Madchester Great Tim Burgess Channels the Past While Pushing Forward on 'I Love the New Sky'

BY Daniel SylvesterPublished May 21, 2020

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The best-case scenario for a veteran artist is to make music that recaptures what originally made their art great while also moving their craft forward. On his fifth solo LP, I Love the New Sky, Tim Burgess does just that, channelling the carefree energy of his band, Madchester greats the Charlatans, while crafting one of the most adventurous releases of his career.

Over 12 tracks and 53 minutes, Burgess keeps each moment buoyant and full of personality, nary leaving a dud behind. Opener "Empathy for the Devil" is a throwback alterna-dance track with bouncy piano, while "The Mall" takes on crooner pop while never sounding like a pastiche. Tracks like the bubbly synth-inspired "Sweetheart Memory" and the pulsating rock song "The Warhol Me" are way more punchy and memorable than fans could have ever hoped for.

While I Love the New Sky would have been a near-perfect nine-track LP, it's a rare treat that Tim Burgess can give fans something so inspired and inspiring this deep into his career.
(Bella Union)

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