Search - Lloyd Cole :: Music in a Foreign Language

Ethereal Simplicity

T. Norton | key west | 03/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ever Sensible, English Songwriter offers Equal Servings of Experienced Skill (the not-so minimalist Exquisite Stab at production), Eager Stoicism (a new twist on the legendary Cole irony), Elusive Sincerity ("No More Love Songs"), and Enigmatic Sentimentality ("Cutting Out") that will not alienate his once-Emotionally Stifled core following of Eighties Students from the Rattlesnakes days and has already Earned Stars from reviewers (the Employed Sort ...). There's even an Edgy Standard ("People Ain't No Good", by Nick Cave), and some Exceptional Singing pops up as well. Whether there Exists Some Empathetic Sadness in "Shelf Life" is Entirely Subjective. Add the Ever So Effective Strumming of Lloyd and Erstwhile Sideman Neil Clark, and the End Sum is an Excellent Sixth Solo Effort! (Etc. Stands as an Editorial Supplement for "the Negatives", and I note but do not include Electronic Scores... ).



Lloyd's ECCENTRIC SERENADE is ENTIRELY SATISFYING!!



(and I apologize for the excrutiating structure of each sentence- "Self-actualizing Masterpeice", though true, presented many obstacles...)



p.s. I swear I'll never do it again!"

Yeah, Brazil is Where they Have the Goodies

David J. Buckner | long beach, ca | 12/09/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Been a fan of Lloyd's since '84 and Rattlesnakes. That record continues to be un-matchable, but this is a decent outing like, what, 20 years later! Hmmm, mellow, quaint, evocotive and somewhat mysterious. Worth it for the track "Brazil" alone - as they do have the goodies down there. Remember, their Summer is our Winter."

Lovely Music For A Lonely Night

Seattle Brat | Seattle, Wa USA | 08/24/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have to admit I'm a very recent convert to the music of Lloyd Cole. I've been listening to his entire back catalog for only a few months now and THIS is my favorite work of his. I know that must sound like blasphemy to long time fans, who place works like "Rattlesnakes" at the top of the heap. It's just that, to my ears, the production values on so much of his 80's and 90's music now sounds terribly dated. It seems like he used to be hoping for radio hits using the glossy techniques of the time (not that his magnificent voice and lyrics don't make up for that a bit). I know the earlier records must sound different to people who experienced it all the first time through, but without any of that inherent nostalgia, I just can't quite connect to the earlier stuff (even though I really want to!). "Music In A Foreign Language" got me right away however. It just plays to his strengths. It's a quiet acoustic record, yes. I love that about it. It's the perfect setting for Cole's romantic musings. There's more space for his voice and the spotlight is on good songwriting. This is just a gorgeous record. "Love Story" is my favorite Cole album after this. I can't wait for the next one!"