I Lay Eggs Every Single Time I Think Of You

The lyric in the post title alone may be enough to tell you that it's Róisín Murphy.

Fader is Róisín's third single of 2023 (fourth counting 12"-only release Can't Replicate) and a precursor to sixth album Hit Parade. Not, as you might first think, an end-of-contract record label 'best of' mop up, but a new album of thirteen songs and her first for Ninja Tune.

 

I love Róisín Murphy as an artist because she delights, inspires and provokes interest on so many levels, from her music to lyrics to performance (both in the studio, at home (especially during lockdown) and on stage) to art direction and design to her wardrobe and the words and thoughts that explode from her brain during interviews. The video for Fader adds walking to the list. Róisín is the full package and, in a fair world, would be mentioned in the same breath as your Eltons and your Vans and (yes, I'm going to say it) your Adeles and your Swifts.

 

I mean, I thought Moloko were great but Róisín just gets better and better and better. Fader is a fab song in it's own right and the video does exactly what all great videos should do and enhances the experience. The sheer joy of Róisín's walk through her birthplace Arklow in County Wicklow, Eire, weaving in and out of a procession of dancers, brass bands, gymnasts, cub scouts and flag bearers, emanates from the screen. I like to imagine that that's basically how Róisín treats every excursion, whether it's a the walk to the stage for a live performance or a trip to Aldi to buy some frozen peas. 

 

I haven't got tickets for her concert at Alexandra Palace in London next February; it'll be an incredible experience, undoubtedly. Her performance at Glastonbury last year, which I enjoyed via BBC iPlayer and included a memorable walk to the stage, was one of the highlights of the entire festival. As if further proof is needed, here's a brilliant performance of Fader last month at the Albert Hall in Manchester.

 

As a reminder of her greatness before her new album lands, I've restored links to the Róisín Murphy selection that I posted on 27th June 2022. Hit Parade is out on 8th September and available for pre-order now, links via her website.