Seemingly divided between regret and optimism, the songs on the 10th Madness album make up a satisfying, if not earth-shattering set. As usual, the best of the band?s slice-of-life narratives recall Ray Davies, but the less memorable ones are hard to keep in focus.
With the exception of Death of a Rude Boy, the ska grooves that first brought the band into the public eye are largely absent. To judge from this thoroughly British album, with its quirky arrangements, understated wit and uncommercial production values, their second act as an amiable pop act is still ongoing. Typically, though, there are no tracks here you can see troubling the American charts ? which is nothing new, given that their 1982 single Our House pretty much remains their only hit on this side of the Atlantic.
But for those who relate to insecurity more than bravado, underdog asides like the wistful Never Knew Your Name, the winningly silly rocker My Girl 2 and the quite beautiful Small World will provide a bittersweet soundtrack to the approaching winter.
Rating: *** and 1/2
Podworthy: Small World
Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da will be available Nov. 13. Check out this wonderful video for My Girl 2:
Bernard Perusse
Twitter: @bernieperusse
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