Friends - Spangleland

  by Tommy Gunnarsson

published: 24 / 7 / 2007

Label: Summerhouse Records
Format: CD

intro

Instantly classic pop on ninth album in twenty years from London-based indiepop group Friends

The last time we heard from William Jones and his band Friends was in 2004, when they released the album 'Late Night, Early Morning'. Now they are back with their ninth album in twenty years, and in short you could say that all's quiet on the Friends front. Those of us who have listened to their earlier records know what to expect when the band is releasing a new album: great songs, slick production and William's soft voice. As usual I am looking for the instant pop songs, and this time around I find them in 'Happy New Year', 'Natural History' and 'Twice Around', which reminds me a lot of the Go-Betweens classic song 'The Streets of Your Town'. Great songs all of them! There are two songs on this album that exceeds the seven minute mark, 'Missing Person' and the closing track 'Turn the Sun on Me', and I think they are both a couple of minutes too long, but strong songs nevertheless. The record label says this album is exploring some new directions for the band, something that I really can't hear. In my ears this is good old Friends, and that's good enough for me!

Track Listing:-