Richard Reagh
Is this the blues I'm singing
This is Pop
Apparently Canadian-born Richard Reagh has been busy in his little woodland retreat outside Stockholm, creating his own little aural technicolor dreamcoat, sewn together with dozens of little sampler patches from a multitude of sources. Sometimes the resulting pattern is pleasing – Montt Mardié's contribution for "Boo Backe" simply sparkles in sequined brilliance. Sometimes it's a bit garish - I'm not convinced snippets of "Ring my bell" and "Copacabana" really work in an otherwise somber song about war. But it's always interesting. And wisely, he leaves all accessories behind for a sparse, breathless collaboration with El Perro Del Mar on Neil Young's "Hangin' on a limb". If Richard's singing the blues, he's disguised it well among electronic bleeps, squeaks and tinkles to fashion a rather sexy, if not outrageous, little addition to any daring wardrobe.
- Stacey Shackford