Salad Days

Salad Days was a strange album in that, although it was credited to the King of France, according to information sent to the media when it was issued, it actually consists of pre-King of France recordings by singer-guitarist Steve Salad. The songs sound like Lou Reed in their dry and slightly sarcastic nonchalance, though slighter and less substantial, particularly in the vocal department. There's a shaky and faintly neurotic flavor to both the singing and the material, like the musical diary of an intellectual but fragile soul who'd like to be tougher than he is. Perhaps there are faint echoes of British eccentrics like Ray Davies and David Bowie as well, though again it doesn't sound as self-assured as either of those giants. It's not bad as far as low-key, moderately melodic, quirky indie rock singer-songwriter musings go, though not too outstanding or original either.