Bubblegum Lemonade - Sophomore Release

by Anthony Strutt

published: 22 / 3 / 2011

Label: Matinee Recordings
Format: CD

Wonderful indie pop on second album from Bubblegum Lemonade, the project of Glaswegian singer-songwriter Laz McLuskey

Review

'Sophomore Release', which is subtitled 'Greatest Hits 2', is the wonderful new album from Bubblegum Lemonade, the solo project of Glaswegian multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Lawrence 'Laz' McLuskey. 'Caroline's Radio' is a C-86 twee number which also has an element of Brian Wilson and which is as heartwarming and beautiful as it is perfect. It is a song which, like much of this album, leaves you with a big smile. 'Maybe Someday' almost has a Sunday morning Velvet Undeground feel, while 'She's Got a Gun' is a big time Rickenbacker pop number, a song to kick your troubles into tomorrow. 'You Only Live Twice' is acoustic and laid back, and, like early Primal Scream, charming with a cool 60's groove. 'We Could Send Emails' in contrast is much bigger in sound and is reminiscent of a prime time Beach Boys number. 'Alice Please' is something like a slowed-down Hefner track, but with beefy Rickenbackers. 'Living For Today' is big and jangly and sounds like the Jesus and Mary Chain minus the feedback. 'Girlfriend Ghost' is slow, moody and lush while 'Autumn Sky' is a well thought-out number which jangles in the style of early R.E.M. 'You're Still Beautiful (When You're Sad)' again recalls Primal Scream and is lovely stuff, while 'When She Goes' again has an element of low key Jesus and Mary Chain. 'Last Train to Clarkston', which ends the CD, is a tribute to the Monkees' 'Last Train to Clarksville', but named after a Glasgow suburb and, loud and very cool, is the biggest-sounding number on the CD. A perfect album.

Track Listing:-

1 Caroline's Radio
2 Maybe Someday
3 She's Got A Gun
4 You Only Leave Twice
5 We Could Send Emails
6 Alice Please
7 Living For Today
8 Girlfriend Ghost
9 Autumn Sky
10 You're Still Beautiful (When You're Sad)
11 When She Goes
12 Last Train To Clarkston