Stop and Smell the Lilacs
Eliot Wilder | Boston, MA USA | 01/03/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Not much has changed over the years in the Lilac Time's universe. Yes, the band now features the occasional modern-sounding loop or contemporary production touch, but this is essentially the same melodic, amiable group that put out such lustrous late '80s offerings as "The Lilac Time" and "Paradise Circus." Leading light Stephen Duffy knows his way round a pretty tune, and with his sweet nasal voice he doesn't skimp on "Lilac6." Following 1999's peerless return to form "Looking for a Day in the Night," the new album puts you in its gentle sway with lilting melodies and melancholy lyrics that broach subjects from aging to mortality itself. "Dance Out of the Shadows" hits upon the former theme, beginning with the words: "Middle age / it's all the rage / & it's my life style option." What rock star who wants to be hip with the kids has the effrontery to toss off a line like that? As a whole, the album exudes the "beautiful despair and other folktales" of its subtitle, especially on tracks like the darkly graceful "Wasted" and the desperately gorgeous "Come Home Everyone." A subtle gem filled with unexpected lights and colors, "Lilac6" quietly insinuates itself in your subconscious."
Beautiful despair indeed--and some Barenaked involvement
John Lucey | Bethesda, Maryland United States | 10/17/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wow, I don't know how Stephen Duffy keeps up this sort of quality. Two short years after the stunning Looking for a Day in Night, he and the Lilac Time return with Lilac 6. Nick Duffy contributes quite possibly his finest instrumental in track 6 (i'm sorry I can't give the title--I don't have the cd in front of me) and the five tracks that proceed it are crushingly brilliant. Several of the Barenaked Ladies appear on this album and Steven Page co-wrote the peppy and hilarious Entourage.If you like fine acoustic pop, along the lines of Simon & Garfunkel or the Smiths, you will love this record. The Lilac Time are often compared to Belle and Sebastian, but face facts, B&S simply aren't this good!"
Stephen Duffy and Lilac Time do it again
Joe A. Stokes | Dallas | 10/13/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Lilac Time can't make a mediocre album.
This one is great like the other five.Lilac -6 has it all,
great lyrics, melody, beautiful pedal steel guitar,
effects. Stephen's voice is superb as are backing vocals.
Stephen's banjo appears on track 11 "the Last Man on the Moon".
Stephen is a master of finely crafted pop songs that are timeless.This album like all the others will make you happy and grateful to be alive with it's expression of feeling. It gives me faith in the world knowing that such talent is at work in these times like all times.I only wish they were more popular in the United States."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1