Bell, Andy - Pinball Wanderer

Bloody hell, it's Andy Bell! But not as you might expect him - the appearance of Neu!'s Michael Rother gives a little bit away: this Arcadian ride, bathed in kosmische energies, takes a Teutonic turn for the better, instilling each reverberating track with a forward momentum that'll lift you up and pull you along with it.

Ride guitarist and songwriter, Andy Bell’s, third solo album is an otherworldly collection of intergalactic wizardry that mixes psychedelic melodies, Can-via-The Stone Roses grooves and Arthur Russell-style experimental textures. With guest appearances from Dot Allison and Neu! legend, Michael Rother, on a cover of The Passions’ peerless post-punk classic ‘I’m In Love With A German Film Star’, it is perfect for both deep-listening headphones moments and cutting across the coolest, most understated dancefloors.

The loose-limbed rhythm tracks were the starting point and were laid down with the help of Andy’s old Oasis bandmate Gem Archer. The rest followed after an intense all-night session last summer, with the completed album being delivered the following morning. It’s Andy’s finest work to date; a quintessential nighttime record where you can slip through the gaps in the notes and revel in the moment.