Review - The Charlatans 'You Cross My Path'

It seems that, if you're a big established band, the best thing to do is give your new album away. Radiohead did it (with a nominal fee to cover costs), but The Charlatans, going one better, are giving away their new LP, You Cross My Path, away for free free free... no money need change hands. Here. Have it. It yours. So is it a substandard Charlies product?

Well, if you trust Joaquin Phoenix, he's been saying he loves the album , chirruping "Holy f*cking sh*t, The Charlatans record is mega. A real beauty. I can't wait to see it live!" Seriously. I didn't even make that quote up. On initial listenings, it ain't half bad at all... although is it as good as Alan McGhee's "best things since 'Tellin' Stories'" comment  true?

I have to be honest, this is probably the best LP the band have made since Tellin' Stories. In my teens, The Charlatans were my band. I loved the fact that the lyrics didn't make sense. I liked the fact they ripped loads of ace 60s records off. I like the fact I looked a bit like Tim Burgess and it used to get me the odd snog. Since Wonderland, the group have been a bit off the boil with the long player. However, this sees them getting back in the groove.

The Charlatans have always been best when they just get on with doing their own thing, leaving their record collections to colour their newest sound. So if previous LPs have been steeped in Exile On Main Street and Mid-Dylan, then this is the New Order album they've always threatened us with. There's always been a worry for any Charlatans release that didn't feature a picture of the band on the cover... as their mugs have tended to accompany the loftier bits of the chart... but this record, there should be no worries. Firstly, the price (or lack of it) and the fact that it somehow manages to appeal to both the modern indie fan and the older, more Mancunian based nostalgia fan.

With locked grooves and almost steely production, You Cross My Path is slap-bang between Wonderland and Between 10th and 11th. That said, the record leans so heavily on the bass that you can't help but think of the opening tracks from Up To Our Hips (surely The Charlatans finest hour to date?). Burgess sounds as young as he ever did and his vocals often don't make sense, save for one killer line that you remember a track for, something that he's made his own over the years.

There's quite a few decent tracks and 'Oh! Vanity!' should cement a place in the group's live canon for a good few years with it's fuzz bass and hammer'n'tongue beats. 'Mis-takes' has got single written all over it. Basically, if you're an old fan looking for vintage Charlatans, you won't go far wrong with this LP. If you're new to indie, you'll find a lot to cherish in this long player. Sure, it ain't got the skinny jeans posturing of London groups... but it's got a much rarer commodity - S.O.U.L.

Download You Cross My Path here. Go on. You might as well. It's free!

Comments

[Ramirez]

Good review, the album is indeed a magnificent return to form after the rather blant Simpatico! Bad Days, The Misbegotten, Birds...this album is full of should-be classics...and then there's the awesome "Mis-takes", almost better than anything on Stone Roses' debut album, what a tune! 9,5/10

[paco]

I must say that the review is great. I love this Band. I love how the can change in every single album, different styles, different way to see the music, even tim burgess solo album is full of good vibrations. I really believe is the best british band ever.
Good Luck

[johnny morris]

New Order-lite. It's Tim Burgess doing some kind of sub-Bernard Sumner imitation. Even the bass is ripping off Hooky. Oh Vanity is a colour by numbers plagiarism-inviting rip-off of Krafty-era Order. Please everyone wake up! McGee, you're totally up your arse. Listen a bit more closely. Doh!

[johnny ball]

This album is a great listen, lots to admire and take in ... from the New Order bass lines to the strong Hammond sound swirling it's way through most of the tracks. A real return to making classic tunes, adding to an impressive back catalogue. The Misbegotten and Mis'takes a the pick for me but I don't feel the need to skip any of the tracks.
8.5 / 10