Music

Camera Obscura - Let's Get Out Of This Country review

Favourites of the late great John Peel, this Glaswegian sextet explore lo-fi country and kitsch rock'n'roll via Doris Day, Mary Wilson and Dusty Springfield, thanks in large part to the wonderful presence of frontwoman and driving force, Traceyanne Campbell. From the lilting country of Dory Previn through to the near-doo-wop of If Looks Could Kill, Let's Get... is steeped in a nostalgia for styles long gone but delivered with a contemporary vivacity that almost beggars belief.

The production is "light", to say the least, but redeemed by Traceyanne's vocal style which is sweet in much the same way as St Etienne's Sarah Cracknell is sweet; the depth of feeling with which she imbues the songs is extraordinary.

Listen to songs like Tears For Affairs, The False Contender and I Need All The Friends I Can Get and marvel at the light-heartedness that belies the points she makes on each.

Camera Obscura tour the UK throughout May and June. Catch them if you can.

Rating:
Released: 5th June 2006
Label: Elefant

30-01-2007