The Charlatans
You Cross My Path
(Cooking Vinyl)
It’s been nigh on 20 years since Some Friendly, with its dance-floor-friendly single, “The Only One I Know,” came out as part of the first stage of Britpop in 1990 and ’91. Several albums later, only fans who’ve hung in with the band all these years will really take note of You Cross My Path. The Charlatans still make music with a mind to moving the crowd with a pop/rock foundation, using organ/keys, bass and (following a mid-career shift) electronics to lead the way. Tim Burgess sings with his trademark mix of detachment and swagger over music that often echoes New Order/Joy Division and Primal Scream.
—Sean Flinn
This article appears in Aug 21-27, 2008.