Bobby Conn - The Homeland
[Thrill Jockey]

Dark, twisted humour and political imagery aren't everyone's usual subject matters, but it's these lethal ingredients that make-up genius, art-rocker Bobby Conn's highly regarded sound.

Where his previous creations were hastily pieced together, 'The Homeland' is a masterpiece of well-written tracks, lovingly composed and bursting with potential hits. A chart slot has been aching for an artist this outstanding in ages, do the right thing and together get President Bobby up there on Top Of The Pops.

For first-class thievery, 'Home Sweet Home' ends in the Beach Boys' 'You Still Believe In Me', and there's plenty of traces of 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' scattered about. It could be easy (but foolish) to dismiss 'The Homeland' as a crap joke and a 45 minute ego-trip.

It's not just about imitating retro genres either, get past the muddy studio sound and the tunes themselves sound as fresh and original as ever, mainly due to his madcap approach to recording. Don't forget the excellent lyrics, off-key vocals and moments of genuine excitement. Something which is hard to come across these days, fans of Prince and Beck will adore this.

Way ahead of his time and very misunderstood, Conn dares to do things no-one else will, with no regards for the consequences. A supreme album that will undoubtedly be overlooked, don't be one to miss out on such quality music.