Pros: Some scrumptious pop songs, gorgeous harmonies, intelligent lyrics...
Cons: Sometimes repetitive and sometimes too long...
The Bottom Line: Lulu was Trip Shakespeare's swan song. Some people even call it their best album. While I can't agree or disagree, I can say it is a good and appealing disc.
John Munson and Dan Wilson found their biggest success in the mid 1990s with the band Semisonic. They scored a hit with Closing Time and gifted the world with a good handful of emotional and beautiful songs. Considering the professionalism of that band, it should come as no shock that neither Munson nor Wilson were industry neophytes. Both had considerable experience and decent success with Minneapolis-based Trip Shakespeare in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Born on the campus of Harvard, Trip Shakespeare was formed when Elaine Harris and vocalist and guitarist Matt Wilson met. Harris, a drummer, answered guitarist Wilson’s ad. The two soon relocated to Minnesota and picked up a third member, John Munson (bass). Still not complete they expanded even further with Dan Wilson, a guitarist. This is the lineup that would go on to record three albums�’s Are You Shakespearienced? in addition to the major label releases of 1990’s Across the Universe and 1991’s Lulu. Despite all of their creative successes, the band broke up shortly after their final release. The elder Wilson and Munson would go on to form Semisonic while Harris and Matt Wilson would go their separate way.
Trip Shakespeare is often cited as an alt-pop influence, yet their albums are not in print nor are they widely available. I stumbled upon a surprising Lulu promo a few months back. Considering the price of any album from the band ranges from $20 to $50 (I even saw one still in the wrapper for $90) used you can understand my shock. For a mere $7 the album entered my collection. I expected at least based on all the hype that Lulu would be a perfect and lovely album. While I must admit that it is lovely, I still can’t say it is without flaws.
Lulu (1991) is a gentle, emotional, and sweet album. It is good natured and whimsical alt-pop at a time when alt-pop wasn’t cool. Trip Shakespeare was diverse and appealing with literate lyrics and creative vibe. The harmonies and arrangements are outstanding, however it may still be a bit too creative and free for some people, but to me it is touching and original. The sound is organic, well-produced, and classic (think a modern version of Beach Boys with less “surf”). I’m usually at least happy with what I hear, sometimes I’m impressed, but occasionally I really don’t like a song. The only songs I dislike are the opener None of the Regular Rules Were True, Patricia and Graveyard which appears in the middle. However to qualify that statement I have to say that the songs are only mildly annoying in length and content and only really stand out because I do appreciate the remaining twelve songs to varying degrees.
My three favorites are Bachelorette, Down My Block and Today You Move. What sets those apart from the rest is their immediacy. For example, Bachelorette kicks off with great guitars and the line “Hey! Hey hey heyyyy.” It’s hard not to pay attention to a song that screams for your attention. Even better? It continues on with Wilson’s fey, boyish voice and the band’s light and energetic sound. Bachelorette is clearly one of the album standouts. Down On My Block grabs my attention with the smooth, cheerful, sing-song arrangement reminiscent of 1960s pop. Finally, Today You Move has a passionate, hazily Celtic feel. The harmonies are brilliant and understated. I’m impressed by the restraint that the band shows here in addition to the piano work.
In addition to the three I love, there are six songs I somewhat enjoy. Jill Can Drive is a stark and dramatic song. The drama isn’t artificial either—it’s all about the lyrics and the sparse instrumentation. With that said it grows tired for me and considering it stretches on for over five minutes I’m bored of it much too soon. I also find myself attracted to …Down the Dusty Road, Bonneville, Look at the Moon, Lulu, and Your Mouth. I believe the thing that makes these songs less attractive for me than my three favorites is that they aren’t as pointed or concise. Trip Shakespeare took risks with their music despite the fact that it was sweet, amiable pop. They were richly creative folks who worked well together.
As far as the whole of Lulu goes, I can only say that it is indeed a good album that borders on the edge of greatness. There are problems and there are inconsistencies, but it was clear that Trip Shakespeare was on to something great. They were alone in their quest for pop goodness during their brief era and so it is unsurprising that they are so often cited as musical influences. That, and of course the fact they were undeniably talented. Until the band’s catalogue is re-released I can’t suggest anybody pick up their over priced albums. Maybe you’ll be as lucky as I was or maybe you have a friend who already owns an album or three. In any case, Lulu is worth checking out but not buying (if that makes any sense whatsoever).
Rating: 4/5 stars
Track Listing:
01. None of the Regular Rules Were True...
02. Lulu
03. Bachelorette
04. Your Mouth
05. Will You Be Found
06. Down My Block
07. Jill Can Drive
08. Look at the Moon
09. Graveyard
10. Bonneville
11. Today You Move
12. Patricia
13. ...Down the Dusty Road
14. If You Miss Me
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