Looking for Mr. Wright

Le Grand Magistery Records re-released Always' classic indie pop disc Looking for Mr. Wright in 2003. Originally released on Suburbs of Hell Records in 1990, the follow-up to Thames Valley Leather Club features Kevin Wright setting the standard for sophisticated indie pop vocals. Later reinventing himself as Mr. Wright, he shines on the light opening track, "Lord Mayors Show." Quirky and playful lyrics and instrumentation are abundant, especially on the startling "My Funny Uncle" and the whimsically decadent title track. The pace slows down on the simple and elegant "Temptation of the Angel." The eighth track, "How to Commit the Perfect Murder," adds a definite sass to the festivities, piecing together the most exquisite lyrics of the disc. Refined and diverse instrumentation are most apparent on "View of the City," combining wonderfully with Wright's elegant vocal delivery. "The Manager's Seat" sounds more like studio experimentation and spontaneous play than much of the album, while "City and Suburban" brings the listener back with more of the polished pop that Wright would become better known for later in his career. "The Crown vs. Always" closes the disc with a simple guitar chord combining with Wright's remarkably clean and effortless vocals. The re-release of Looking for Mr. Wright clearly shines a light on a pop aficionado with many more pop gems in his future. Oftentimes, a re-release of an album is necessary in order to give it the attention it deserves. This is the case with Looking for Mr. Wright.