FOOL'S MATE

Simply put, this is the album that Kevin Ayers always wished he'd made. Optimistic, sunny and gloomy in one breath, this is certainly the most listenable Hammill album ever released. Mostly drawn from early VDGG and previous experiments, it hangs together very nicely. Although Silent Corner is usually given the nod as the best album in his canon, I would have to say this one is. Dark and catchy, and without the overwrought angst that can be off putting, this is an example of his brilliance that all can understand. And strangely, it sounds better in its original CD release than the remastered Silent Corner! Highly recommended. Five stars.