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This release fell into the hands of Radio One's jocks some time ago - causing flutters of interest with Tong, Whiley, even the late Mr Peel praising and applauding this little charmer. Taking on some of dance-musics golden chewns, with tracks from Granmaster Flash, Underworld and Xpress2/David Byrne amongst them, the songs are stripped back to reveal the lyrical strengths at work, the tracks re-arranged and re-spun with a sooothing jazzy-feel. The sassy vampish Sam Obelisk fronts 'Barefoot' with accomplishment, delivering a 'down at Ronnie Scotts' slant on these club anthems, whilst legendary producer Tommy D keeping things simple from the booth, with lots of cocktail lounge piano, class brass and sweet strings.
'White Lines' is delivered like a love song, with Sam coming across treacle-rich and sounding like Shirley Bassie, the tempo reduced to a shuffle with tiinkerings of piano and tasty brass. The house number 'Pride' stands proud - "I've got a deeper love inside..." and the scat "da do da do da do da do doe" like an hilarious scouse skit. Underworld's trailblazer 'Born Slippy' proves one of the standouts - Mr Hyde's words laid lager stain bare, the lyrics seeming less random and scattershot than the original, Sam having a sassay with "lager, lager". Latino influences swirl with 'It's Like That' and 'It Just Won't Do', proving worthy hip-wigglers. 'Days Go By' shines with a smooth as cream soulful delivery from Sam - "...days go by and still I think of you...", whilst 'Horny' has Cole Porteer-esque charms and sex appeal, a twilight track for lovers, oozing longing and sass - "I'm horny/ so horny". 'Lazy' is cleverly stripped to a simple yet melodious acoustic guitar - played with verve, Sam having a swoon with Mr Byrnes wording. 'Hideaway' brings things full circle with a rich love-song strung like Cupid's bow - "I need to hi hi hideaway/ don't make me runaway".
There's only one or two duffers to be found here on this fabulous release. The voice is a gift and the arrangements lush, the merit of the lyrics shining through, filling with delight. Like Nouvelle Vague before them with their take on 80's new wave, this is a valuable recording that warrants your earnest attention. Clever stuff!
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