Bob Geldof will never make it into history as an Irish singer and songwriter, but as Saint Bob, the man behind the benefit spectacles Live Aid and Live 8. Perhaps a bit against will and thanks, because Geldof regularly makes ambitious and personal albums like it lived through and bitter Sex, Age & Death from 2002. The title of his new album (after a book from 1819 by Leslie Sheppard) certainly
… bears witness to irony and self-deprecation. It is certainly not an attempt at a hit album, but again an ego document by Geldof, who is now noticeably better off. Love is jubilantly praised in To Live In Love, among others, supported by a gospel-like choir. Acoustically tinted songs are occasionally counterbalanced by solid feel-good rockers such as Blow Fish and Systematic 6-Pack. Geldof will never be a great singer, but he does have character. (MR)more
