. First single Closer has a gentle warm ambience about it that feels like Fran reaching out of the speakers to give you a hug. Along with the absolutely criminal-if-not-chosen-for-a-single Battleships, it’s easily the stand out tune of the album. However, there are other little pearls to be dived for here... My Eyes is an amazing tune that totally bathes in the marvel and joys of parenthood without coming across as sickly sweet (take note Carnie Wilson and Celine Dion). Selfish Jean has a great swagger to it and Big Chair has a refreshing beat that propels it along nicely. Again, like Erasure, not destined to win hundreds of new fans, but a nice reminder that decent melodic pop music is still out there for those that want it.
Labels: album assessment
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