Three years back (God, was it really that long?) this writer was romanced by THE MEN'S second album 'Return'. Coming in a Beatle-esque sleeve and seething with neat, Soul-tinged Mod sounds it screamed “I wish it could be 1965 again!” from the rooftops, but mainlined on such great energy, commitment and songcraft that it successfully lifted itself out of the mire of pastiche.
A lengthy three years later, its' sequel arrives. Well, in a way. 'Pack Up Your Memories' is actually THE MEN'S first single, but it IS intended as a trailer for their third album which is due to arrive – rather late, but probably very neatly-attired – early in 2010.
Anyway, it's a goodie once more. The band's personnel has a turbulent history, but frontman Sven Kohler, bassist Ola Framby and manager/ true believer Joakim Kilenstam are all still on board, which is crucial as they're effectively the band's writing team. They don't seem to have lost their touch either, for 'Pack Up Your Memories' is still very live in the studio, very energetic and analogue and there's still a whole lotta authentic (Northern) Soul in them there sweet harmony vocals.
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So yeah, they're back and they're still groovily retro, but so what? The Men clearly adore this stuff and their tightness, attack and well-groomed commitment remain more than good enough for me. Bring that album on please.
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