This article was originally published on beingtheremag.com, an independent music and film magazine that ran from 2004 to 2007. It is presented here as part of the Being There Magazine archive.
By Adam Anklewicz | Being There Magazine, November 2004
Biggest Bluest Hi-Fi is the debut release by Camera Obscura. It is being released for the first time in North America with bonus tracks featured from their single, “Eighties Fan.”
Fans who found the band with their second album, Underachievers Please Try Harder, will be disappointed with this record. There are a few standout tracks, such as “Eighties Fan” and “Swimming Pool,” which will help the disc find its way into your CD player, but I’d suggest keeping Underachievers more easily accessible.
Always compared with Belle & Sebastian, Camera Obscura often come-off as nothing more than a cheap rip-off of the band. Camera Obscura create the same style of Scottish pop that made Belle & Sebastian a success without as much musical skill or lyrical talent. They are able to craft fun and simple ditties, however a good half of the album is forgettable and just fills space. When they do get it, it’s great. The best songs on the album rival any pop being made in North America and keep the album afloat.
“Eighties Fan” is a song that might have come directly from the 1960s. Sounding like pre-Beatles American music, “Eighties Fan” could have been a hit then but is a bit too sweet for today’s pop audience. The entire album sounds too sweet, which is ultimately what makes it fail. Belle & Sebastian are able to have sweet tunes hiding sinister lyrics. Camera Obscura, on the other hand, is bubblegum overload.
“Houseboat” is perhaps the best song on the album—very simple, short and fun. The song doesn’t try to be too much; it’s straightforward.
The CD is an enhanced disc, and if it is placed in a computer, you can watch the video for “Eighties Fan,” a funky video which is worth a viewing.
Oozing pop, the album can be a bit hard to take in one dose. Some good songs drown in mediocrity. I think I’ll go listen to Underachievers Please Try Harder instead.