How often has a songwriter emerged from a bout of severe writer's block with such remarkable beauty? Former
House of Love
frontman
Guy Chadwick
has done just that in this low-key debut -- a gorgeous and seemingly effortless collection of breezy love songs. Many of the tracks would have fit well on any
record; the only differences are the dashes of accordian, keyboards, and pedal steel tastefully added to
Chadwick
's songs, and the lack of rock guitar.
Robin Guthrie
's warm production serves these gentle songs wonderfully, and
Guy
's backing musicians complement him masterfully (
Guthrie
also played bass on eight songs).
Lazy, Soft and Slow
breaks no new ground, and nothing here tops such
greats as
"Shine On"
or
"Christine,"
but that couldn't have been
's intent. If you adore the
Harvest
-mode
Neil Young
or favor the
"Pale Blue Eyes"
side of
the Velvet Underground
, this album should warm your soul for many Sunday mornings to come. ~ Andy Kellman