No
longer the brash, slightly grungy flavor of the month they were in
1992, Songs From Northern Britain finds Teenage Fanclub's trio of
singer/songwriters -- Gerard Love, Raymond McGinley, and Norman Blake
-- addressing adulthood and responsibility with a bright optimism that
sets them apart from many of their contemporaries. From the cheeky yet
heartfelt title to the gorgeous cover photographs taken by the band with
photographer David Milne in the Scottish Highlands, Songs From Northern
Britain is ostensibly a concept album about home and love.
Much like
the Byrds, the Eagles, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young identified
themselves with Los Angeles and Topanga Canyon, Teenage Fanclub has
become intrinsically linked to Glasgow and rural Scotland. On "Planets,"
Blake
sings, "We're going over the country/And into the highlands/To look for
a home." Similarly, on "I Don't Want Control of You," one of the most
beautiful affirmations of fidelity in a relationship, Blake
writes, "Everyday I look in a different face/Feelings getting stronger
with every embrace."
The overall effect is a feeling that the members of
Teenage Fanclub
are happy with who they are and who they love and see these notions as
universal ideals. Musically, the album is more arranged than past
releases and delves further into a folky, acoustic sound that fleshes
out their Big Star fascination with some sweet harmonies à la the Byrds.
There is even a slight bit of country twang mixed into these eminently
hummable songs. This isn't to say that Teenage Fanclub
has gone completely acoustic, though, as "Planets" features the sonic
rush of a Moog synthesizer and fuzzy electric guitars rock pleasantly
throughout much of the album. While Songs From Northern Britain
may be too gentle and subtle for those listeners not willing to give it
more than one spin, it is a resolutely beautiful album that will most
likely stand as Teenage Fanclub's masterpiece.
Hello Folks, there is not much more to say. You know them - i know them...the only words i have to say is: Enjoy it and have fun . Kindly Regards Frank
Flac
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