Unbeknownst to some, Graham Coxon's solo career began back when he was still a member of Blur, with 1998's The Sky is Too High. It wasn't until he left the band, however, and released 2004's Happiness in Magazines that he really began to establish himself. While his former bandmates were looking to experiment, Coxon was content to perform his own brand of pop music, mixing late 60's psychedelic rock with late 70's punk. Love Travels at Illegal Speeds, his sixth solo album, continues the trend.It all starts off fantastic, with the build up of drums and guitar on "Standing On My Own Again." Coxon's never had the greatest range in his voice, but knows his limits, and sounds great on "Standing..." It has everything a great rock single should, easily standing alongside any of Damon Albarn's recent material. (Note: Never say that if meeting Coxon in person - he hates comparisons to his old band). Unfortunately, that's as good as the album gets. The punk songs - in greater abundance this time than on Happiness... - are all a bit rough and formulaic. The highlights come when Coxon steps out of the punk rock mold - the dark ballad, "Just a State of Mind"; the upbeat acoustic, "Don't Believe Anything I Say"; and "Flights to the Sea (Lovely Rain)," which sounds a bit like Stealer's Wheel.
Coxon has always been gifted, and seems to have no problem crafting a great single - he just has not translated that into a great album yet.
3 (out of 5)
::Previously::
1 Review: "Standing On My Own Again" / Graham Coxon
::Video::
Making of "Standing On My Own Again"
7 comments:
Minor disappointment then Will ? I bought the album on the day it came out and I've only listened to it twice. The new single is good "You & I".
Just a tad bit of a dissappointment. The ones that I like, I really like. He really does make great singles ... and I would like to see him live.
I'd like to make over $900 having fun!
I love learning about music I've never heard before. Great post Will!
Mmz, not my cup of tea. I really like indie/experimental stuff etc. but this just doesn't cut it for me... oh well! :)
regards,
Chris
I've never seen Graham Coxon smile before. Nice to know he's not always as sad as he looks. "Standing.. " sounds good.
Phoenix - anytime, man. Glad to turn people onto the music I like.
Chris - Understood. It's not quite indie/experimental as I would like. Are you a Blur fan at all?
Barbara - Come to think of it, I don't think I've seen him smile. Maybe in the "Coffee and TV" video ... or am I confusing him with the milkbox?
I'm sure he is often mistaken for a milkbox.
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