Julian Cope: 20 Mothers

I think this may be one of the CDs I've mistakenly overlooked since buying it in the midst of my 'gluttony years' in the dying days of 2001. D had just given me Cope's Modern Antiquarian for Christmas, and I found this second hand in Polar Bear. But I haven't listened to it many times since then.

Julian does his own sleeve notes, and they're predictably excellent. (Sometimes I wonder if I'd pay any attention to his music if it weren't for the over-the-top mythology he's built up around it.) He explains how the majority of the songs deal with different kinds of family relationship, including his with his brother, his mum, his daughters, his wife, mother-in-law and his wife's Alzheimer-suffering grandmother (Senile Get), plus Kurt and Courtney (Queen/Mother). Most of the usual Cope tropes are represented, from short folky sketches to singalong catchy pop and synthesiser-led wig-outs.

I'm not sure, but I have a feeling that, if I listen some more, some of them might grow on me.

MusicBrainz entry for this album

Comments

[Southworth]

Hi, just surfed in looking for other Cope nutters.

I missed the 20 Mothers album first time around and bought it last year. Because the case is an unusual size and doesn't fit in my racks it is left lying around the house and I keep picking it up and playing it.

I find it quite magical, the screeching riff in Highway to the Sun is haunting where as Try Try Try and Wheelbarrow Man are obviously catchy pop tunes. But being Copey but there are also heavier and deeper and beautiful songs on here. The overall impression here I get is the sound of a man finding satisfaction with his life and family. 'Land of Fear' scares me, 'Just like Pooh Bear' makes me laugh.

I love you Drood!