In the next of our series of guest columns we have the fabulous Cheapskate championing Another Turn in the Lock by The Coral...
"It can't be that often that when you buy a superb single, a song that you absolutely love, and find that hidden at track 3 on the 'b-side' is a song that might just be better.
I've never been much of a singles buyer to be honest – aside from the odd 7" that I'm parting with my 'hard earned' for on the strength of the artwork. There is rarely enough incentive to buy a number which is on the album you already own, especially when on the flip side is a slightly different alternative mix or a poorly recorded live version. But there are a handful of bands that seem to have such an output that you're too scared to miss out on a gem.
The Coral are certainly one of these bands – and whilst these days they're guilty of releasing a download, a 7", two CDs and cassette for each single you know you cant resist getting them all in the hope for that killer b-side.
Another Turn In The Lock is a beautiful song, a song that many a band would love to cherish as the centre piece of an album. Stuck as the last song on the great "Dreaming of You" single it makes me tingle with every listen. They have that great ability of sounding like theyre making it up as they go along, which almost disguises the perfect blend of subtle interaction between the few acoustic instruments and harmonised vocals.
There's a pace to it, despite the melancholy nature of the tale. It floats along rhythmically in the verses between the choruses, which are embellished with a dream like flute, meandering guitar line and perfectly simple piano melody.
I just cant get enough of the song, i've lost count of how many times i've played it – often back to back! Just as the song finishes there is a hushed triumphant exclamation of "yes!" at the perfect live take..... one I totally concur with.
YES!"
For more information on Cheapskate, see www.myspace.com/jamandbungle.