Cheese - Let It Brie

by Andrew Carver

published: 28 / 12 / 2003

Label: Pink Hedgehog
Format: CD

Catchy high-grade compilation from long-serving Brit powerpoppers Cheese, which draws from their years between 1994 and 1997

Review

'Let It Brie' is a compilation drawing from the 1994-97 period of Brit powerpoppers Cheese. The band — Rich Murphy, Marco Rossi, Alan Strawbridge and Chris Page (not the Ottawa performer of Stand GT/Glen Nevous fame), and alternate bassist Steve Wilson — were/are purveyors of high-grade powerpop that every fan of the genre should endeavour to discover. Unlike most powerpop outfits, Cheese don’t seem to be slavishly devoted to either the Beatles or Big Star — their influence can be more accurately traced to the brief period between the former’s demise and the latter’s rise and groups like Badfinger. Their catchy tunes are rife with melody and hooks by by the boatload, and even have the occasionally radio-friendly sheen at points, as in 'Late' but as you’d expect from a band named Cheese, the group isn’t entirely straightfaced. Under the gilded vocal harmonies there’s the rare shiver of spiky guitar for that added XTC-ish bite. Songs with titles like 'He’s Hardly Officer Material' and 'All The Wrong Drugs' also show an endearing willingness to step off the beaten track. 'Let It Brie' is highly recommended for all but the most lactose-intolerant pop fans.

Track Listing:-

1 Polar Music
2 Unhinged Melody
3 Late
4 Where Are They Now
5 Everybodys Song
6 He's Hardly Officer Material
7 All The Wrong Druss
8 Big Hit
9 Its Alright You'll Be Dead Soon
10 Meaningful Meaningness
11 Wyke Five O
12 Forever Dumb
13 All The Time In The World
14 Dreams Around You