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Martin Gordon — God's on His Lunchbreak (Please Call Back)
(Radiant Future RFVP007CD, 2006, CD)

by Jeff Melton, Published 2006-05-01

God's on His Lunchbreak (Please Call Back) Cover art Now that bassist Martin Gordon has established himself across two creditable solo records together with a crackshot band that suits his clever muse, it’s clear that he has some more pop rock damage to inflict on the unsuspecting and wary. Citing Noël Coward as a prime influence is completely recognizable on tracks like the opening cut, “Fickle” with swooning lead vocal and a catchy Sparks-like hook. The overall results are very English camp and recall much of the tomfoolery that Ray Davies somewhat perfected in the Kinks’ heyday. “Miracle Baby” is perhaps that hit single that escaped the clutches of Roy Wood (ex-ELO) with its infectious main verse and sing along chorus. It’s not all over the top pop rock as “How Am I Doing So Far” is my pick for best conceived songwriting with a jazzy interlude opening phrase that builds into a strong warbly chorus line. “Too Many People” is Paul McCartney’s great lead track from Ram and here the band does a respectable cover sounding a bit like Badfinger. The band also presents Gilbert and Sullivan in a very tongue in obviously cheeky fashion that shows just whom Freddie Mercury was listening to for inspiration as well. The CD’s closer track on the surface looks to be a poster boy for political incorrectness with heavy metal riffing leading into a Beach boys vocal phrase but it’s all part of the odd dichotomy of the composer’s musical palette. In closing, Gordon and band continue to spin witticisms that stay in your head much past a fortnight. And that’s a very good thing.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 33, 2006 releases

Related artist(s): Martin Gordon

 

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