Sunday Music Spotlight - Camera Obscura

After a couple weeks off (do to me being in China), the Sunday Music Spotlight returns this week with Camera Obscura (the band, not the optical device they’re named for).

Camera Obscura hails from Glasgow, Scotland (which is good, because if it’s not Scottish it’s CRAP!). Formed in bassist Gavin Dunbar’s basement in 1996, the band built a following among their fellow Glaswegians, building up to their 2000 debut Biggest Bluest Hi Fi.

In 2003 the band signed with Merge Records and released their second album, Underachievers Please Try Harder. Things really got interesting in 2005 though, when the traveled to Sweden (bork bork bork!) to record the follow-up to Underachievers. The result of the Swedish sessions was 2006’s pop gem Let’s Get Out of This Country.

On Let’s Get Out of This Country lead singer, songwriter, and all-around cutie Tracyanne Campbell unleashes a voice brimming with vulnerability and confidence. The songs are poppish and refined, at times surprisingly upbeat. The album shows maturity from the band, with well-crafted melodies and solid arrangements. The jangly guitars, lively keyboards, and occasional trumpet form a fantastic base for Campbell’s charming voice and catchy lyrics. It’s a very effective package, and a gem of an album.

Camera Obscura - Lloyd Im Ready To Be Heartbroken

The album’s opener, it’s a response to a Lloyd Cole song. And it gives the listener a good idea of what the rest of the album is going to be like. Solid indie pop.

Camera Obscura - If Looks Could Kill

In the band’s promotional video (available on the Merge Records site), they describe this as their “I Will Survive”. The bubbling bass riff, shimmering guitars, and melodic vocals make it more reminiscent of something from early Motown. A very catchy tune.

And finally, the video for “Tears for Affairs”, assembled from fake concert footage from 60s television:

Links:
Merge Record’s site for the band
The band’s Official Site
Their blog
More of their music at Hype Machine