THE CHARLATANS UK
Wonderland (MCA)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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Six years after the career-altering loss of keyboardist and founding member Rob Collins in an automobile accident, the Charlatans UK release a CD that will seem disastrous to fans of their Britpop leanings and a triumph to those who've come to expect texture and dance beats. It's almost entirely about mood and layering, with keyboardist Tony Rogers providing not only the usual Euro-synth trappings one expects but some semblance of the old Charlatans swirl as well. It's his solo keyboard intro that opens "I Just Can't Get Over Losing You," a message to Collins on the other side.

The thing that strikes me as being truly odd about this release over their other recent CDs is that Tim Burgess spends most of his time singing in falsetto. Luckily, he does it well, so if you're thinking back to Jagger during the Emotional Rescue era, forget it. It's gonna be okay for the Charlatans UK. And hey, popsters, put the headphones on. Part of that texture is nice, jangly guitar. But do it at a listening station in a store or through a sound clip. It's still probably too deep into the texture/tech whirlpool to pull your wallet open. Me, I'm blissed out.

© 2001 - DJ Johnson