What does it sound like?:
Having been guilty of forgetting about Badly Drawn Boy, I was surprised at the start of the year to notice he was playing a gig round the corner from where I work in Leeds.
I was immediately intrigued; I knew he’d had some kind of fairly public meltdown, released a very patchy album in 2010 and had since kept a low-profile.
Anyhow, I bought a ticket – and had a very enjoyable evening. He was clearly back ‘feeling it’ and mentioned at the gig that a new album would follow.
‘Banana Skin Shoes’ is, like most records released nowadays, about four tracks too long. Don’t let that put you off, there are some delightful songs on this record. He pays homage to Tony Wilson and Manchester and says sorry to his ex-wife, a lot.
The beautiful ‘I Just Wanna Wish You Happiness’ is the stand out track for me, but this album is brimming with many a nice pop tune. He’s always written from the heart, and although he is very much doing that here, the arrangements are so nicely put together, that you find yourself overlooking his self-indulgence. ‘Fly On The Wall’ and ‘Is This A Dream?’ are just perfect pop.
In the week or so it’s been in my life, it has become my lockdown album, improving with every listen.
What does it all *mean*?
He’s back, back, back…
Goes well with…
Lockdown, home working, saying sorry to the ex-wife.
Release Date:
May 2020
Might suit people who like…
Nicely written pop songs.
You weren’t alone in having forgotten about him.
I went from loving him early doors to quite liking him to losing interest by the album you mention circa 2010.
Luckily, I gave this one a punt and really like it. Some lovely pop, as you say, which might have benefited from a slight trim in length (again, as you say.)
Good to have him back, he’s clearly had his issues but hopefully is coming out the other side.
I think the title track (and opener) is one of the weakest – so to anyone having a quick blast on Spotify, don’t let that put you off.
Heard quite a few new tunes on 6music and really liked them. Glad he’s back, his debut was excellent and some of his new songs sound like they’d fit on Bewilderbeast.
Intrigued – heard some stuff recently. I too had sort of forgotten about him. Never did get beyond One Plus One Is One, but I’m wanting to hear this new one.
I do wish when fellows post about something musical they would include a link. I find it quite maddening if you want to engage me that I have to pay for my own meal.
I was at that Leeds big too, having seen him a couple of years before at Bingley Festival where he was excellent (but thought he was crap). Really relaxed vibe and a great show. I’d missed the album, but I’ll give it a go.