CHRIS DIFFORD
The Last Temptation Of Chris
When presented with this album to review, initially I wasn't too sure what to make of it. The cover depicts Chris Difford in a Tony Hancock style-pose and I thought this was a reissue of an earlier album, but no – after closer inspection this is a brand new album by the former member of Squeeze ('Cool for Cats' and 'Up the Junction') of beautifully crafted tracks, each with an edge of humour, so the cover picture is somewhat fitting, and at the same time is also a mature piece of work. It is interesting to note that Difford has also written music and lyrics for Wet Wet Wet, Lisa Stansfield and Elton John within the last few years.
Each of the tracks on the album, many co-written with Boo Hewerdine (The Bible) includes supporting liner notes, which tells the listener about the background and inspiration behind each song, which is welcoming and Difford is also not shy at exploring issues such as adultery and homosexuality within his music.
The CD opens with 'Come on Down' a track that deals with money and the issues relating to this. 'On My Own I've Never Bored' is a song that many of us can identify with about the need at times for solitude and the need to have space to reflect. 'Julian and Sandy' tells the story of two gay tailors who lived in London during the colourful era of the 1960s. 'The Other Man in My Life' is a memorable track about adultery and 'Fat as a Fiddle' is a story of the middle-age spread, and highlights the tongue-in-cheek humour that is evident throughout this whole set, from a songwriter who openly admits he is now in his early fifties! Appropriately, 'The Party's Over' concludes the album with the message that there's always something to look forward to the next day.
Perhaps the most unusual subject to be dealt with here, but is probably one of the most memorable on this album, is 'Reverso' which tells the story of a man who goes through the pain of having a vasectomy reversal in a song which lasts just over five minutes!
Additionally, what is really likeable about this CD is the minimum of instruments used throughout the album – generally the songs are made up of drums, bass, piano and guitars within the need to include various other production gadgetry. Therefore, this gives the whole production an ambient, crisp and somewhat timeless feel. Difford's calming and reassuring vocals also makes this an exceptionally accessible set.
This is mature pop at its best – listen to it, you'll laugh and cry, but do enjoy this absorbing album and recommend it to people who have a good ear for music, as they won't be disappointed and will go away wanting more, which for a songwriter and performer surely this would be the ultimate satisfaction?.
Each of the tracks on the album, many co-written with Boo Hewerdine (The Bible) includes supporting liner notes, which tells the listener about the background and inspiration behind each song, which is welcoming and Difford is also not shy at exploring issues such as adultery and homosexuality within his music.
The CD opens with 'Come on Down' a track that deals with money and the issues relating to this. 'On My Own I've Never Bored' is a song that many of us can identify with about the need at times for solitude and the need to have space to reflect. 'Julian and Sandy' tells the story of two gay tailors who lived in London during the colourful era of the 1960s. 'The Other Man in My Life' is a memorable track about adultery and 'Fat as a Fiddle' is a story of the middle-age spread, and highlights the tongue-in-cheek humour that is evident throughout this whole set, from a songwriter who openly admits he is now in his early fifties! Appropriately, 'The Party's Over' concludes the album with the message that there's always something to look forward to the next day.
Perhaps the most unusual subject to be dealt with here, but is probably one of the most memorable on this album, is 'Reverso' which tells the story of a man who goes through the pain of having a vasectomy reversal in a song which lasts just over five minutes!
Additionally, what is really likeable about this CD is the minimum of instruments used throughout the album – generally the songs are made up of drums, bass, piano and guitars within the need to include various other production gadgetry. Therefore, this gives the whole production an ambient, crisp and somewhat timeless feel. Difford's calming and reassuring vocals also makes this an exceptionally accessible set.
This is mature pop at its best – listen to it, you'll laugh and cry, but do enjoy this absorbing album and recommend it to people who have a good ear for music, as they won't be disappointed and will go away wanting more, which for a songwriter and performer surely this would be the ultimate satisfaction?.
Support RememberTheEighties.com and Buy Online At
