Cornershop's album 'Handcream for a Generation' represents a unique blend of musical styles and influences, showcasing the band's ability to fuse disparate elements into a cohesive sound. Released on April 1, 2002, this album marked a significant point in the band's career, reflecting their musical evolution and the diverse influences that shaped their sound.
The Fusion of Styles
'Handcream for a Generation' is notable for its eclectic mix of genres, ranging from Punjabi
rock to electro-funk. This fusion is a testament to Cornershop's ability to blend different musical traditions into a single album. The album revisits the Punjabi rock style of their previous work, 'When I Was Born for the 7th Time,' while also incorporating the electro-funk elements from their side project, Clinton. This combination creates a rich tapestry of sound that is both innovative and familiar.
The album's opener, 'Heavy Soup,' sets the tone with its soul-funk style, featuring Memphis-styled horns and Otis Clay as the MC. Other tracks, like 'Music Plus 1,' draw inspiration from Daft Punk's disco house sound, blending dance beats with techno and electro-funk. This variety of styles not only showcases the band's versatility but also their willingness to experiment with different musical forms.
Influences and Collaborations
Throughout 'Handcream for a Generation,' Cornershop draws on a wide range of influences, including the guitar sound of Oasis member Noel Gallagher. This influence is particularly evident in the track 'Spectral Mornings,' a 14-minute psychedelic song featuring Gallagher on guitar and Sheema Mukherjee on sitar. The collaboration with Gallagher highlights the band's connections within the music industry and their ability to incorporate different musical voices into their work.
The album also features contributions from other musicians, such as Paul McGuigan of Oasis on bass for 'Lessons Learned from Rocky I to Rocky III.' These collaborations add depth to the album's sound, creating a dynamic listening experience that reflects the band's diverse influences.
Concept and Reception
Critics have noted that 'Handcream for a Generation' can be seen as a concept album, expressing frontman Tjinder Singh's disapproval of the modern music industry's consumption patterns. The album's lyrics often comment on the state of the music industry, with Singh lamenting the trend towards manufactured music and the loss of artistry.
Despite these critiques, the album received generally favorable reviews from music critics, who praised its variety of musical styles and exuberance. It reached number 30 on the UK Albums Chart, demonstrating its commercial success and the band's continued relevance in the music scene.
Overall, 'Handcream for a Generation' stands as a testament to Cornershop's ability to innovate and adapt, blending diverse musical influences into a unique and compelling album.
