It’s Immaterial: Life’s Hard And Then You Die

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Siren 1986.  SIREN LP 4

Discogs

This album truly is a forgotten 80s gem.  So surprising is it that it’s never been re-issued that I didn’t realise until this evening when I checked before posting.

It’s a difficult album to describe because it’s very eclectic.  There’s pop of course, but also folk and post-punk, all delivered in a very English style.  The vocals are beautiful, and for the most part the song writing is superb.  What’s more it rewards repeated listens – if you do, its melancholy sophistication really gets under your skin.

I love the title too, but its brutality is an odd fit with this sensitively realised album.  It also sounds great which is a nice bonus.