Salim Nourallah “Constellation” (Tapeta Records, 2009)

Excellent album to greet the long hot summer

Texan Nourallah’s fourth solo album appears to be a step up from his previous efforts which, while well regarded, didn’t exactly set the heather on fire. Here, accompanied by producer Billy Harvey, he has achieved a rare accomplishment, an almost perfect album that begs to be listened to time after time.

Much has been made of his affection for late period Beatles but on this album he sounds bang up to date (despite some vocal similarities to Ray Davies and an occasional nod to late sixties pop). There are numerous influences actually that leap out at the listener. Opener “Endless Dream days” is pure Beach Boys’ harmony while “Love is All around” has a sweet psychedelic haze reminiscent of Gary Usher’s vocal groups from the sixties. At other times one hears the influence of Beck ('It’s Not Enough') or even Rufus Wainright ('The Man Who Learned to Love').

Overall however, this is a collection of songs that could grace any collection of superior pop songs from the past three decades. The power-pop chords of 'It’s Not Enough' crunch from the speakers, 'Pictures Collected' thrums and throbs and 'Western Hills' marries Nick Drake’s pastoral elegies to Ray Davies’ Muswell Hill musings.

The production here is crystal clear and if anyone is looking for a sun-kissed harmony pop record to take to the beach this summer they would do well to check this out.

Date review added:  Monday, May 04, 2009
Reviewer:  Paul Kerr
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