An epic cockney travelogue that contains all the essential elements of classic Madness,from their new album just 30 years after their debut,this ten minute epic takes you through the London of their past and present and changes tempo at least every two minutes without ever losing your attention .
This is being acknowledged as a bona fide classic by a group who have been together pretty much since 1978 ,that is a victory for persistance and talent .
from The Liberty of Norton Folgate available on CD - The Liberty of Norton Filgate
This sounds like the sun going down on 15 years of dance culture ,the raver sounding older and wiser on this Ibizan sun kissed "dance ballad" ?
A reflective intro gives way to a keyboard break chorus and back again but building in layers to a celebratory pitch ,both chilled and euphoric in equal measure ,a grown up dance track for the Brit Pop generation
from the single I’m Not Alone available on CD - I,m Not Alone c.d single
A lesson in how to make despair sound appealing and seductive. An under played female vocal relays the vision of an unhappy soul to surreal lyrics and lush orchestration and all distilled and inspired into the name of a building firm seen on the side of a van "Hobart Paving" ,a real building firm still in existence .
Reminiscent of Brian Wilson and The Zombies at their most reflective and a french horn solo that will give you a lump in the throat .
from the single Hobart Paving available on CD - Smash The System
04 Jun 09 ·delicado: Alright geezer?
Yes - a really lovely track. It took me several years to be converted to the band but I'm hooked now. 04 Apr 14 ·psansom: Hi - I have been seeking the Hobart Paving track, specifically as you mention, the one with the lovely french horn solo. I bought the St Etienne \"So Tough\" CD but the version of Hobart Paving on that has a different solo, a really wishy washy harmonica type event. Are you able to let me know please on what specific St Etienne CD is that best version of Hobart Paving with that french horn solo? Many thanks - Peter (email: [email protected])
A breezy ,loose fresh sounding slice of country rock but with the element of British austerity to temper those American influences .
Imagine if Liam Gallagher had joined The Charlatans and they had eloped to Virginia together then that might hint at the sound of this superlative slice of summer.
In which Costello lands the role of Smokey Robinson,a bittersweet lament to the unluckiest man in love in the style of The Miracles at their best,the usual lyrical brilliance assisted by the wonderfully eclectic Attractions,a pop masterpiece in the form of homage to one of his own idols
from Punch The Clock available on CD - Punch the Clock