The House of Love: The House of Love – review

Perfection lies within this handsome repackaging of the debut album from the House of Love. Before their career faltered exactly at the point it should have been taking off, the House of Love seemed set to be the defining British guitar band of the late 80s. The measure of their brilliance – not too strong a word – is they could slip out Shine On and 1988 John Peel Festive 50 winner Destroy the Heart as single-only releases without compromising the quality of the album at all. Thankfully, this set offers all their unimprovable recordings for Creation Records, plus the usual unnecessary rarities. Here was a band who knew just how good they were – Guy Chadwick's songwriting could border on florid, but the grandeur of the performances suits it to a tee. If you don't already own The House of Love, buy it.