Album, Single and EP Reviews


 

 

  Guinea Pigs EP by Desmond Reed


Guinea Pigs EP cover art

Artist: Desmond Reed
Title: Guinea Pigs EP
Catalogue Number: Wee Pop! POP!004
Review Format: CD
Release Year: 2007



We have eclectic tastes at Bluesbunny and a fondness for perfect pop music and whilst curiosity often gets the better of us in matters musical (and we have the record collection to prove it), it is not often that we unearth a treasure. Desmond Reed is such a treasure. Twee pop should not really be our bag but these 3 songs are charming.

"Guinea Pigs" is about guinea pigs, strangely enough and the trials and tribulations of owning the furry critters. A bizarre subject for a song but you just can't help smiling as you listen. Triviality elevated to art without a doubt. "Neat" is a practically a masterpiece of economical song writing. It is the plot of every eighties' John Hughes movie encapsulated in 2 minutes and 41 seconds of lo-fi pop perfection. The call and response vocals on "First Proud, Then Sad" gives us a summary of all the angst of our teenage years in less time than it takes to make a pot of tea. Who needs psychotherapy when you have these songs? These songs have a freshness and innocence that just wins you over every time that you play them.

The packaging is equally charming with this release on Wee Pop! Records coming on a lovingly produced 3 inch CD wrapped up in a neat little brown paper envelope with each release (and there is only 120 of them) being individually hand numbered. There can't be any money in it but it is surely evidence of people who actually care about the music. You won't find a multinational record company doing that! Go on - treat your ears and buy one now.


www.myspace.com/desmondreed
Reviewer:
Review Date: November 16 2007