Gruff Rhys - Hotel Shampoo

Got a soft spot for Gruff Rhys' warm Welsh vocal tones and it surprises me after all this time touring the world that his accent hasn't dulled or mutated in anyway. It sounds like the lad has never left the Valleys! I've not heard Rhys's previous solo LP 'Candylion' but I really enjoyed the the first single taken from 'Hotel Shampoo' ('Shark Ridden Waters) as it effortlessly mashed tastefully sampled grooves with live instrumentation and a laid-back Crosby, Still and Nash style vocal. Well, the album's arrived and it's sounding pretty good. Inspired by Rhys's extensive collection of hotel toiletries he's amassed over the years touring with Super Furries and the like, 'Hotel Shampoo' began as an effort at writing an album of ballads before the lad got distracted (probably by a big old chong) and decided to diversify the content, much to my relief as I don't wanna listen to an album full of ballads right now. As with the Furries stuff, 'Hotel Shampoo' visits various musical locations in it's hunt for a killer tune. You get laid back folk rock, brass heavy samba-pop, lounge jazz, some Serge Gainsbourg type moments and, of course a couple of decent piano ballads. The entire record it's pretty relaxed and easy on the ear which can sometimes be a good thing, especially with a stoner sort like Gruff Rhys at the wheel. For long time Super Furry Animals/Gruff Rhys fans this is gonna fully hit the spot but newcomers should consider a go too as it's full of inviting and rather charming pop songs. Again, sorry about those Nobby's Nuts Gruffy.