Bill Wells & Aidan Moffat // The Most Important Place In The World
Wells & Moffat deliver their second classic album.
Released 16.03.15
Bill Wells & Aidan Moffat // The Most Important Place In The World Chemikal Underground
Aidan Moffat may be the best lyricist the UK has produced in the last thirty years, if not ever. A bold claim but listen to anything Moffat has done, from the early days of Arab Strap through the solo years to this and be convinced. Dedicated to the seedier side of life they may be but his words are sheer poetry.
In 2011, Moffat got together with self-taught bassist, pianist and guitarist Bill Wells to cut the classic Everything’s Getting Older. Vaguely jazz and (un)easy listening, Everything... went on to win the Scottish Album of the Year. Now comes The Most Important Place In The World.
Built around Wells' sparse piano figures and Moffat’s part sung-part spoken-part whispered vocals, from opener On The Motorway to closer We're Still Here, this is quite possibly the best thing Moffat has been involved with since Strap's Monday At The Hug And Pint.
The highlights of an exceptionally strong album are Lock Up Your Lambs and Any Other Mirror. With its squealing brass and chanted vocals, the former has the mood of a horror soundtrack. With a cheesy bossanova rhythm, the latter is a love song for those ageing disgracefully.
Pavlis (9/10)
