Ruby Blue [Digipak] - Roisin Murphy > Reviews (1)

Róisín Murphy used to be lead singer, and one half, of the band Moloko. Mark Brydon was the other half of the band and also Róisín's then-boyfriend. The relationship didn't last and Moloko stopped being in around 2003 though there was never any real statement about this. Róisín then properly started her solo career with this debut album in 2005 although she had dabbled with solo stuff whilst in Moloko such as singing on "Never Enough" for Boris Dlugosch.

When Moloko ended I was gutted - I had so enjoyed the surreal lyrics and inventive music that had become their staple. Yes, Goldfrapp had been running the electro surrealism line as well but Goldfrapp generally kept on the side of ethereal whereas Moloko gave their songs and stomping, dance-y edge. Never fear though, Róisín has kept all the elements that I loved about Moloko and still manages to push things a little further to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Unfortunately, this did pretty poorly on its commercial release - it only reached #88 in the UK charts - despite being received extremely well by music-critics, for instance PopMatters said "one of the best examples of production shaping but not overwhelming the artist's vision".

The recording of the album happened in the same studio as the edited so that the process could be followed through quickly. Murphy had a clear idea that she wanted to use the everyday things around her to make music so radon noises - alarm clocks, rhythmic breathing etc - can be found as musical accompaniments.

Tracks

1. Leaving the City - 4:49
An erratic sound of plucking guitars and keyboards open the track before getting into a more plodding rhythm intertwined with random instruments playing in, and out of, tune. I love this opener as it really sets the scene for Murphy's music well - not afraid to do things a little differently. 8/10

2. Sinking Feeling - 3:32
More of a jazzy feel to this song that you can really snap your fingers along to. Murphy's vocals err mainly on the side on venerable before finding their power at the chorus. 7/10

3. Night of the Dancing Flame - 3:26
With a slightly cabaret style this song, we open with some great tuba sounds which links into something more associated with jazz. 9/10

4. Through Time - 5:58
The keyboard is given an organ-type sounds making it seems slightly kid-ish but it work extremely well. This tells of Murphy finding that a relationship has come to an end and trying to hold onto it. 8/10

5. Sow into You - 3:56
Great disco beats up the tempo for this song. The song uses a metaphor of rain and harvesting for love and sex "..this earth - has sorely missed the kiss of rain". This song is definitely an instant feel good song - a great bounding chorus really makes you want to stomp your feet! 10/10

6. Dear Diary - 5:50
An alarm clock brings is unto this song as a variety of sounds begin in a random way before synching together and finding rhythm. This has gorgeous vocals from Murphy about keeping a love for someone secret finishing with a repetitive call of "I keep living a lie".

One of the more experimental songs and one that works very well. 9/10

7. If We're in Love - 4:31
The first single and probably the most recognisable track from the album. A fantastic trombone beat gives this song a really soulful feel to the song. A saxophone also comes in to really kick things off. 9/10

8. Ramalama (Bang Bang) - 3:35
My absolute favorite song - not only for the amazing onomatopoeic title! It has amazingly punchy drum beat that just want to make me dance and I just can't help singing along to "with a hammer bang bang, flash bang press gang, bing bong, ding dong, hum hum h'hum". 10/10

9. Ruby Blue - 2:48
A stomping electro song that has moments of rock-inspired guitars. A more powerful vocal from Murphy that makes this a real crowd pleaser. 10/10

10. Off on It - 5:22
An inventive, jerky rhythm is used on this track but perhaps not quite to full effect. Still, it shows what Murphys music is about really - not treading the well worn path of other but trying something new. 7/10

11. Prelude to Love in the Making - 0:53
With less than a minute of song, this is a short exert from the track "Love in the Making". The snippet is a small instrumental of banjos, guitars, keyboard and flute. I've not rated this song as it's not really a song!

12. The Closing of the Doors - 3:29
An absolutely beautiful piano-led ballad that cuts a stark contrast to the rest of the album which is perhaps why it stands out so much. None of the synthesizers here, or experimental sounds; just a piano and tender lyrics. The perfect ending. 10/10

It's not difficult to understand the juxtaposition of gaining great critical acclaim but poor commercial success: the album pushes boundaries and does it well. The experimentation works partly because of the great production from Matthew Herbert but also because of Murphy's persona, creative lyrics and tremendous voice. But...such an experiment undoubtedly ostracises a large portion of music listeners. Despite the many times this graces my CD/MP3 player, I would probably be hard pushed to recall the tune or lyrics to more than about half the songs - and even then I would think I was doing well. So, it's not an album you will be singing as you have a shower but I've found that the album grows on me each time I listen. Stick with it a you will be rewarded well.

I had great expectation for Murphy's debut album and she did not disappoint; an inspired album that deserved to go down one of the best albums of the 2000's

The album is 48 minutes 9 seconds long and was released in June 2005 by Echo Records

It can be purchased from Amazon for £7.79 which is the cheapest I saw on my scout around the usual websites

© of jonescraiga. Also posted on dooyoo.co.uk under funkimunki