REVIEW: London Suede, Head Music (Columbia)
- Christina Apeles
Brit Pop's popularity has far from waned in the States, especially here in Los Angeles where several clubs promote a Brit Pop night with local bands offering their brands of English-inspired rock 'n' roll, and DJs spinning recent hits from Blur, Pulp, Verve, Oasis, and of course, the London Suede. No doubt one of the most successful bands to emerge from the second British Invasion, London Suede releases their latest album, Head Music, with thirteen tracks that far from break new ground musically, but will nonetheless please listeners with their effortless euphonies.
I am far from being an expert, much less avid, fan of London Suede. The only album I heard before from the band (whose notoriety, it seemed, was largely based on image rather than musical accomplishments) was Dogmanstar, brimming with epic ballads that were truly unforgettable. I was pleasantly surprised then, as I am now, that London Suede's allure is not solely based on an androgynous posture dressed in sharp clothing.
"Everything Will Flow" is among the memorable tracks on Head Music conveying a soft disposition, wrought with longing vocals of the Peter Murphy persuasion, with familiar melodies, instrumental breaks, and a fair share of decorated string solos that made '80s new wave tunes so irresistible. I was immediately taken with "Down," a beautiful, lovelorn ballad with low-key musical accompaniment. Frontman Brett Anderson shines here, carrying the song's weight with lines like, "Hey, you chase the day away, hey, you draw the blinds and blow your mind away, and there's a sadness in your smile..." The lyrics are unadorned, but the way Anderson sings them are poignant, with a guitar solo following the chorus to carry the sentiment further.
Aztec Camera meets the Waterboys in "She's in Fashion," a bittersweet song with a catchy melody, with witty lines like, "She's employed where the sun don't set and she's the shape of a cigarette, shake of a tambourine..." Meanwhile, the title track is sure to be a classic singalong for any man happy to chant, "Give me head, give me head...come on lose it to the music," layered with guitar distortion and steady beats, moving at the same pace with which it opened. "Hi-Fi" is everything but, with Anderson moving slowly, or rather slithering through the song. Here's the striptease song of the album, offering a lazy rhythm with calm drumbeats and a rich bass line. Head Music overall is an evenhanded collection of songs that sway, slink, and beat with a groove that exudes sexual prowess. Couple that with good looks, and it's no wonder London Suede appeals to boys and girls alike.
