The Singular World of All Asimov…: A Deep Dive into Blackwell’s Latest Masterpiece
Richard Blackwell, the enigmatic songwriter behind All Asimov…, has delivered another album that defies easy categorization. “The Bliss Of The Hereafter” isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a meticulously crafted,often unsettling,and consistently brilliant exploration of modern life,personal struggle,and the sheer absurdity of it all. this isn’t music to passively listen to – it demands yoru attention, rewards repeated listens, and lingers long after the final note fades.
Blackwell’s strength lies in his ability to juxtapose the profound with the utterly bizarre. He seamlessly blends introspective lyrics with surreal imagery, creating a sonic landscape that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable. Let’s unpack what makes this album so compelling.
Confession and Catharsis: Unpacking the Emotional Core
The album’s opening tracks reveal a vulnerability rarely seen in contemporary songwriting. “The Bliss Of The Hereafter” feels strikingly confessional, with Blackwell openly addressing creative burnout and darker periods.He frames this internal struggle through the metaphor of a cyclist fading into the distance – a subtle, yet powerful image of withdrawal and escape.However, even in moments of apparent despair, Blackwell’s signature wit shines through. The unexpected shift in tone with lines like “Trying to get a trestle table/Back off Beth Tweddle/Such a pain in the arse” is classic Blackwell – a jarring, yet strangely comforting reminder that even in the depths of melancholy, humor can prevail.
A Tapestry of References & Subversion
Blackwell doesn’t shy away from cultural references, weaving them into his narratives with a playful, often subversive touch. You’ll find nods to:
Literary giants: Edgar Allan Poe’s influence is palpable in the album’s darker undertones.
Past figures: George Mallory‘s spirit of adventure subtly informs the album’s themes of exploration and risk.
pop culture icons: A pointed jab at a former “This Morning” presenter in “Possible Side Effects” (“Whenever I hear a news report of an avalanche involving British skiers/I listen in with interest in the hope that I might catch the name Ben Shephard“) demonstrates Blackwell’s knack for topical, and slightly mischievous, commentary.
“Possible Side Effects” itself is a masterclass in lyrical dexterity. Beneath the seemingly chaotic surface – acid trips to Legoland, offers to repair Alan Sugar‘s roof – lies a poignant break-up ballad, fueled by desperation and regret. This duality is a recurring theme throughout the album.
Deconstructing the Everyday: Obsession, Despair, and the Mundane
Blackwell excels at finding the unsettling within the ordinary. “Don’t Get Me Wrong Yvonne” presents an upbeat facade that masks a disturbing tale of obsession, while “Goodbye Sam, Hello Samaritans” cleverly balances playful rhyme (“I saw Badly Drawn Boy in a badly parked car/With a badly grazed elbow“) with a creeping sense of despair.
This ability to juxtapose light and dark, humor and heartbreak, is what sets Blackwell apart. He doesn’t offer easy answers; instead, he presents a nuanced and honest portrayal of the human condition.
Nostalgia and Social Commentary
The album isn’t solely focused on personal turmoil. “birmos In The Cowshed” is a especially striking track, channeling the spirit of the Sex Pistols while narrating the reminiscences of an aging man clinging to memories of his youth. The song’s use of period slang (“Birmos” referring to Birmingham bags) adds a layer of authenticity and nostalgia.
Blackwell also tackles social commentary head-on. “Record Store Day” is a scathing critique of the music industry’s commercialism (“Extortion on a level you can hardly conceive/Tarted up in a fibreglass sleeve*”), while “No-One Likes A Polymath” playfully skewers intellectual arrogance, imagining Isaac Asimov as a smug allotment enthusiast.
The Unpredictable Brilliance of “Falmouth Electrics”
Prepare yourself for the album’s most audacious track: “Falmouth Electrics.” This doom-folk saga is a truly bizarre and unforgettable experience. The story of a ventriloquist dummy resembling Pete Murphy, unable to pronounce
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