"Easy Pieces" was the second album released by Lloyd Cole and the Commotions. I bought the LP after the release of the first two singles from the album, both of which were top 20 successes, having liked both them, and the first album.
Despite some negative critical reviews I thought "Easy Pieces" was slightly better than "Rattlesnakes" as whilst it didn't quite hit the heights of such songs as "Patience" and "Forest Fire" at the time I thought the overall consistency of the songs was better higher, with no obvious duff songs. There is the expected abundance of clever lyrics.
The up-tempo "Rich" starts side one featuring horns and brass, and some dominant drumming which sets the tone for much of the album, and there are typically insighful lyrics such as "Even Jesus has a price, with credit card donations"
"Why I Love Country Music" has a slightly slowly pace but has another great melody and lines such as "so we drink Spanish wine, and she plays country records until the morning".
"Pretty Gone" is slower but has a georgeous melody "She is under your thumb, oh you little man, and you don't know what you want til she is gone, gone, gone"
"Grace" is a fairly unsubstantial song but has quite a nice harmonious middle eight. If you like Lloyd Cole you'll love it but it might pass you by otherwise.
Personally, I find "Cut Me Down" to be the best song on the album. A slow pace with a nice bass, keyboards and strings in the background, building up to the chorus.
Side Two opens with the two first singles, both of which were major hits. "Brand New Friend" has memorable organ lines, quivering vocals and gospel style backing vocals amongst a mid-tempo song. "Jane was in her turtleneck, I was so much happier then"
"Lost Weekend" is a more frantic, roller coaster of a song describing some time spent in Amsterdam. "I was an a king bee with a head full of attitude"
The standard falls slightly with "James" which despite some decent drumming and keyboards is quite a dull track that goes on far too long.
"Minor Character" has a breezy tune but is quite bland compared to the other tracks on the album. "St Christopher Sunday, otherwise uneventful" might describe the song !
The final song "Perfect Blue" has harmonica and twangy acoustic guitars and one of the best choruses on the LP
Side 1
1. Rich
2. Why I Love Country Music
3. Pretty Gone
4. Grace
5. Cut Me Down
Side 2
1. Brand New Friend
2. Lost Weekend
3. James
4. Minor Character
5. Perfect Blue
Released 1985
UK Chart Position :5
Singles :
Brand New Friend ( No 19 1985 )
Lost Weekend ( No 17 1985 )
Cut Me Down ( No 38 1986 )
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