The Charlatans: Us and us only

Reviewed by Russell Baillie

THE CHARLATANS

Us and Us Only

(Universal)

* * *


It's been 10 years, too, since the classic-of-its-era Stones Roses album Fools Gold (reissue on the way). I mention that because there's something quite Fools Gold about the sixth album from the Charlatans, the survivors of that Madchester scene (although we all know they're from Wolverhampton).

Never really rated them myself - too many jams masquerading as songs - but certainly remain impressed with their staying power, considering the frequent trouble they've encountered (former keyboard player, the late Rob Collins, served time for armed robbery before his demise; band accountant jailed for ripping them off).

But Us and Us Only is terrific, a mix of Stonesy/Zeppelin grooves, extravagant use of organ and electric piano, atmospheres which swing neatly from paranoid to pastoral and persuasive melodies care of singer Tim Burgess, who has honed his North Country Dylan delivery into something distinctive.

Neatly paced too, right from slow-fused Sympathy for the Devil-ish opener Forever, through the harmonious folkpop of Impossible and Blonde Waltz, to the grand anthems of the towering centrepiece A House Is Not a Home and the closing Watching You.

These Charlatans are now the genuine article. Dead good.