Album title:
Songs For The Young At Heart
Artist:
Various
Label:
Lucky Dog/V2
The birth of Stuart Staples' son precipitated nostalgia in him for the songs and nursery rhymes of his childhood. He and his fellow Tindersticks set about enlisting pals such as Jarvis Cocker, Cerys Matthews and Kurt Wagner to commit these gems to record. These efforts produced mixed results. The sunny songs are cheery without being twee and the Jackanory-style The Lion & Albert, read by Jarvis, warms the heart. Those familiar with the dark and sonorous tones of both Staples and Wagner will not be surprised to learn that their contributions are almost creepy at points. However, exposing the sad side of these songs was a deliberate aim and is best achieved on Bonnie Prince Billy's memorable rendition of Puff The Magic Dragon. This collection is probably a little too subtle for children today but it is certainly a curious pleasure for the grown-ups to indulge in. [Dave Reid]