Gronland (label)
11 July 2005 (released)
21 July 2005
Notes On Love makes for a relatively interesting debut. Known for her work as singer with The Free Association, Phillipson relies throughout on the kind of lyrical spikiness we have come to expect from PJ Harvey, but Phillipson's penchant for pastiche undermines what could have been the ultimate break-up album.
PJ Harvey, Portishead and Billie Holiday comparisons will undoubtedly abound, however, the album also gives more than a cursory glance towards Cassandra Wilson's output in the mid '90s. Acoustic in the most part, trebly thrift-store guitars, grating violin and junk-yard percussion pick a path through Phillipson's gritty (if slightly less than authentic) brand of Americana.
Throughout there are moments of great songwriting, the exquisite 'Nothing If Not Writing Time' and the utterly wigged out 'Cradle of Your Smile' are perfect examples of where Phillipson is at her best, but the album as a whole suffers from her odd desire to sound like Nora Jones impersonating Shirley Bassie – an acquired taste it'll take me a while to adjust to.
Brilliantly produced, a grower I'm sure, and definitely worth a listen if you miss the less trip-hoppy end of Portishead, but not the revelation I was hoping for.
