Colorful classic from Newell
Wayne Klein | My Little Blue Window, USA | 01/23/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Song for song The Off-White album beats the pants off of any release in 2002 (well, with a couple of exceptions)and of 1995. Newell's second "solo" album has been lovingly remastered with bonus tracks. Every song from Call Me Michael Moonlight to the bonus video track of Jangling Man are filled with hooks. Arguably Newell (along with contemporaries Andy Partridge, Colin Moulding and Difford & Tilbrook) is one of the most talented and underdiscovered songwriters of his generation.The bonus tracks feature Newell reading excerpts from his book Little Ziggy with background music. Are these tracks essential? Well, not really but they provide an interesting glimpse into Newell's world. Dave Gregory (from Xtc) plays guitar on a number of tracks but the real highlight are the ringing, chiming melodies and Newell's off-beat sense of humor (kind of like Syd Barrett crossed with Andy Partridge with a touch of The Goons)"