Labi Siffre – Crying Laughing Loving Lying

This almost forgotten album is a true gem. Criminally, only reissued on vinyl 44 years after its original release! Thankfully it’s a very good quality pressing, vinyl is flat and quiet. Don’t think it’s cut from the master but it sounds brilliant. This serene album sounds so timeless and fresh, it could have been recorded last week. Labi is a great singer, songwriter and producer, and this is the album where things came together for him. I love the production on this album, and his voice sounds so good. There’s not really a duff track on this album, except possibly the opener. ‘It’s only love’ is pure genius, once you get the Madness version out of your head! I love the fact that Madness asked Labi to appear in their video as well.
I’m certain Robin Pecknold owns a copy of this, listen to Cannock Chase or Blue Lady and you could be listening to a Fleet Foxes album. Grab a copy if you can find one, there aren’t many about now.
Oh, and Snoopy lives in Siffre’s guitar case, if you weren’t aware. No sign of Peanuts.

Very few albums hit quite as close to home as this one. It leaves my in tears. 'Cannock Chase' is a serene masterpiece. The whole album is pure concentrated happiness. 'Come on Michael' is wonderfully personal and uplifting. It's my go to song to play when some needs a mood lift. Can't recommend enough, I love it!

Leave the Madness cover 'It Must Be Love' out of this musically rich album - the real beauty of the LP lies in the second track 'Cannock Chase'. Heart-melting, rich harmonies, a ringing twelve string guitar hook, it is (in my opinion) one of the finest pieces of music written. Don't spend £100+ on 'Remember My Song' with Mr Mather's sample, buy this.