Like it or not, Gary Jules is largely responsible for this year's Tears For Fears comeback. Along with childhood friend Michael Andrews he recorded Roland Orzabal's 'Mad World' for cult 2001 movie 'Donnie Darko'. And, as we all know, the haunting piano/vocal reworking made the UK Christmas Number One slot.
So, good news for Roland and long lost partner Curt Smith, who can come in from the unforgiving pop wilderness once again. And great news for Jules, still an underground artist in his native US, but set to become big this side of the Atlantic, with 'Mad World''s huge success whipping up interest in this, the man's second album - originally released in the States two years ago.
'Mad World' is here, although wisely it's been tacked quietly on at the end of 'Trading Snakeoil...'. For while the crafted, hushed beauty of Jules' work is something to behold, it differs in style from the scantly arranged angst of his recent surprise smash.
What Jules offers here are poetic tales from the streets of his Los Angeles home. Produced by Andrews, his warm, whispered melodies and delicate guitar work, tinged with country, rock and folk recall the likes of Simon & Garfunkel, Red House Painters, The Eagles and REM.
And while he can quiet capably turn his hand to pop - upbeat new single 'DTLA' for example - Jules, strength is in conjuring pervasive moods and emotions rather than hummable tunes, with his gently strummed, lyrical music. The brushed beats and tenderness of 'No Poetry', the folksome waltz of 'The Princess Of Hollywood Way' and the harmony soaked drunken ruminations of 'Barstool' are all highlights of this truly touching LP.
It just remains to be seen whether the public interest in Jules's music stretches further than an Eighties cover version. If justice be served, it should.
