Lloyd Cole: Standards

At first glance you might expect this to be an album of covers – a new take on a bunch of classic pop “standards” by the bookish ‘80s icon, perhaps. But apart from the opening ‘California Earthquake’ (originally recorded by Mama Cass), Lloyd Cole’s first outing in three years is a collection of new compositions.
With guests such as Matthew Sweet, Joan Wasser, Commotions keyboardist Blair Cowan and Cole’s son Will on board, there’s heavy-duty support for a strong bunch of songs from one of the most underrated wordsmiths in music. ‘Women’s Studies’ is a terrific tune – classic Cole with echoes of his Rattlesnakes period, boasting intelligent lyrics and a compelling melody. The jangly ‘Period Piece’ is both Dylan-esque and autobiographical, while the strangely-titled ‘Opposites Day’ blends Television-style guitar textures with a winning melody.
Elsewhere, the languid ballad ‘Silver Lake’ features one of his best lyrical refrains – “Don’t have a second heart to break” – making it just one highlight on what is a welcome return for the US-based Scotsman.

Key Track: 'Silver Lake'