Music Feedback
New This WeekAround TownMusicFilmArtTheaterNews & FeaturesFood & DrinkAstrology
  HOME
NEW THIS WEEK
EDITORS' PICKS
LISTINGS
NEWS & FEATURES
MUSIC
FILM
ART
BOOKS
THEATER
DANCE
TELEVISION
FOOD & DRINK
ARCHIVES
LETTERS
PERSONALS
CLASSIFIEDS
ADULT
ASTROLOGY
PHOENIX FORUM DOWNLOAD MP3s

  E-Mail This Article to a Friend
Cinerama
CINERAMA HOLIDAY
(MANIFESTO)

Stars graphics

In the US, singles are mainly reserved for DJs and dance-music enthusiasts. But in England, even American bands have to contend with setting aside non-album tracks to use as B-sides, because the single remains a thriving promotional format for artists of all genres. As one of England’s most prolific and consistent singer-songwriters, former Wedding Present leader David Gedge is one of the few popsmiths whose odds-and-sods collections are on a par with his best studio albums. He’s proven, first with the Wedding Present and now as the leader of Cinerama, that his B-sides are more killer than filler.

Cinerama Holiday amasses 14 tracks from the four EPs the British quintet released in conjunction with their sophisti-pop gem Disco Volante (Manifesto, 2000). If you’ve heard that album, you’ll already be acquainted with the rough-hewn surf pop of "Wow" and the slinky, sensual Francophilia of "Lollobrigida." Although these singles are well worth revisiting, it’s non-album standouts like the moody and barbed "Reel 2, Dialogue 2," the ruefully gorgeous "Sly Curl," and a lovingly sentimental cover of the Carpenters’ "Yesterday Once More" that make this set a keeper. Gedge, whose charismatic croon, cuckolded-lover blues, and taste for, uh, cinematic arrangements recalls such darkly romantic English wits as Jarvis Cocker and Neil Hannon, remains a Britpop diehard to the core. So though Cinerama Holiday isn’t likely to gain him any new fans, it’s a completist’s dream, and it’s consistent enough to serve as an introduction to one of England’s finest songwriters.

BY MICHAEL ALAN GOLDBERG

Issue Date: June 27 - July 3, 2003
Back to the Music table of contents.

  E-Mail This Article to a Friend

home | feedback | about the phoenix | find the phoenix | advertising info | privacy policy | the masthead | work for us

 © 2003 Phoenix Media Communications Group