Originally written by Andrew Farley · 1 August 2005
William Campbell
Local Man Ruins Everything
Label: Fantastic Plastic Release Date: 01/08/2005
If you’re closed-minded, or don’t like Belle & Sebastian then please look away now…
Fresh from departing Astrid (and some may know him better for his work in the Reindeer Section), William Campbell has teamed up with poet Kevin MacNeil on this rather bizarre, understated 7”, and by golly it’s good to have him back. The song is essentially a narrative by MacNeil over a minimalist acoustic guitar backing with Campbell taking over for a sung chorus. It harks of Stuart David/Looper, or the Superstar 10” they released with poet Alan Warner way back in ‘98. There must be something in the Scottish air that inspires this kind of thing. Regardless, it’s a gorgeous tune and a compelling listen.
• 8 Andrew Farley's Score