Chosen By: Stu
Released: 28 January 2022
Comments -
Ben - It’s too simple for me. The melodies are ok but the sound is very basic, almost like commercially available generic backing tracks. The lyrics are also pretty basic, very literal and covering everyday subject matter. She hasn’t got a great singing voice and comes across a bit whingey. The politics and cultural references are in my wheelhouse but this isn’t nearly enough to make this record enjoyable or interesting for me.
Paul - I’ve got a couple of Helen Love’s early singles from the 90s. They’re fun and energetic and the sound of an indie-guitar summer. I haven’t paid her any attention since so was interested if she’d continued in that vein. This record certainly hasn’t. I wonder if she’s endured some sadness in her life recently. I have to agree with Ben about the basic backing music and the simple rhyming scheme of the vocals. It only comes to life in a couple of places - the chorus of Billy Liar and the title track where the music gives it a bit more of a Pet Shop Boys vibe. Shame. I’ll remember her for those early singles though.
Stu - I’m a huge fan and like you said Peej it is a departure from the drum machine backing and high speed bubblegum pop of her previous LPS!! I’ve got to know her personally which is nice and this LP is a reflection on her personality and losing family and living in a down trodden part of the world. I like the personal touch and I love the lyrics, very me, the same way I write my books! It hits all the right notes for me BUT I get where you guys are coming from! If I didn’t know Helen this would be different indeed! It’s 8/10 for me ❤️❤️❤️❤️
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