Edwyn Collins - Gorgeous George (1995)

As a label, the idea of an "international" artist seems as good as any; in reality – here in the U.S. of A, at least – it seems to be an albatross to be hung around the neck of any European good old boy without the common sense to tread firmly on such easily identifiable ground as "punk" or "Goth" rock. That, in a nutshell, is where Edwyn Collins may well find himself. Gorgeous George, the first Collins' effort to be released in the United States, has already rung up impressive sales and charted a handful of hit singles in several countries on the continent.

With this third solo disc – after a half a decade stint with the seminal Scottish outfit Orange Juice – Collins has matured into a master pop craftsman, casually blending U.K.-styled pop/rock with a touch of Celtic blue-eyed soul, tying the entire affair together with a wonderful baritone voice and an immense skill as a wordsmith. Collins' songs are witty, intelligent affairs, wordy and lyrically flowing in such a way as to almost insure a lack of airplay stateside. His status as a European hitmaker may further assist in his domestic obscurity, however, as if the powers that be have decreed that any success overseas automatically precludes acceptance by a U.S. audience. It's a damn shame, indeed, for Collins is a natural talent, Gorgeous George a musically delicious collection of tunes. Hopefully Collins will outlive this grim prediction and break through to the massive U.S. audience that he deserves. (Bar/None Records)

(Click on the CD cover to buy Gorgeous George from Amazon.com)