For some inexplicable reason,
Dave Edmunds decided to shoot for mass success with
Information, enlisting
Jeff Lynne of the
Electric Light Orchestra to give him a contemporary, synthesized sheen. Since
Edmunds always sounded reluctant when
Rockpile strayed too close to new wave, the sudden change of heart is puzzling, especially considering the weakness of the material.
Lynne steers the guitarist toward generally undistinguished material, with the exception of his own "Slipping Away," which pulsates with a surprisingly infectious synthetic beat and an undeniably catchy hook that manages to be both contemporary and rootsy. If the rest of
Information had the same vibe, it would have been a success, but the synthesizers dominate the record, making it a lifeless album.