VIRGIN EMI
Initially intended to be a double album in honour of The Clash’s London Calling, the former Beautiful South singers’ fourth joint record shakes up their trademark wry storytelling pop. Producer Dub Phizix adds a ska energy to New York Ivy, while House Party 2 has a mellow trance keyboard under Abbott’s tale of a has-been popster on the prowl. Even the songs on familiar territory are twisted, with Heaton’s daughter Maisie a great new foil on the terrible clubbing saga The Outskirts Of The Dancefloor. At its core, Manchester Calling remains sumptuous pop music with a lyrical eye for detail. But, with regular producer John Williams also varying the template, Manchester Calling is a pair triumphing outside their comfort zone.