published: 26 /
1 /
2005
Label:
Wonder
Format: CD
Pleasant, but undemanding indie pop from former El signing Louis Philippe, the recording costs of which were paid for in advance on pre-order by fans
Review
There is a heart warming story that accompanies this record. Due to ill health, Louis Philippe (real name Philippe Auclair) lacked the energy to approach record companies for the backing to release it. He still had the drive and passion to create songs, but was doubtful if the record would ever be made………….until amazingly fans of his music stepped in and pre-ordered/paid for a record that hadn’t even been made to such an extent that enough money was raised in order to make it happen! It certainly warms the cockles…….
The cover photographs that adorn this CD show Louis Philippe wearing a crumpled white shirt and jacket over a black roll-neck, brandishing a wine glass, smoking a fag and reading a newspaper – all as French as Je T’aime, onions and Alain Delon! The music sounds, however. as English as cricket, cream teas or Prince Charles.
In view of the history surrounding this record, it’s hard to be harsh on it’s quality, but in truth it doesn’t quite do it for me. It is just too nice and pleasant and would certainly benefit from a bit more edge. At times I expect the voice to explode and knock me for six or break and leave me in tears, but it does neither, which is a great shame because its moments like those that lift things above the mundane.
Of the tracks on offer, 'My England' is probably the pick, but 'A Wiser Fool', 'I Knew It All Along' and the title track 'The Wonder Of It All' are all worth a spin.
I applaud the fans that assisted in this release and I am sure they were not disappointed, but unfortunately, I’ve heard nothing that would prize my hard earned pennies from my pockets to back a future release. I’m done with fluffy white clouds and soft meadows. I want the dark underbelly of the city to scratch my heart and bloody my nose…….
'The Wonder of It All' is available exclusively from Sunshine, Louis Philippe's website www.louisphilippe.co.uk
Track Listing:-
1
I Knew It All Along
2
The Wonder Of It All
3
A Wiser Fool
4
This Puzzle Of Mine
5
Songs Like These
6
My England
7
Soul Coat
8
An Ordinary Street
9
When You Retire Into Winter
10
If That Is Youth
11
I Picked A Flower In Ispahan
12
Life's Unhurried Prose