Blue Aeroplanes
Rough Music - Beggars Banquet 1995
Tracks: 1. Detective Song / 2. Sugared Almond / 3. Scared / 4. Worry Beads / 5. Contact High! / 6. A Map Below / 7. James / 8. Whatever Happened to Our Golden Birds / 9. Wond'ring Wild / 10. Saint Me and the Devil / 11. Dark / 12. Secret Destination / 13. Dear, Though the Night Is Gone,
Comments:
1995's "Rough Music" was The Blue Aeroplanes' seventh album and the second on the Beggar's Banquet label. The Blue Aeroplanes are always good for some well written songs with nice sounding guitars and a good variation in instrumentation. Another very distinctive feature is lead singer and songwriter Gerard Langley's special, usually spoken way of performing the songs; when there is actual singing it usually comes from other band members; in this case Rodney Allen, Jon Wygens, Francis Kane, Paul Bradley, George Claridge and Tim Keegan; most of them only as backing vocalists; though.
As mentioned, the group is characterized by a great sound and fine arrangements; to a lesser extent for the really big songs. On this album favorites are "A Map Below" with acoustic guitars and a nice build-up climax with organ and a great guitar solo. "Detective Song" also offers both acoustic and electric guitars; a lovely catchy rocker and a well-chosen opening number. Gerard Langley is complemented by Rodney Allen on the chorus on the equally successful sequel "Sugar Almond"; a fine and tacky variety. A somewhat rare saxophone also appears on this song. Rodney Allen returns as lead singer on "Worry Beads"; a fine light and melodic rocker written by Allen himself.
The last song I want to highlight is the end song "Dear, Though the Night is Gone", with a slightly waltzy acoustic guitars accompaniment; and again with spoken vocals from Langley.
If you are unfamiliar with The Blue Aeroplanes, but perhaps a fan of groups like Midnight Oil or REM, I'm pretty sure you can enjoy The Blue Aeroplanes and "Rough Music".
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