Camera Obscura; Let's Get Out of This Country (Popfrenzy/Rhythmethod) BEST OF ELSEWHERE 2006

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Camera Obscura: Come Back Margaret
Camera Obscura; Let's Get Out of This Country (Popfrenzy/Rhythmethod) BEST OF ELSEWHERE 2006

Gentle, shimmering pop where the guitars swell up and envelope you like sunshine and you can't help but nod along or tap your feet. Music that has you making a fool off yourself in the car as you sing along loudly and bang the steering wheel when the big chorus kicks in.

I've just described the effect of this glistening album by a Scottish band which had a huge fan in John Peel (they played his 65th birthday party).

Imagine quirky Belle & Sebastian at their most poppy as sung by the Sundays who are sort of trying to be the Smiths. Something like that.

There are Beatle-like backing vocals, a touch of Brian Wilson-meets-the Supremes, some autumnal melancholy among the breezy summer daze, and much more besides. Including swelling guitars, strings which take flight, a laid back alt.country beat, handclaps . . .

Enticing song titles abound: Lloyd, I'm Ready To be Heartbroken; Tears for Affairs; Come Back Margaret . . .

And one dedicated to troubled cult-singer Dory Previn.

Music to make you smile.

No question.

Fantastic songs.

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