Standards

Lloyd Cole has arguably created his best work since his groundbreaking debut with the band the Commotions, 1984's Rattlesnakes.

Over the last 10 years, Lloyd has taken a quieter path, as seen on his previous album, 2010's folk-country-styled Broken Record. However, his new album Standards presents a different side of Lloyd.

While Broken Record showcased the acoustic, wooden Lloyd, Standards is gleamingly, brazenly electric. Lloyd has always drawn inspiration from the New York rock scene, from Dylan in '65 to Television in '77, and even Lou Reed's high-tension '80s classics like The Blue Mask and New York.

On Standards, Lloyd is joined by drummer Fred Maher and bassist Matthew Sweet, who previously played together on Lloyd's debut solo album, 1990's Lloyd Cole, and its follow-up, '91's Don't Get Weird On Me Babe. With Joan (As Police Woman) Wasser on piano/backing vocals, Lloyd not only showcases his vocals but also plays synths alongside some of the crispest, stormiest, and most stinging electric guitar work.

The album is a tight ship with a tight sound, adjusting its intensity according to the mood of each song. Standards truly highlights Lloyd Cole's musical evolution and creativity.