Gruff Rhys - Hotel Shampoo

It is no secret that I love most things Gruff Rhys has lent his voice and undoubted songwriting talent to, and so it is probably no surprise that I'm enjoying Hotel Shampoo. Bearing all that in mind, I have to say I think this is a great album. As one would expect, there is plenty of invention and musical playfulness, but Gruff has reigned things in somewhat, allowing his words and harmonies to work their charm. There is plenty of melancholy here, but is perfectly balanced by the lush pop melodies and wistful summery loveliness.

I've read a few reviews that compare Hotel Shampoo to Bacharach, The Beach Boys and The Beatles, and you can see where they are coming from, but this album could only be by Rhys.

The pleasures of this record may be more delicate and less obvious than his previous outings - it is certainly no Neon Neon or Rings Around The World - but they are delicious all the same.

Nice one Mr K - on that review I'll be getting a copy, heard his latest singles and they are great.

Can't wait for SFA to regroup and blow all the rubbish music out of the water - it'll be their 10th studio album. Been nearly 6 years since I've seen them live.

missed this one, been too focused on elbow !
some great stuff knocking around Gruff / SFA work... definatley worth checking out