Lightships - Electric Cables
That guy from Teenage Fanclub does a collaboration.
Album
Teenage Fanclub may not have ever climbed above number 17 in the
charts, but they have a loyal following that will be quick to praise
Gerard Love's solo offerings. And Itchy says they'd be fully justified...
although wrong in thinking that the album was a solo effort.
The vocalist/bassist is quick to highlight the the cast of musicians that helped him play the album in his head. Admittedly it's his voice, alternatively low, falsetto and blurry, that echoes through the tracks - literally and figuratively. As a personal project it has depth and beauty, and as a collaboration of talented Glasgow musicians it has skill and confidence as well.
As an artist with an impressive CV of adding his touch to albums. there must have been a good amount of label-inflicted pressure to get this right. Luckily it's not suffered unduly and the simplicity makes it a good album for the late Summer, so even if you don't fall in love immediately, hang on to the links and we think you'll really get it when August rolls around.
The first tracks seem to tread in the old formulaic steps of those who've come before them - Bob Kildea, of Belle & Sebastian are among the 'and friends' - and it seems odd to champion them when there are much more poignant works hiding in the middle.
Our favourites are track four, Sweetness In Her Spark - hence the video below - and Every Blossom, track five. Those seem to be sung to someone. We'd like to know the story behind them if you're not busy, Gerard?
You can order the album online from iTunes.
Laura King
The vocalist/bassist is quick to highlight the the cast of musicians that helped him play the album in his head. Admittedly it's his voice, alternatively low, falsetto and blurry, that echoes through the tracks - literally and figuratively. As a personal project it has depth and beauty, and as a collaboration of talented Glasgow musicians it has skill and confidence as well.
As an artist with an impressive CV of adding his touch to albums. there must have been a good amount of label-inflicted pressure to get this right. Luckily it's not suffered unduly and the simplicity makes it a good album for the late Summer, so even if you don't fall in love immediately, hang on to the links and we think you'll really get it when August rolls around.
The first tracks seem to tread in the old formulaic steps of those who've come before them - Bob Kildea, of Belle & Sebastian are among the 'and friends' - and it seems odd to champion them when there are much more poignant works hiding in the middle.
Our favourites are track four, Sweetness In Her Spark - hence the video below - and Every Blossom, track five. Those seem to be sung to someone. We'd like to know the story behind them if you're not busy, Gerard?
You can order the album online from iTunes.
Laura King
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