Edwyn Collins may be in his fifties now, but the guy still knows how to make a pretty good album. Losing sleep is his seventh solo album, following work in the 80’s with his ex group, Orange Juice.
This record see’s Edwyn collaborate with The Cribs' Ryan Jarman and Johnny Marr, The Magic Numbers’ Romeo Stodart, Franz Ferdinand's Alex Kapranos and Nick McCarthy, The Drums and Aztec Camera’s Roddy Frame.
Suffering serious illness in 2005, after recording his last album, Home again, which was not released until 2007, this album, Losing Sleep is a testament to him, both as a man and a musician.
This record has a real timeless feel, old school music for the modern era. The progressive instruments, jangly guitars and easy vocals are a pleasure to listen to. It is nothing new, nothing different, it is just simple music done very well and a lovely slant on alternative indie music.
The records title track is a particular highlight and kicks off the album in style. Little wonder that it has been selected for release as a single. Rhythmic, steady and definitely danceable, there is a real rock ‘n’ roll feel to the track and a lovely sincerity in the vocals from Edwyn. Bored is another great track, catchy and hook filled with brilliant rhythm from the percussion and simple, deep electric guitar chords. It is extremely simple in its construction, yet gives you everything you want from a great track.
The entire album is filled with hooks and catchy drum beats, Edwyn’s lyrics offer a genuine personality to each song and his vocals offer a lovely warmth and rock 'n' roll feel, which although sounds very traditional, it certainly does not feel dated.
The accompanying artists lift the tracks that they are involved in and work brilliantly alongside Edwyn’s voice and the use of piano and guitar effects on some of the tracks also works well and creates a record which offers just enough diversity to make it a compelling listen.
The album feels very sentimental and he uses each track to cover feelings and topics, which you feel may have been inspired by his own troubled times during his illness. At no point however does this feel heavy, instead it is a very happy, summery record, which does absolutely nothing wrong from start to finish.
Although Edwyn has been relatively quiet on the live scene over the past few years, he is set to tour in November, beginning at The Brighton Komedia on the 4th and finishing in Birmingham at The Glee Club on the 15th, he will also be performing at The Queen Elizabeth Hall on September 23rd to celebrate the release of this album, which is available from September 13th.
This then is a very good album, simple music done well with a nostalgic, timeless feel.
Stereoboard Rating. 7/10
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The records title track is a particular highlight and kicks off the album in style. Little wonder that it has been selected for release as a single. Rhythmic, steady and definitely danceable, there is a real rock ‘n’ roll feel to the track and a lovely sincerity in the vocals from Edwyn. Bored is another great track, catchy and hook filled with brilliant rhythm from the percussion and simple, deep electric guitar chords. It is extremely simple in its construction, yet gives you everything you want from a great track.
