THE LIGHTNING SEEDS Vinyl & CDs

Review: The Lightning Seeds' 1999 album Tilt signaled a departure from their cheery indie-pop origins, embracing a more electronic vibe and delving into deeper lyrical themes. Collaborating with talents like Terry Hall, Stephen Jones, and Mike Pickering, and under the production guidance of Simon Rogers (with Tim Simenon overseeing "Get It Right"), the album unveils a shift towards a somber, introspective musical landscape. Despite garnering acclaim for its bold experimentation, especially evident on singles such as 'Life's Too Short' and 'Sweetest Soul Sensations', "Tilt" faced commercial challenges, prompting Ian Broudie to put the band on hiatus thereafter. This record captures a pivotal moment for The Lightning Seeds, navigating uncharted musical waters while staying true to their knack for crafting resonant melodies and thought-provoking compositions that resonate deeply with listeners.

Review: The Lightning Seeds' Dizzy Heights is a shining example of mid-90s Brit-pop brilliance. Led by the talented Ian Broudie, known for his production work with Echo & The Bunnymen, this album beautifully blends light pop-rock with majestic acoustics and New Order/Pet Shop Boys-esque keyboards. While the music exudes a happy and upbeat vibe, Broudie's lyrics reveal a deeper, more introspective side. Songs like 'Touch And Go' and 'Imaginary Friends' explore themes of friendship and loneliness, adding layers of emotional depth. The track 'Waiting For Today To Happen,' co-written by Nicky Wire of the Manic Street Preachers, is a poignant piece likely influenced by the disappearance of Richey Edwards. The cover of 'You Showed Me' is both chilling and sexy, offering a fresh take on a classic song. Despite a consistent sound throughout the album, each track brings its unique charm. Dizzy Heights is perfect for those moments when you want elegant pop music that resonates emotionally. While it might not revolutionize the genre, its sheer listenability and thoughtful composition make it a standout in any music collection.

Review: The reissue of The Lightning Seeds' album Sense brings back a cherished gem from the early 90s. Released in 1992, this album showcases Ian Broudie's knack for crafting infectious, melodic pop songs. Standout tracks like the smash hit and every popular 'The Life of Riley' and the title track 'Sense' blend jangly guitars with lush, shimmering production. Broudie's lyrics, often reflective and introspective, add depth to the album's catchy tunes. The reissue offers a fresh opportunity to experience this classic album, highlighting its enduring appeal and the timeless quality of The Lightning Seeds' signature sound. As such, Sense remains a vibrant, uplifting collection of pop brilliance.

Review: Cloudcuckooland, the 1990 debut by The Lightning Seeds, is a delightful exploration of nerd-pop, infused with whimsical and earnest lyricism. Spearheaded by Ian Broudie, the album features 12 tracks that blend imaginative daydreams with Casio presets, creating a twee, sentimental atmosphere. The standout track, 'Pure,' achieved significant success, charting in both the UK Top 20 and the US Billboard Top 40. Its gentle strumming, synth arpeggios, and Broudie's evocative lyrics evoke a sense of innocent love. The follow-up single, 'All I Want,' continues this trend with its protective, poetic tone and toy harpsichord melodies. While some tracks, like 'Control the Flame' and 'Bound in a Nutshell,' experiment with genre to unique results, others, such as 'Joy' and 'Frenzy,' offer catchy synth-pop moments. Though not as danceable as contemporaries, Cloudcuckooland remains charming for its dainty sentiments and hopeful suitor's perspective, making it a timeless piece of twee pop.

Review: With their almost-sickly sweet vocals and incredibly catchy riffs, it's safe to say The Lighting Seeds were pop personified for a while - and this, their second studio album and a follow up to the acclaimed Cloudcuckooland, was right at the height of that period. One listen to opener and title track, 'Sense', should be enough to invoke memories of a bygone era in music, at least in those who were actually there, while the follow up, 'Life Of Riley', will bring back more vivid recollections thanks to that gold-standard guitar hook. Listening to this simply as a retro or nostalgic exercise isn't really fair, though. Framing Sense as a record worthy of reappraisal reveals a lot about what really captured attention and imagination at the time. These background details that add depth and resonance to otherwise relatively light arrangements betray Iain Broudie's storied track record as a studio producer.

Review: "This could stand a little more bite," The Chicago Tribune wrote of Cloudcuckooland back in 1990. Suffice to say, Greg Kot hadn't listened to enough by The Lighting Seeds before penning his thoughts on their debut album. As we all know, the Liverpudlian combination of Ian Broudie and Original Mirrors never really had much bite, and instead preferred to float on the wave of sweet and often soft indie pop. Nevertheless, despite the lack of weight and heft, The Lightning Seeds did make a big impact back in the day, with this, their debut album, even managing to bag a spot in the US Top 40. Listening to it now, Broudie's enviable credentials as a producer for the likes of Echo & The Bunnymen, Wall of Voodoo, and the Fall are more than audible in the pitch perfect polish, each tracks boasting that infectious, singalong quality.