“It’s hard for me to say it, but I’m ready to confess / I’ve known for a while now that I haven’t been my best,” admits Badly Drawn Boy — real name: Damon Gough — near the end of Banana Skin Shoes, his ninth release (counting several soundtracks) and first album in eight long years. Based on reports, he’s not kidding; Gough has apparently spent much of the past decade dealing with divorce, depression and the downturn of a meteoric career that began with the Mercury Prize-winning 2000 debut The Hour of Bewilderbeast. Thankfully, this comeback album finds the laconic singer-songwriter with the everpresent tea-cozy knit cap bouncing back musically and emotionally with an eclectic and eccentric collection of upbeat, sweetly sincere indie-pop reminiscent of Beck. Only time will tell if it puts him back where he was. But whatever the outcome, Banana Skin Shoes is a big step in the right direction.
THE PRESS RELEASE: “Banana Skin Shoes is Damon Gough’s ninth album. The album is comprised of 14 tracks including previously released track Is This A Dream? Always one to wear his heart on his sleeve, Gough’s album is a truly personal & heartfelt collection of songs, a huge statement of intent & the most glorious, colourful warming, honest pop record you’ll hear this year.”
