Camera Obscura are the emerging darlings of the Scotish music industry.'Underachievers Please Try Harder' was released in 2003 and was raved about by the much missed John Peel and Stuart Murdoch (Belle and Sebastian) who has helped raise the profile of this band and indeed took the cover photos for the album. Named after an optical device that I will neve be able to explain the workings of they are a six piece fronted by Tracyann Campbell who sings and writes most of the songs.And what you get with Camera obscura are some of the most simplistic but melodic pop songs written in the last decade.Comparisons with Belle and Sebastian I can understand but make no mistake this group has a sound of there own.The album consists of 11 stunning songs which should delight any serious music lover. I have to confess I wrote down to review this some 5 hours ago and have been marvelling at its brilliance ever since.Its been one of my favourite cd's forsome time but having not played it for a little while was struck by its freshness again as I over played it when I first had it.
'Suspended From Class'.In a
world of real music lovers this would have been a number one.It is sublime unadulterated pop.It has one of the catchiest tunes ever and the chorus is bliss with the wonderful chorus 'I should be suspended from class I don't know my elbow from my arse'.Listen to this song and if you dont like it I would be amazed.
'Keep It Clean' is another genius pop song.Acoustically driven it remains poppy without becoming twee.And though Campbell does not have the strongest voice ever the fragility works on this brilliant crafted song.
'A Sisters Social Agony' sees a drop in tempo and a sixties feel to it.They combine organ and acoustic guitar magnificently and the lyrics are strong 'you bruise like a cherry my darling girl,words can mean nothing to some in this world'.The song lilts to its end.
'Teenager'. The tempo is again raised.More base and drum driven ,though dont for one minute get the idea that this is drum and base Campbell sings strongly.Again great lyrics,'We knew the boy who went from Mod to Ted.She asked matter of fact had he gone off his head'.There is some excellent lead guitar to look out for at the end as well.
'Before You Cry' sees John Henderson taking the vocals.Base driven it has a great swing feel to it.A strong chorus 'I hope you hear me.I cant stand you next to me.Get lost goodbye.I'll smile before you cry'.Campbell then returns to sing the last verse and it works brilliantly.
'Your Picture'.I suppose every album has its weaker song and this is it.A pretty tepid affair.It has a country feel to it.Country is bad enough but country without melody is crime.I consider the song dirgeful.Sorry if anyone feels differently.
'Number One Son'. Thankfully the album bounces back to form with the jaunty and sublime pop of this track.The guitar bounces along and the lyrics flow thick and fast.'More excellent lyrics 'God I've tried to help but I think I just hinder.Ask a better girl could she ever be kinder.Love unlike lightening can strike twice'.The string arrangements towards the end of the song show the maturity of the song writing.Excellent!!
'Let Me Go Home'.If anything this is the song that sounds closest to Belle and Sebastian in its Northern soul feel and beat.It is also sung by Henderson and you will find yourself clapping along to the tambourine.You have to have a great song if you are going to risk a tambourine on it and this is a great song.
'Books Written For Girls'.This is a slow acoustic number quietly sung but it is a beautiful song very cleverly written with subtle key changes.'You can compliment me on the style of my hair.Give me marks out of ten for the clothes I wear.You probably thought I had more upstairs.I disappoint you I can see through you perfect smile'.Gentle,sad and poigniant is this song.
'Knee Deep At The National Pop League'.On a brilliant album this is the best track which is high praise.Up tempo perfect pop again.A great acoustic start and then Hammond organ all the way with a strong base hook.Her voice is brilliant on this and Hendersons backing vocals add to the many layers of this song.The verses are brilliant but the hook of the chorus is outstanding and I have been singing it all day 'I can hear you calling to me in the morning.How can I be falling in love with you'.Even better is that at 5.10 the song is the longest on the album.
'Lunar Sea' is a strong close to the album.A gentle lead guitar into and a hypnotic beat from the start, I love it.Maybe not much tempo change but I guarantee you will be swaying in your seat to this one As they say .'You hear it,the shiver in spine dont come near it.I love it, you soar and cry and rise above it'.
And alltoo soon it comes to an end.Perfect pop,melodic and beautiful.Essentially better than pretty much anything that chart music could provide.Music for thinking people who have not lost hearing in a drum n base culture or who were not been brainwashed by acid garage or what other vogue has stripped music of what in essence it should be....beautiful and thought provoking.Buy this and you will not be disappointed.
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