The
Wayward Genius of Martin Newell
(Cherry Red UK CDMRED
154)
Although the liner notes of "The Wayward Genius of Martin Newell" are somewhat apologetic about the "dated" quality of these recordings, the first thing that strikes one about these songs is their sheer gloriousness. Everything glows in the quiet world of Mr. Newell, even the oppressive regime of "Victoria Grey". Capturing the mood best is "Miss Van Houten's Coffee Shop", a track from Martin's most recent, The Off White Album: "And when she smiles / All of the trees / Come out with leaves". We hear the smiles of Martin Newell in all of these songs, whatever their technical quality.
John Relph