The Real Tuesday Weld first emerged in 2001 with ‘When Cupid Meets Psyche’, a quite unique record where Vaudevillian sounds from the early part of the 20th Century were joined with hip-hop stylings from the end of the 1990’s. It was delightful. The latest album from the man behind these ideas, Stephen Coates, sees him still ploughing a similar furrow six years later. The inspiration this time is the idea of a London version of the Tibetan Book Of The Dead and the experience of a two-week period where the joy of becoming a father for the first time was negated by the loss of Coates’ own father.
Now the music is less hook-heavy but still high on dreamlike quality, thanks largely to Coates’ breathy vocals. At times it’s not too far removed from easy listening given the romantic crooning on ‘It’s A Wonderful (Lie)’ whilst jazzy novelties preside for the throwaway ‘Cloud Cuckooland’. Thankfully his knack for an original pop melody remains for the lovely string-laden ‘Kix’, a clever perversion of Cole Porter’s ‘I Get A Kick Out Of You’ and ‘I Believe’ extols the virtues of mercy killing, cigarettes, lager and dope. Moving on to songs of a more serious bent, ‘Ruth, Roses And Revolvers’ and ‘Dorothy Parker Blue’ are both fine example of his swooning melancholia, rather like a more understated take on the Divine Comedy sound. Meanwhile interludes like the mournful ‘Waltz For One’ prove that Coates convinces on the instrumental tracks too. Given that his style is now consolidated though, Coates’ music isn’t quite as effective as it used to be but his music retains warmth, charm and an abundance of wit.
Web Sites:
Real Tuesday Weld Site
Six Degree Records Label Site
Further Listening:
Momus, The Divine Comedy
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