Album Mini-review: Bill Pritchard — Mother Town Hall
File next to: Ray Davies, Lloyd Cole, Martin Newell
Despite having released nine albums since 1987, England-based Bill Pritchard isn’t well-known at home , much less here in the USA: he’s developed a sizable following in France, of all places. His music has the wry storytelling vibe of Nick Lowe, and his expressive baritone has been described as midway between Squeeze’s Chris Difford and Robyn Hitchcock. His songwriting is sharp and focused. Songs like Mother Town Hall‘s opening track “Saturn and Co.” – slyly referencing his late 80s minor hit “Tommy & Co.” – have deeply memorable hooks, often helped along by some lovely vocal la-la-las. Though his jangling style has roots in the 80s alternative pop world, there’s a timeless feel to his songs that elevates them far beyond genre. The left-handed guitarist makes superb use of subtle textures – tinkling electric pianos, brushed drums – to deliver his winning melodies.
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.