Tim Rogers - The Luxury Of Hysteria (Album)

Anyone who merely dismissed Tim Rogers as an ‘Aussie Rock Icon’ has obviously only heard his work with the bands You Am I and The Temperance Union. Because on Messer Rogers’ latest opus, The Luxury Of Hysteria, what is revealed is a mature songwriter offering the gift of lyrical depth and songs that are so epic that expansive, pictorial landscapes would fail to capture it all.

When one initially listens to the album there is an apparent lack of ‘rawk tunes’ normally synonymous with this artist, which are instead replaced by more melodious tunes littered with luscious brass and string arrangements. Essentially, it is melancholy lyrics (for example: ‘f**k me if the days aren’t sad’ and ‘when yer sad,’ to name but two;) that are juxtaposed by gorgeous music that is occasionally accompanied by some waves crashing against a sandy shore. The latter reminds me of The Who’s Quadrophenia album and the more I think of this record, the more I see parallels between the two (I mean, even Tim’s album has a title that has connotations with mental illness!) It seems that Pete Townshend’s Jimmy character on the 1973 album could be an earlier incarnation of the character on Tim’s album that shares the same moniker and features in the songs, ‘Jimmy’s Delicate Condition’ and ‘James The Second’ (as the latter title even suggests a Jimmy that was a predecessor to the current one). However, there are differences, as Townshend wrote about an English teenager’s life as a Mod in the sixties while Tim offers a sage perspective on modern life, no doubt flavoured by his own Aussie larrikinism, while both share raw, personable lyrics spoken via a character.

Opener, ‘A Quiet Night In’ is a soft lullaby that lulls you into the record. It is simply the singer and listener locked away from the distractions of life outside. Meanwhile, ‘A Most Ordinary Set Of Events’ is an ironic pop ditty due to the fact it is an extraordinarily enjoyable listen.

‘When Yer Sad’ suggests ‘hit single’ which may in part be courtesy of the peppered wailing guitar riffs that feature and are akin to U2’s ‘Beautiful Day’ (even if the song offers opposing lyrics to the aforementioned Irish band’s tune). ‘Wise Words’ is the quintessential song by a veteran melancholia sufferer, offered before some trumpet closes ‘You Absolutely Charming Man,’ with a reverential epitaph.

The album also has its share of lighter moments. In ‘Things Get Ugly’ Rogers becomes a lounge singer in tails delivering a piano ballad. Additionally, the title track offers expert narration through storytelling in song similar to one Ray Davies of The Kinks fame. Interestingly, Rogers foresees his impact on the listener with the lyrics:
“Whoever said that broken hearts were made to mend,
Has never seen that girl fall apart,
As the band strikes up Amazing Grace again”

And as foretold, the song ends with a maudlin Amazing Grace before closing track, ‘James The Second’ offers one final pearl of wisdom:
“I’m still shit at buying presents/
Surely by now they’d know”

However, Tim Rogers should really see that he need not buy gifts if he wishes to come bearing them, as his present to the people is this stunning record.

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