Starless and Bible Black - Shape of the Shape

  by Maarten Schiethart

published: 26 / 9 / 2009

Label: Static Caravan
Format: CD

intro

Fabulous, perfectly packaged album of folk and country rock from British-based band, Starless and Bible Black

Should smalltime labels like Static Caravan release an album of such great commercial appeal as Starless and Bible Black's 'Shape of The Shape'? I was first in touch with the great man Peel in 1976 and I'm pretty darn sure that he would absolutely love this album to bits. I'll settle for all the obligatory name-dropping in this one line: Neko Case, Fairport Convention, Fleetwood Mac, Tarnation and Static Caravan Records. There are heavenly vocals, immaculate chords and fabulous songs to prove this, although the country-rock riffs seem to fall out of place. Think of the Outlaws and the Eagles perhaps, but this only hints at the much deeper vault of where Starless and Bible Black have drawn their inspiration from . They're not afraid of changing a little of the intro to Nazareth's 'Love Hurts' on 'Radio Blues'. Starless and Bible Black know their stuff and handle it with great care. Comparisons and similar review filler words however have nothing to do with the straight and accurate pop music feel that these folkies manage on their debut album. There must be a huge market out there for smart and beefy women's lib folk of this type. There is not a single daft moment. You won't feel the need to download separate songs. This package in fact illustrates how crappy downloads can be. It is fabulous music packed with smart care. 'Year of Dalmations' closes off this grand effort of only eight songs, with all eight on the verge of subcoming an evergreen status. Did the Christmas-hype start already? When so, buy this.

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