Laugh (Deluxe Edition)

Terry Hall is most engaging when he is miserable. Hall, who is best known for his stints as a member of the Specials and Fun Boy Three, began delving into his shattered heart with the Colourfield in the mid-80s. Laugh is Halls second solo album and on it he gives proof that hes perfected the art of weeping in his ale despite the sugar-coated melodies and the cheerful bounce of the music. On the surface, this album is distilled sunshine: The blanket of tastefully strummed acoustic guitars of "Love to See You," the crystalline jangle and sweet harmonies of "Sonny and His Sister," and the soaring chorus of "Take It Forever" seduce the listener into singing along to Halls lyrics without realizing how tormented they are. Like Morrissey and Robert Smith of the Cure, Hall is a genius at sweeping his angst underneath toe-tapping hooks. The shimmering guitar pop of "Summer Follows Spring" sounds as if it were made for a Sunday afternoon stroll, but its a booby trap; the track is actually about his lover having an affair. "Last night you slept with someone else," Hall plaintively sings, while ex-Smiths member Craig Gannon paints fluffy white clouds with his guitar jangle. Hall mined the 60s with the Colourfield, here his affection for the sound 70s AM radio pop is proudly displayed. The songs are straightforward and immaculately produced, full of vocal harmonies, gently twanging guitars, and shimmering keyboards that help cushion the blow of his mournful voice and lyrics. Some of the songs, like "Ballad of a Landlord," reach for the emotional rafters, positioning Halls voice with strings, surging guitars, and not a little bombast. More of the time though, its easy going, middle-of-the-road pop made special by the bitter brilliance of Terry Hall, an artist who made everything he tried come up magical. ~ Michael Sutton & Tim Sendra