This eccentric, self consciously referential album reveals BC Camplight (aka Brian Christinzio) as a veritable musical magpie.
Originally from New Jersey, Christinzio started playing piano aged just four, inspired by his mother’s Jerry Lee Lewis and Harry Nilsson records and his Dad’s classical collection.
When he was all grown up, he moved to Philadelphia, released two psych-pop albums in 2005 and 2007 and heard his song writing praised for its "fearless approach to lyrical introspection". He won over the critics but didn't sell many records.
What might have been the start of a glittering career as a cult hero went badly wrong after bouts of depression and struggles with substance abuse practically destroyed him.
Christinzio moved to Manchester in what he described as "an act of physical desperation" half imagining that the album's title might become a self fulfilling prophecy. As it is, 'How To Die In The North', is his defiant 'I'm still standing' statement.
It was recorded in an old converted vicarage near Stockport with a band of Mancunians recruited from his local pub. Producer Martin King helped bring some semblance of shape to his wayward lo-fi visions.
You Should Have Gone To School sets the 'expect the unexpected' tone with a showaddywaddy chorus rubbing shoulders with the riff from Alice Cooper's Elected.
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Brian Wilson is an obvious influence, but many of these tracks sound more like The Beach Boys as re-imagined by Todd Rundgren than attempts at replicating a Californian surfin' safari vibe.
Just Because I Love You is a highlight, serving as both a declaration and a denial of true love. Why Doesn't Anybody Fall In Love works on a similar theme with a hook reminiscent of The Korgis' hit 'Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometime'.
With each track it is as if he wants to up the ante and not all of it comes off.
Good Morning Headache works as psychedelic show tune but Grim Cinema is a bit of an unholy mess and Lay Me On The Floor confusingly veers off at several tangents all at once.
To say this album is derivative is putting it mildly. At its best it is a prime example of all that's great about hypnagogic pop but it also leaves you wondering whether it is the work of an inspired genius or a madman
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