This is the first in an occasional series of retrospectives called Lost Gems, in which I delve through my record collection (think 'All Back to Mine' without the po-facedness of Sean Rowley) for music by generally forgotten artists.
First in the series is Telegraph, by Richard Davies. This album was released back in 1998 by the Australian singer who's maybe (ahem) best known for cult Aussie band The Moles, or baroque pop Cardinal, whose other member was one-album-wonder Eric Matthews. It's very much in debt to The Beatles, The Kinks and other 60's pop touchstones, but Davies' crooning Aussie voice steals the show, along with his inventive lyrics.
Opening track 'Cantina' is a propulsive start, but the rest of the album has a melancholic edge, and over time the instrumentation reveals itself to be layered. It's one of those albums that with repeated listening it really does bear fruit.
It's difficult finding out much about what he's up to 12 years on, but 2009 saw him collaborate with grizzled Guided By Voices mainman Robert Pollard in a project called Cosmos:
I'd love to post a link to a track from Telegraph here but I can't find a link to any, so here's one from his days in Cardinal:
If you can track down Telegraph, do. You won't be disappointed if you're looking for some sunny pop.
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