Apologies for the awful pun in the post title. I've spent all week trying to think of a pun based on Lloyd's Bank but I couldn't think of one that was remotely complimentary.
A new Lloyd Cole album is always a cause for celebration in this house. I've had the latest one over a month now though and I'm still not quite sure what to make of it. "Change of direction" is an understatement, as Lloyd abandons "sad old man guitar music" and embraces 80s electronic pop in a way that makes me feel he's been listening to a lot of John Grant. The fruity language suggests the same... never thought I'd hear Lloyd singing, "So I'm a complicated mother-fucker, you knew that..." Although this record certainly re-affirms his complicated nature.
Unlike most other Lloyd Cole records, this one has taken a while to grow on me. I'm not sure why, because the lyrics are prime Lloyd and the music works. It's not Lloyd trying to be contemporary (always a mistake for 50+ musicians)... because, let's face it, the 80s were a bloody long time ago.
You can listen to the whole of Guesswork at Lloyd's website, should you be interested. It's definitely worth persevering with and he should definitely be lauded for trying something different and not playing it safe by releasing just another Lloyd Cole guitar album. After all, guitar music's dead, isn't it?
(Let's hope not.)
Here's my current favourite track. I have no idea what it's about, but it's quite mesmerising...
I can't imagine Lloyd Cole not being a miserable bu**er but I'll check out the album on his website. Cheers.
ReplyDeleteHe's very amiable whenever I've seen him live. I think the miserable thing is an act!
DeleteGiven the fruity language I take it that it will not find it's way onto one of Sam's playlists?
ReplyDeleteProbably not. There have been occasions where such songs have ended up on his CDs and I've had to cough loudly over certain bits. Or I've spend ages finding a radio edit online (Ben Folds, Rocking The Suburbs).
DeleteProbably wise to give Plaistow Patricia a miss
DeleteA slooooow grower at that, Rol. When I first started listening, I flat out did not like this album. It took months, but I have come around. Don't give up, dear listeners.
ReplyDelete