Golden Rough - This Sad Paradise

  by Darrell Angus

published: 17 / 12 / 2001

Label: Drive In
Format: CD

intro

What does it take to make a great record? For me its easy. The answer is good songs. I love it when a song wraps itself around your head. Golden Rough's second album, "This Sad Paradise", does exactly

What does it take to make a great record? For me its easy. The answer is good songs. I love it when a song wraps itself around your head. Golden Rough's second album, "This Sad Paradise", does exactly that. The Aussie band' s first record is a solid collection of country rock gems reminiscent of bands like Wilco and Big Star. With their second, they have made the transition to a more pop sounding effort. With fantastic results I might add. Singer/songwriter, David Orwell, sings about what he notices around him and with a strikingly weary voice translates it into subtle pop exploration. The melodies are rich with ringing guitars and Hammond organ as well as lovely harmonies from bass player Helen Meany. The songs aren't complicated. They are soft and floating and have enough power to make for a memorable listen. "This Sad Paradise" has been compared to recent Joe Pernice projects and while that point is valid, this record definitely stands out on its own. Another one for the "best of 2000" list.

Track Listing:-