Carl Barat

First performed in Dunfermline in 2009, Barat-fanatics will be well versed in its verse. But to the unenlightened, this is the second single from Barat’s first solo project, released in October of this year.

‘So Long, My Lover’ is obvious ballad choice for the lovelorn at Christmas. Consisting of a huge string section and choir it quickly adds emotional ballast to the dirty England of drugs and abusive figures evoked here. With its soaring melody, it quickly infects the ears.

Reminiscent of the England that made his name and as a heartfelt ballad, well; it could be about him. Or not. Those who have followed the Peter-Carl tête-à-tête can easily recognise the signs, but it’s likely they read too much into it. First thoughts at this time of year seem to move more toward ‘Fairytale of New York’ than to ‘Can’t Stand Me Now’. The string section helps.