The first thing I thought after listening to Viv Albertine’s The Vermilion Border was, let’s hope we don’t have to wait 25 years for the follow up. After playing the record through a second time, I realised just how good the songs were.

 

An album of stories, chock full of life that allow you picture the characters from those stories as the songs play. An honest no holds barred record. Mentions go to Poly Styrene on 'Still England' which is lovely. Jack Bruce joins her on 'In Vitro' and other guest bassists include Tina Weymouth and Glen Matlock. Mick Jones adds guitar but all that just enhances what is Viv’s record and songs.

 

'Hookup Girl' opens with, 'In another town you would be a whore, but in North London you are just a bore'. Like I said straight ahead and straight to the point as is the best punk tradition. In 2012 Viv Albertine has brought that theme up to date, musically and lyrically.

 

A fine record

 

9/11

Pete

 

 

 

1. I Want More

2. Confessions of A MILF

3. in Vitro

4. When It Was Nice

5. Hookup Girl

6. The False Heart

7. Don’t Believe

8. Becalmed (I Should Have Known)

9. Little Girl In A Box

10. The Madness of Clouds

11. Still England

Viv's Website