Booley's original Bathroom Floor was one of the highlights of last year's independent releases. The sophisticated and carefully crafted pop music which is Booley's specialty records well. It's not just his spiked pink hair which makes him stand out.
Removing one of the weakest tracks on the original ("Be Here") and adding in five new ones, the album is more satisfying than the original EP simply because it gives more insight into the world of Booley. Drawing influences from lyricists such as Bruce Cockburn, Booley's approach to pop music seems to owe more to the Elvis Costello school of craftsmanship than to his lyrical influences. Drawing from a broad range of musical alleys, he wraps them around compelling lyrical hooks. Those lyrics are very personal, but universal enough for most people to relate to. The title track was inspired while hiding in a bathroom from relationship woes while "Alright" uses the story of a train journey to explore the very real suffering which often lies behind issues which we only see as political debates.
Winning fans wherever he plays (he's supported Steve Earle, All Star United, Maire Brennan, and Duran Duran), it's only a matter of time before Booley gets some serious attention. While some of the mixes here might need to be tightened up to get wide radio play, the songs themselves certainly deserve it.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #88Reviewed by Jeanette StroleWhen Britrock actually hails from the British Isles, one should probably take extra notice. Booley provide jangly UK-type pop-rock with earthy, organic appeal. Each song is stuffed full of various noises and instruments, (Rhodes and Hammonds, piano, xylophone, tubular bells) blended effectively into a tapestry of guitars and drumming. One might make loose associations to Van Morrison, Gin…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by James StewartBack in 1997, the Booley House caused a small stir with a promising album called Lemonade. Since then the partnership behind that album has dissolved to leave a solo performer going by the name Booley. Currently earning himself a string of high profile support slots in Ireland (north and south), Booley has produced a debut EP soaked in quirky pop vibes. Booley has an unusual voice. His vocals are…Similar sounding releases
2002DolourSuburbiac
2002U2The Best Of 1990-2000
2003Poor Rich OnesJoe Maynard's Favourites
1997Carolyn ArendsFeel Free
2002Sherri YoungwardSix Inches of Sky
2004MarillionMarbles
