Standards

The most underrated songwriter of his generation, Lloyd Cole returns with an absolute belter - up there with his very best, if not, THE best album of his career. ‘Myrtle and Rose’, ‘Period Piece’, and ‘Blue Like Mars’ are my favourite tracks, but every track on here is just divine. ‘Standards’ easily makes it into my Top 10 best ever albums - LOVE it!!

The new Lloyd Cole album, Standards, is what many would call a return to form. Back is the sound of the Commotions and early solo work, gone, for the most part, are the folk and country songs that have been so prevalent on his last few albums.Standards kicks off with a cover of John Hartford's "California Earthquake". Hartford is described as "an American folk, country and bluegrass composer and musician known for his mastery of the fiddle and banjo", so my expectations were not good. It turns out to be a fantastic song, and a great opener. I never would have believed it.Song number 2, and potential the second single after the excellent "Period Piece", is "Women Studies" that could easily have appeared on Easy Pieces. It's lyrically sharp witted and punchy. For Commotions fans this is truly a return to form.Other standout tracks include the aforementioned "Period Piece", which is slower paced, but still very catchy, as well as "Myrtle and Rose".The song "No Truck" is a grower. It could sit comfortably on the Love Story album. But I'm still trying to figure out what the lyrics "She will have no truck with me" means. Curious. But pretty.As with other Lloyd Cole albums, the closer on Standards, "Diminished Ex", is a gem; the guitars are superb on this track, and while lyrically we expect the subject of the song to be a person (an "ex"), it turns out to be short for "diminished expectations". Nice twist.All in all, a great album. Recommended.

Really great album. Got back into Lloyd Cole after listening to some Acoustics tracks on U-tube incWomens Studies/Period Piece. Really great tunes and good value too. Some upbeat tracks and also some melancholy tunes that take you on a journey of different beats at different paces. Well done LC - fantastic album

Every song on this Lp is of a superb 'standard' . I love the vivian westwood shirt you wear - why don't you ever let me wear it. great line - tongue in cheek lyric. hails back to the early 80's where the best shirts were blouses!There are plenty more lyrics which resonate, are witty, clever and a delight to listen to. The melodies are really strong on each and a testament to the new energy the band format give the songs. I would say this record is better than broken record and for me Lloyd is peaking. Great

At a recent live show Lloyd Cole told the audience he'd surprised himself by creating such a loud rock album, in contrast to the more folky style of his solo sets. It's a classic of melodic songs and intelligent words. Track 4, Myrtle and the Rose, is a beautiful account of a doomed relationship (something of a Cole default setting). This characterful set of songs might appeal to fans of Neil Hannon (Divine Comedy).

Haven't listened to a new Lloyd Cole album in years despite having been a massive Commotions fan and a fan of the early solo efforts. Checked this one out in advance of his Autumn tour and was delighted with it.Musically, I think it's the album he's been aiming for all along, with the fresh rocky pop of the Commotions married with a more US rock sound at times. His voice is still in pretty good nick.The stand out tracks are Diminished Ex and Period Piece for me.

Lloyd's best since "Easy Pieces". He wears his influences more proudly now and even includes a cover. For all that this is a fiercely honest collection of songs which while sounding fresh still recalls the wonderful, swirling, tunefulness of his classic releases. Buy it. Buy it today...

A great Lloyd Cole album, even by his own standards. A career high point, with the whole album working together to create a classic album.