Ian Mcculloch - Candleland

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Music reviews of Candleland

Music Review: Solo, somber Mac
Rating: 4 Stars

Mac has always had a gift for writing some hard to decipher lyrics, but he's probably at his most direct on this album. He's always had a great ear for melody as well, and the 10 tracks on here ooze with atmosphere.

I think the standout numbers on here are "Proud to Fall" (the 1st single lifted), "Horse's Head", "White Hotel", the title track, featuring Elizabeth Fraser of the Cocteau Twins, and the minimalist closer, "Start Again", which in many ways sums up the entire album... hopeful, but not quite sure when or where that hope is coming from. "Start Again" was actually originally attempted as an Echo song that was more mid-tempo, but here it is stripped bare, sung over an acoustic guitar and some strings, and it works very well.

Those expecting Mac's famously over-the-wall vocals from earlier Echo albums won't find them here. His strong voice drips like honey in many spots, but it is much more restrained, given the subject matter.

This is a record to play when you have some quiet time to yourself. You can immerse yourself in it pretty easily. In my opinion, it doesn't equal the brilliance of Echo & the Bunnymen, but it is a very good album. The latest Echo album "Flowers" and his new solo effort, "Slideling", proves that Mac hasn't lost his touch.

"Candleland" moved me when I first bought it in 1990. It still has that effect today.

(as a side note to any Cure fans, Boris Williams guests on the drums on a few tracks as well.)

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