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Saturday 2 June 2012

Princess Chelsea - Lil' Golden Book



It's safe to say that Princess Chelsea will be filed under the word 'quirky' in the world of mainstream British music, but this album has so much more to offer than its obtuse pop sensibilities. For starters, her voice is a thing of beauty; it's distinct, crystal clear and has an atmosphere all of its own. Chelsea (I'm guessing the singer is called Chelsea?) has a rich New Zealand accent and pronounces her words with such perfection it never ceases to fascinate me. Applied to the original and unusual little ditties on the album the voice produces a unique sound and feel that is both profound and accessible.

The style of the songs, instrumentation and packaging of the album combine to produce an atmosphere that screams slightly weird and wonderful toy shop. But listen a few times and there's a darker element evident here too. This is the soundtrack to the toy maker from Bladerunner rather than you're local Toys R Us. These toys have a slightly evil and foreboding nature, and beneath the deadpan facade lurks a kitsch, hedonistic and slightly warped nature. It's the toy shop I would have loved to have visited as a child.

All the songs in the Lil' Golden Book are oddities, but somehow they combine to form a coherent and unique package. Chelsea doesn't croon, warble or even belt out the decibels, but her precise, delicate and sometimes distant vocal paints a subtle wash over each song, before the occasional hint of emotion adds a splash of raw, primary colour. The accompanying male voice contrasts effectively and provides a much needed foil to the frosty delivery of his female partner. If you want a direct comparison: it's like the awkward songs from Belle & Sebastian, but sung by the Ice Queen from Nania.

Every song has something magical to offer, but the standout tracks are the nursery rhyme charms of 'Ice Reign', the heartfelt warning of 'Too Fast to Live' and best of all, the very civilised argument of 'The Cigarette Duet'. The video says it all and as one of the comments states, 'It's so cool it makes you want to start smoking'. I somehow doubt that was the intention.

This is a strange but brilliant album that shows true originality and promise. I only wish I knew more about the band other than snippets of information gleaned from articles on the Brunettes. If you can find a copy on Amazon I'd snap it up immediately. My favourite album that I've listened to this year by a long way.

10 comments:

  1. Your favourite album of 2012...I better give it a listen then ( :
    Cool video and song. Is that the guy from Eels?

    The guitar reminds me of Moonchild - King Crimson
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1m1l00eaDg

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  2. I'd definitely recommend the album and I'm sure you'd like it. Even though we have very different tastes in music, there's a definite crossover in our likes and I think Princess Chelsea's right at the centre of the Belle & Sebastian meets acoustic female singer vibe that we both appreciate. It's in my top 10 posts within 3 days so I guess there's a lot of interest out there.

    Never listened to King Crimsom but I'll give it a whirl.

    Sadly, it's not the guy from Eels, I think the guy in the hot-tub is one of the band. But I'd pay good money to see Mark Oliver Everett do a duet with Princess Chelsea! I could see it working too.

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  3. i've seen quite a bit of princess chelsea and really enjoy it, i just wish there was more information about her

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  4. Thanks Holly, I agree we're a little short of information in the UK.

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  5. I gave the Princess Chelsea album a listen today, lots to enjoy...the tracks Yulia, Caution Repetitive, and The cigarette duet are excellent, thanks for the review!
    Going to add the album to my amazon listmania best albums of 2011 list...

    What did you make of Moonchild - King Crimson?

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    1. Glad you enjoyed -there's some decent session tracks on YouTube as well.

      I'm finding King Crimson strangely hypnotic. Not sure why I like it yet, but I do.

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  6. Man and woman singing harmonies: always a treat. The fella playing guitar underwater is fairly cool too. I may have to give the album a listen...

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  7. She's now the fourth most popular post and catching Panic at the Disco at an alarming rate.

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  8. Just as I have my doubts about your medical credentials, I can't help wondering whether she is a real princess.

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    1. real princess or not, ha-ha

      Great comment ( :

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