Coles Corner

Known mostly for his work as the guitarist in Pulp and Longpigs as well as recordings with Robbie Williams, Beth Orton, and A Girl Called Eddy, Sheffield, UK-based singer/songwriter Richard Hawley delivers another solo album.Coles Corner -- his first for Mute and the follow-up to Late Night Final (2001) and Lowedges (2003) -- is a beautiful album, filled with nostalgia, emotion and romance. The album's orchestral splendor sits alongside earthy rock & roll with songs that are by turns intimate and soaring. Richard Hawley insists his mind is full only with "confused thoughts and Guinness." But when he sings, he does so in a voice that's deep and low and does not lie. His merciful, wise songs tell of the heart's truths as seen in the dark, revealed by moonlight. A wonderful combination of timeless songwriting and a classic voice.