Isle of Man, The - I Want My Records Back (Single)
Now this is a cracking release. Not only does Melbourne quartet The Isle of Man's I Want My Records Back have the title of the year, it also has to be one of the catchiest. A lilting slice of proto-Kinks with vocals that sound like a drunk version of The Kooks (another unashamedly Kinks inspired unit). The opening track I Want My Records Back has the classic fuzz-stab guitar with the skiffle beat that will be instantly recognisable. The beauty of the track is the dichotomy- upbeat delivery but all the while shrouded in the melancholy every listener will feel when they reminisce about times they have had to ask for their records back after a failed relationship. The only question I have for this band is 'Why would you ask for your The Who records back?' So overrated. But I digress.
The second track I'm a Foolish Man is equally catchy and could easily make this a double A-side. And again the chorus is steeped in a sort of sorrowful sepia. It's a really intriguing combination. Give it a listen to hear what I mean.
For the Hundreth Time, the final track on this tidy little package, could have been lifted straight off the Kinks' classic Arthur (or the decline and fall of the British Empire). And that's where the tiresome argument can easily be leveled at them, but why bother? This EP is a genius reinterpretation of a number of 60s bands and is all the better for it. They must be a cracking act to see live so get out there and see them.
I give this 4 collarless jackets out of five.
