Real Tuesday World - I Lucifer

  by Jon Rogers

published: 7 / 5 / 2003

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Review

In the normal course of things soundtrack albums are usually released to coincide with the film. 'I, Lucifer' however is the soundtrack to the humorous book of the same name by Glen Duncan. Duncan's novel has fallen angel Lucifer given one last chance to redeem himself provided that he can live on earth for one month without sinning. During his time he takes the human form of failed writer Declan Gunn who contemplates suicide in his Clerkenwell garret. (The Real) Tuesday Weld, aka Stephen Coates, goes about interpreting the novel in a relaxed, soft mood that wouldn't really be out of place in some swanky, overpriced hotel bar with some piano player tinkering around with popular show tunes and easily digestible light jazz. Coates goes for that husky, 40-a-day voice but he needs to cultivate a proper habit like Serge Gainsbourg or Tom Waits. And that's the problem at the heart of 'I, Lucifer' it's too soft and pleasant. While the book is humorous, this is the Prince of Darkness we're talking about here. He's come for your soul not just your last chocolate Rolo. 'I, Lucifer' however strolls along as if its a beautiful day, the sun's shining and everything's alright forever. The melodies float along, keyboards drift in and out. It's all just jolly fine, thank you very much. Where's the darkness, the threat of menace or the wickedness? Only on 'One More Chance', a duet with Pinkie Maclure does Coates came anywhere close to capturing anything other than froth. The Devil may have all the best tunes but he failed to put them on this CD.

Track Listing:-

1 it’s a Dirty Job But Somebody's Got To Do It
2 Bathtime in Clerkenwell
3 The Ugly And The Beautiful
4 Someday (Soon)
5 Coming Back Down To Earth
6 One More Chance
7 La Bete Et La Belle
8 The Root Of All Evil
9 The Eternal Seduction Of Eve
10 Heaven Can't Wait
11 The Show Must Go On
12 Someday (Never)