An oft-overlooked Great British Lyricist, Newell’s work is littered with a closely-observed cast of oddballs, eccentrics and losers. Helped out by XTC’s Dave Gregory on guitar, and Louis Philippe, who arranged the strings and produced the whole affair, the album took just 23 days to make. Newell’s ’60s-influenced songs provide an emotional, personal and social commentary on fin de siecle Britain. Additional tracks include two readings from Newell’s book, This Little Ziggy, and a live DVD of “The Jangling Man”.
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