Originally published by L.S. Media. February 23rd 2011.
Bob Geldof has for so long been associated with the ideals of political activism and one of the great modern philanthropists that for some people his days as a Punk/ Rock rebel and musician are long in the distant past. In certain quarters the songs that he created with the Boomtown Rats may seem like a relic to the man he no longer is, and it is has been such a long time since he recorded anything of note that those critics may have a point.
That can all be forgotten now as Bob Geldof has produced quite possibly the best solo album in his long and illustrious career. How To Compose Popular Songs That Will Sell is one of those album names that may not exactly roll of the tongue but the tracks on the C.D. that are enclosed within the transparent plastic casing are some of the most creative and eclectic gems put down on a disc.
It is a far cry from the days when Bob and the other members of the band were outspoken about subjects as diverse as the death of a debutante, Government style surveillance and even their own lack of live performances in the band’s native Ireland. These songs were written with a dagger rather than a pen and for a while the Rats became a by word for being so good at what they did that the critics were ready to pounce on them with renewed vigour.
Bob is now an older man but his scathing about certain subjects is still there, even a cursory glance at the lyrics will show that even though Bob is a much happier place personally these days, his inner ideology will not let him back down too far, this shows on several of the tracks including Silly Pretty Thing and the extraordinaire She’s a Lover.
The big surprise is a hidden track at the end of the C.D. It has no title but it could be The Bob Geldof Life Story as he lays bare his enormous soul. He sings in a magnificent Irish stage show voice about all the things he has seen, most poignantly there’s a moment in the song that deals with the memory of his former wife Paula Yates and the contrasting view of the happiness he now feels.
Cathartic and enjoyable, an album that some might steer clear of as Bob has been away for far too long, however it would be an album I would highly recommend.
Ian D. Hall