17 September 2019

IAN McCULLOCH, the soul-touching, eminent songwriter and unique voice of Echo &
The Bunnymen released his debut solo LP titled CANDLELAND this day 30 years ago,
on 17 September 1989. Overall a very emotional and grieving album as McCulloch lost his beloved father, who he was very close with, and The Bunnymen‘s awesome drummer Pete De Freitas only a few months before the record’s release. Most of the songs are heartfelt little gems sung by a vulnerable, yet ingenuous vox looking to process his distressing grief and continue his life without those unforgettable important persons. Gripping sensibility.

The album reached number 18 on the UK Albums Chart.

ALL MUSIC wrote: “Ian McCulloch’s first solo LP represents his most accomplished work
since the 1984 Echo and the Bunnymen masterpiece ‘Ocean Rain’ haunted by the recent
deaths of the singer’s father as well as Bunnymen drummer Pete DeFreitas, Candleland is
a poignant yet ultimately triumphant album which probes not only themes of loss but also rebirth. McCulloch’s expressive vocals and impassioned lyrics recall past glories, but also tap newfound reserves of maturity and introspection.” Full review here . Score: 4,5/5

Three (of the many) highlights…

– PROUD TO FALL –

– THE FLICKERING WALL –

– FAITH AND HEALING –

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Album (expanded version) in full…

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IAN McCULLOCH: Facebook

One of the best voices/singer-songwriters/performers of all time in my book