Album Review: The Holloways – So This Is Great Britain?
Guest review by Annelise Kopp
This record may not be revolutionary, but it is a solidly good record. The first song to stand out was “Generator” with catchy guitar riffs and upbeat lyrics. The album contains the music video for this track which is just as quirky and amusing as the songs themselves. The video even adds aspects to the song, rather than over-simplifying what is put forth in the lyrics. “Generator” (like many of their songs) is almost cheesily upbeat, but still impossible not to put on repeat after the first listen. It’s a refreshing break from both bad catchy music and good music that takes full concentration.
The band pairs lots of harmony use with their charming British accents. Teenage angst creeps through the lyrics in “Dancefloor.”
“How will I get home tonight? I haven’t got no money. How will I find love?” They face many of the same issues that seemed to be faced in many songs like these. They can’t dance. The girl is unattainable. Life is rough. Despite these magnetic clichés, they set themselves apart. The Holloways use a few interesting additional instruments in their songs, such as an unexpected harmonica in “Two Left Feet.”
So This Is Great Britain? is like the Disney version of the Sex Pistols’ “God Save The Queen,” exposing political issues with an added charm and even a few love stories. Even when singing along to lyrics about whores and a false economy, you can smile contently and enjoy the joyfulness of the music.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.