– THE QUIET RIOT –

Everyone’s favourite Kanye, Solange, Ariel Pink, Azealia Banks and Tame Impala-collaborator (probably not as select a group as it may initially seem), Theophilus Musa London returns with the uncharacteristically, yet uncompromisingly stripped-back Seals – Solo.

The Trinidadian (by way of New York and the Poconos) has released Lovers Holiday III; essentially a built out single format with Remix, Reprise and Instrumental versions of this one tune.

The original, however – as is so often the case – is the best.

The most arresting thing about this version is the intimacy with which it approaches you. Little more than an echoey vocal over sparse guitar, Fender Rhodes and bass, it has the vibe of a lone blues singer, tucked up in a dimly-lit corner of your favourite smokey old bar (pre-cigarette ban, presumably).

“Wrote this song 4 anybody going thru pain right now, esp this time of year” said London tweeting shortly after Valentine’s Day to a chorus of ‘aww’s from all except his old English teacher. “With self love and a vision – trust me, you can find happiness.”

As touching as it is troubled, Seals – Solo is a tribute to the broken hearted.

MORE FROM THIS WEEK’S MIX

BRYONY JARMAN-PINTO: SUNKISSED
DEVON GILFILLIAN: GET OUT AND GET IT
PARK JIHA: ON WATER
YAKUL: BLOSSOMING

P.S. You can find all of the tracks reviewed above in the 45 Revolutions per Minute playlist below or click to access the 45 RPM Playlist on Spotify itself.

If you like what you hear (or even if you don’t), please engage in dialogue with me @45rpm_Reviews on Twitter. And, if you’d like to receive updates weekly, please subscribe to the email list to get these recommendations sent to your inbox weekly.

– SV –