Graham Coxon - Love Travels At Illegal Speeds

If you're like me, one of your fonder memories of Blur is not really about the poppy "Country House" or "Girls & Boys", nor that gospel-tinged "Tender", maybe a little on that ditty called "Song 2" but that one earnest ballad called "You're So Great". The lyrics and melody may be simple but even the coldest hearts would give in a little when they hear Coxon croon "You're so great and i love you.." Back to the present then and back to Graham Coxon's sixth (yes not second..SIXTH!) solo outing "Love Travels At Illegal Speeds". Probably the question is can he sustain a similar standard after possibly his most accomplished effort "Happiness In Magazines".

The album opens with a typical Coxon track "Standing On My Own Again" which probably serves as his anthem considering all the reports linking him with a reunion with his former band, Blur. Every track from then on doesn't let up, all with that thumping drum beat and driving guitar. "Gimme Some Love" retains the energy of "Song 2" but with more depth, "Don't Let Your Man Know" is downright clever Can i see you in the bathroom tonite?..Don't let your man know.. (talk about cheeky!) and if you can't get enough Coxon humour, there's "What's He Got?" What's he got that i haven't got..guess he's just better looking than me. And for those who cannot get enough of "You're So Great", check out ballads like "Just A State Of Mind", "Flights To The Sea (Lovely Rain)" and "See A Better Day". It may not exactly be an improvement on "Happiness.." but it retains very much the same standard and that isn't such a bad thing now is it?
- Reviewed by: addy.

Rating: 8 (out of 10)

Tracklisting:
1. Standing On My Own Again
2. I Can't Look At Your Skin
3. Don't Let Your Man Down
4. Just A State Of Mind
5. You & I
6. Gimme Some Love
7. I Don't Wanna Go Out
8. Don't Believe Anything I Say
9. Tell It Like It Is
10. Flights To The Sea (Lovely Rain)
11. What's He Got?
12. You Always Let Me Down
13. See A Better Day

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Available at: HMV, Gramophone and all major music retailers