Wednesday, August 11, 2004

Lately, I've been trying to figure out how come I enjoy Grant McLennan so much. Fellow Go-Between Robert Forster's existence is redeemed by "When She Talked About Angels," the only song I know that details the sacrifices rock fans make for love, but most of the time I'm like hey, let Grant sing that. Melodic knack is part of it (Forster's stuff often feels wooden in comparison), but it also has something to do with his ability to express yearning and tenderness without coming off helpless or feeble. Heroic while devoid of machismo. 1994's Horsebreaker Star is recommended to newbies and curious Go-Betweens fans. 24 to 30 (depending on your copy's nationality) gifts from a "resigned romantic" (to use Christgau's phrase) blessed with a gentle voice and inner strength.

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