Treasure chest

Andy's Chest
Martin Plaza
BMG
Reviewed by Graham Matthews

Martin Plaza is probably best known for his work with Mental as Anything. The Mentals' irreverent hits of the '80s marked an important stage in Australian pop music.

Andy's Chest is a solo departure from the style of the Mentals, a very particular album with a very particular feel. All the songs on the disc, with the exception of the last (“My Salvation”), are covers of Lou Reed originals. Plaza takes a selection of Reed's songs from the classic 1967 album The Velvet Underground and Nico to the 1992 album Songs for Drella.

Plaza gives a very sympathetic treatment to his material. With the exception of the single off the album (“Satellite of Love”), Plaza sings without backing vocals. The result for most songs is a very mellow, almost understated sound, as Plaza allows the listener to appreciate the mood of the songs.

The single “Satellite of Love” is a rather more up-beat and poppy rendition, which I found hard not to find myself whistling along to after the first listen.

Musically, the album is a great listen. Plaza plays almost all instruments himself, the result being a very even and melodious sound.

All in all, the album is very pleasing. A real must for Mentals' fans and devotees of Lou Reed.

This article was posted on the Green Left Weekly Home Page.
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