Search - Nick Lowe :: Brentford Trilogy

"...I Go To The Bin...I Throw The Laundry In...And Pick Out

Mark Barry at Reckless Records, Lon | UK | 07/21/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

""The Brentford Trilogy" is the reissue of Nick Lowe's last 3 albums using reconfigured packaging - there's "The Impossible Bird" from 1994 (40:28 minutes), "Dig My Mood" from 1998 (37:30 minutes) and "The Convincer" from 2001 (38:04 minutes).



Instead of jewel cases, the outer card wrap contains the three albums in tasteful gatefold card digipaks (album credits on the inside), which are in turn sided by a 12-page booklet (there are no individual album booklets which is a shame). PAUL GORMAN provides the affectionate and informative liner notes in the booklet there is - there's new photos by LUCY ROGERS and GEORGIA RILEY - and although there's no mention anywhere of remastering, I'd swear all three albums are sonically improved over my old versions - they sound just BEAUTIFUL now.



Nick Lowe songs are sly - you think there's not a lot going on at first - but there is. They're immaculately played and recorded to start with and although based in rock, they're effortlessly soulful too - even when he's rocking. And then there's the great lyrics - witty one moment, heartbreaking the next - like Elvis Costello at his best.



Take the hangover song "Lately I've Let Things Slide" from "The Convincer" (lyrics above) - the words are very funny, acidic almost - yet infused with an unsettling hurt that just gets to you time and time again. Its melody is beautifully arranged too, complimented by Herb Alpert trumpets and Spencer Davis organ throughout that somehow make it even more poignant. It's typical of the song-writing class that drips off almost everything on here. The drinking and brawling "Indian Queens" sounds like an unplugged Bruce Springsteen on a Pete Seeger tip - while "What Lack Of Love Has Done" is just fantastic, a song about singing songs of love and heartbreak on every stage around the world. There are so many other examples of consummately great tunes like these... and now it all sounds sweet as a nut too.



If I was to point out a downside, it's the disappointing lack of outtakes or extras. But retailing at a very reasonable price online - this dinky little box set is a great way of acquiring albums you need in your life - and for those who already own them - there's the upgraded sound to look forward to.



The blurb on the rear declares Nick Lowe to be "Britain's Greatest Living Songwriter" - and on the strength of these 3 masterpieces, you have to say Proper Records has a point.



Besides, any man who writes a song called "12-Step Program (To Quit You Babe)" is good in bed and a f***ing genius...



Recommended - big time.



PS: the "Sir" Nick Lowe campaign starts here. Please make cheques payable to the "Consciousness And Social Happiness" Society - or CASH for short...

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