The Lilac Time 'Black Velvet' (Swordfish, 1987) (mp3)

I was thinking that there should be some kind of poll or competition to decide the most under-rated bands or artists of all-time. I then realised that such a poll would immediately undermine their under-rated status and thought better of the whole affair.

Which brings me to the wonders of The Lilac Time. Not obscurant or avant garde, not ground-breaking either. But, my word, what a canon of gorgeous songs and moods, and all for so little reward - critical or otherwise. I certainly think that the likes of The Leisure Society owe a debt to the band.

Stephen Duffy formed The Lilac Time after falling out of love with the pop merry-go-round. After three major label albums (and what is probably the first Balearic-influenced, post-E album, 'Dr. Calculus') in the shadow of 'Kiss Me' - a not insignificant hit - he decamped to the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire with his brother and a couple of likeminded musicians and crafted The Lilac Time's self-titled debut album. It was released independently by Birmingham record shop Swordfish (it's still standing I think - haven't been there for a year or two though).

'Black Velvet' opens the album not with a bang but with a hungover whisper, a hymn to the intoxicating powers of Guinness and Champagne. It shimmers into being in a haze of acordion and acoustic guitar, soothing and gently massaging your soul, recalling the indiscretions of the night before. Sublime.

Download The Lilac Time 'Black Velvet (Swordfish Album Version)' (mp3) (Mediafire)