REVIEW: Dubstar, Goodbye (A&M)
- Bob Gajarsky
Lazy critics have compared them to the Smiths and Pet Shop Boys, but a more appropriate comparison for Britain's Dubstar is the non-political lyrics of Billy Bragg (noting that's a rare feat, indeed) combined with Kirsty Macoll's vocals. The Bragg comparison comes as no surprise to anyone who's spoken to lyricist and keyboardist Steve Hillier.
"There isn't another band dealing with this (lyrical) subject matter," notes Hillier. "My favorite songwriters are people like Billy Bragg and the Red House Painters; they sing about specific things that mean something to them and communicate that well to the listener."
Melancholy lead vocalist Sarah Blackwood does just that on the band's most recent album, Goodbye. Like a whirlpool, Dubstar's music sucks the listener in and won't let go. The light sounds would work both at the early evening hours of a club as well as during the afternoon hours of an adult alternative radio station. Because of this distinct audience, American radio has had a hard time discerning exactly *where* to fit Dubstar into their formats. I'd suggest simply programming it into AAA, and letting the wonderful pop music do the talking.
The highlight of this 17 (!) song selection is the first single, "Stars", which is a biographical tale of a musician's life. Hilliard explains, "You're playing away and no one is paying attention. You've put your heart into it and it's not working. It's a desperate song, from a sense of failure...the stars are a metaphor for your dreams (which) are fading."
Dance remixes of the singles "Not So Manic Now" and "Stars" offer immediate comparisons to Todd Terry's mixing work for Everything But The Girl, but it's best not to get caught up in the British hits. Rather, let Goodbye envelop you and take over your mind. After just one listen, you'll be glad you did.
