Lloyd Cole

Standards

Star rating: * * * *

Scotland’s favourite Derbyshire lad, Lloyd has finally grown into that smooth and suave voice. What sounded overly confident 30 years ago is now easily assured and lived in, as he glides through familiar territory in Women’s Studies and No Truck, lyrically sure-footed as ever. There is a more pronounced country tinge in places, most notably on Diminished Ex and Myrtle And Rose, but this is a wonderfully unconflicted collection of songs. They also number among the best he has released post the Commotions and Perfect Skin.

Cole’s elegant pop pontification is required listening, the oblique sophisticate of simple guitar styling to be cherished.

CS

Download this: California Earthquake, It’s Late

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Publication: Scotsman.com

Publication date: 16/06/13