Abandoning entirely the
folk-pop sound of
the Lilac Time's first two albums, & Love for All is a worthwhile stylistic detour that results in the first genuinely excellent album of
Stephen Duffy's career, including his earlier solo incarnation as
Tin Tin. Just over half the album (seven of 12 songs) was produced by
XTC's
Andy Partridge, with
John Leckie covering the others, and the overall sound is akin to
Partridge and
Leckie's collaboration on the
Dukes of Stratosphear records, minus the more obvious '60s
pop rip-offs. (Well, discounting "All for Love and Love for All," which cops subtle riffs from the Magical Mystery Tour era and name checks
the Quarrymen in the first verse.)
Duffy has never before acknowledged much of an interest in either psychedelia or '60s
pop, yet his songs fit
Partridge and
Leckie's atmospheric production touches nicely. Adding a greater reliance on electric guitars and keyboards (mostly piano played by
Cara Tivey) to
the Lilac Time's formerly acoustic sound, & Love for All manages not only to not overwhelm
Duffy's thoughtful lyrics, graceful melodies, or thin but effective vocals, but to enhance them. ~ Stewart Mason, All Music Guide
Craig C. (