I'm not quite sure what to say about this album to those uninitiated into lead singer Julian Cope's weird world. First, I should say that its a great album that I've found endlessly listenable. The production is clearly of the British neo-psychedelic school of the early '80's, but it never sounds in the slightest dated - its crisp and clean, beautifully varied in texture (never over-chorused or -flanged or synth-heavy) and it accordingly sounds like it could have been made last week or 25 years ago. The instrumentation is similarly perfect - the rhythm section is great, and Cope and his mates use horns (!) brilliantly - for an example, check out "Passionate Friend." All this inspired craftsmanship is married to Julian Cope's magnificent songwriting and singing, which elevates this to five-star, favorite album territory. Cope's songwriting is just great - melodic as all get-out, destroying conventional structures, but always in the service of the song and not just for effect. Sometimes, as a song is ending, he's still wringing new melodies from the song - again, check out "Passionate Friend" (which sounds equally informed by the Turtles and the Buzzcocks). Its almost all upbeat, exuberant pop, yet nevertheless imbued with an abiding sense of mystery and loss. The lyrics are opaque but still dazzling and revealing, the singing passionate. Every song is great, and after 3 years of listening to this frequently, like all great art, something new is always revealed or reflected, yet I know I'll never get to the great mysteries at the heart of this record. (As you can see, after I slow start, I can't say enough about this record!) In conclusion, this is a unique record you won't regret purchasing if you're a fan of slightly twisted power pop or psychedelia, and especially if you are a fan of the Chameleons UK, the Church, XTC, Echo, or Robyn Hitchcock. As high a recommendation as I can make! Thedevilscoachman
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