Jake Bugg
Shangri La

I like the guy. After a debut with a bang, the Nottingham youngster, with the help of a superb vision and production by Rubin, in Malibu (at the Shangri-La studios, hence the title), comes out at just 19 years old with this convincing work. Assuming it's all his own doing, it can certainly be said that despite his tender age, he has listened to a lot of music. Bugg claims to be inspired by British blues-folk (certainly in the first album), but here it really expands astonishingly into a potpourri of musical references, never trivial nor predictable. Listening to it often brings to mind more American singer-songwriter than British music, and without offending Dylan or Young, the kid winks across the ocean. So, sweet melodies and ballads, but then also captivating rock-blues, almost punk moments typical of his land. In my opinion, the album is less homogeneous compared to the first, more orderly and linear work, almost suggesting that while there's talent and skill, the path and maturity are yet to be defined. As for me, I wish him to always remain musically daring. Copying a Donovan here or a Costello there is not a sin, as long as you don't fall into the pathetic. And here he seemed very attentive. So, an absolutely pleasant album, 40 minutes that slide by without any drop, confirming what's been said. Little to note on the lyrics front; we're certainly not dealing with a Cohen, and lightness prevails. Great potential still to be expressed? Well then, watch out, this one isn't joking!