It is quite remarkable how many bands The Smiths have given birth to and Charlie Big Time is yet another of them. However, they prove to be very respectful children and they have taken their musical legacy and have made it altogether more laidback.
Unlike The Smiths however, there's no acid here at all and it does seem - as with "Giving in, Giving Out, Giving up" - that the proceedings have been infused with a bit of Californian sunshine instead. Not bad for a band from dull, wet England. Everything has a warm, understated feel and there's even a bit of whistling - about time for a Roger Whittaker revival perhaps? - in "Soul Glad" to provoke a bit of audience participation.
Altogether, this is a pleasingly melodic album that should please genre addicts everywhere. It won't exactly set your pulse racing but you wont get bored with it too easily either.
Available from Series Two Records.