Lloyd Cole – Bad Vibes (1993)

Last of the Stamford haul is this 1993 solo album from Lloyd Cole, someone whose talents completely passed me by at the time. Here he is, in his third outing without his Commotions.

After three or four listenings, this one is really growing on me. Initial impact was unimpressive, and the repeat listening was to see if it could get to three stars . I'm happy to report that it's comfortably there, and it's given the four star reference criteria a look in.

It's a collection of likeable, well produced songs, where Cole's influences are very much laid bare (or is it plagiarism?) with plenty of lyrical references elsewhere.

There's a solid start with the upbeat Morning Is Broken, where there's a hint of Elton John's Rocket Man in the tune, followed by the bouncy, catchy So You'd Like To Save The World, (with lyrical reference to Julian Lennon's Saltwater).

Similarly, Love You So What has an intro which wouldn't be out of place on Sgt Pepper, and the Beatles theme pops up later on Fall Together, a fine song which bears enough of a resemblance to Come Together to make the lawyers listen again.

Later on Seen The Future has a very T. Rex feel in the tune as well as the line "Man I need TV...", as well as an I Am The Walrus guitar riff and a "na na na" ending.

There are several instantly forgettable songs, but there's enough to keep the listener interested, and judging on my listenings it does seem to deliver more on each play.

Link to album tracks

3* - Even if it lacks any real great hit songs, it's worth a listen