Cornershop and the Double ‘O’ Groove Of

Originally issued only on CD in 2011, Cornershop and the Double ‘O’ Groove Of is something of a ‘lost classic’ in the British band’s catalogue; the debut release is on the band’s own label and is quite different from their previous efforts in that it found them fronted by Bubbley Kaur, a British Punjabi vocalist who Cornershop leader Tjinder Singh met in a Preston laundrette. The band and vocalist started collaborating, a process that would take several years (Kaur was raising four children and not at all familiar with Cornershop’s fusion of rock/Indian/Gallic pop and other such influences). Thus, when released, Kaur did not perform with the band and the album was somewhat overlooked.

Now it has been given a deluxe vinyl reissue and what a treat it is. This delightfully odd mix of genres finds Kaur singing her own lyrics over tabla, sitar and everything from bouncy electro rhythms to psych guitars. It’s constantly surprising to listen to – no wonder Kaur found it challenging – as the arrangements, while uptempo, range all over the map. Eclectic? Yes, in the way Cornershop so delightfully are. Song titles – ‘Double Decker Eyelashes’, ‘The 911 Curry’ – hint at the surreal playfulness involved here and listening to this glorious album will surely put a smile on your face.