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Cardinal Pop

07/04/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This beautiful and haunting album is one of the most melodically and lyrically unforgettable pop recordings of the 90s. Richard Davies and Eric Matthews both have solo careers, but neither of them have been able to equal the modest briliance of this record. Davies writes most of the material here, but Matthews sets each piece perfectly with his baroque pop arrangements. This record was a collaborative effort, more than the sum of its parts, as the solo careers of Davies and Matthews show. The sound quality of the recording is also outstanding. If one were to cite influences, Smile-era Beach Boys, Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd, Bowie, late-period Beatles, and Kinks come to mind, but in reality these songs have a life all their own. This is also clearly the work of 90s artists. What is most satisfying is that Cardinal took these influences from 60s pop and RENEWED them rather than recycled them. Cardinal was not a throwback, they created new music of astounding depth and originality. This record will hopefully be recognized as a pop masterpiece. It gets more compelling with each listen, one of the finest records of the decade."