If, like myself, you’re more than a bit unimpressed with the sort of music you hear pumping out of radios and other mainstream outlets of media in this day and age, you probably find yourself looking either below the radar for new music and/or back in time to discover musical gems from days gone by.
One such gem is ‘Leave The Straight Life Behind’, the only proper album ever released by British indie rock band BOB, recently re-issued by the good folks at 3Loop Music, featuring four bonus tracks, plus an entire bonus disc of BBC sessions.
BOB’s sound is notably diverse, ranging from jangly Johnny Marr-esque guitars on tracks like ‘Convenience’ to more swingy, piano driven tracks like ‘Brian Wilson’s Bed’.
Album opener ‘Dynamite’ is one of those slow groove tracks. Characteristically blasé voice over a backdrop of atmospheric instrumentation, building the listener up to what is to come rather than exploding into action.
I have a particular fondness for the Peel Session version of ‘Convenience’ with its a cappella intro:
“Then she rides far away // motorway // won’t keep her at bay// I have seen lights turn green // just for her convenience…”
In fact, as good as the album proper is, there’s something quite special about the second disc as it captures the band at their most raw.
If you thought the eighties was all synth-pop and hair metal, you’ll find listening to BOB an enlightening experience.
If on the other hand, you’re already well versed in the rich history of eighties alternative rock, you’ll almost certainly find listening to BOB an enjoyable and perhaps nostalgic experience.
Captain Andy 