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Album Details

• Artist: Ian Love
• Album: Ian Love
• Label: Limekiln
• Year of Release: 2006
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: dscanland on 2006-05-19

I can't even remember where I heard about Ian Love but regardless I managed to track down his self-titled debut album and am very impressed. When I was reading a little more about him I discovered that I had already heard his handy work in a band called Rival Schools. All fine and dandy but that still doesn't give anyone indication of what Ian Love, the solo artist sounds like. This is an album that is very pop-oriented but still very solo-focused. The album kicks off with "The Only Night", a lovely indication of what's ahead. It's got a very subdued shuffle feel to it but the guitars are chimey and the vocals are layered beautifully. Then we get a little more personal on "Sky To Fall", a gentle ballad where Ian works on his lovely falsetto. "Butterfly" is one of those gentle songs that possess a chaotic percussion only to be kept under control by Love's serene vocals and light guitar work. All this and we are only three tracks in. Highlights of the rest of the album include the slightly twangy but ever so mild "Don't Let Go". I can't help but feel some Guided By Voices influence on "It's Not Over". Take my word for it, Ian Love knows how to write a catchy song.
This New York native will find many a fan in those who look to pop-oriented singer/songwriters. It's a fantastic solo debut.

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