The Light Programme

The Light Programme

Over the years, Martin Newell has expanded his range. His multi-decade slog through the periphery of the music industry made him a cult legend and an early lo-fi proponent. In the '00s, his written word became more widespread, and his reputation as a jack of all artistic trades solidified (even if they didn't make him a household name). As befits a music veteran, Newell here slows down the mania of his early work for a more "mature" approach. He sounds more reflective than ever—and infatuated with cocktail-lounge jazz. The piano ballad "Jacqui" features strings, while "My Lost Weekend" flirts with a nightclub vibe. "The Sun over the Yardarm" injects a swinging groove into Newell's patented pop melodies. "Grenadine and Blue" sounds like Newell's been listening to Joe Jackson's Night and Day more than his beloved Kinks. "Wait for the Rain" is the closest Newell's likely to come to Steely Dan. His British nostalgia continues throughout, creating a wistful look back. This set is thematically similar to his other works but musically his most unexpected.

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