Del Amitri – Hatful Of Rain… The Best of Del Amitri (A&M)

Del Amitri’s single from about two years ago, “Not Where It’s At” was about a guy who had fallen for a woman who was a total scenester, but she rejected him because he just wasn’t cool enough for her.

Ironically, that also pretty much nails Del Amitri’s place in the music world.

They are strong, they are sturdy, they can put together a heck of a pop riff, but the Scottish foursome will never be considered hip.

This overview of the band’s four U.S. albums since 1989 shows that is a shame. All they’ve done is fashion one great power pop tune after another, from big hits like the slightly too lightweight but undeniably catchy smash “Roll To Me” and the angry brush-off “Kiss This Thing Goodbye” to some great overlooked tunes like “Not Where It’s At” and the venomous “Some Other Sucker’s Parade.”

Hatful of Rain demands a second look at a band that has too long been taken for granted. (9/98)

Jay S. Jacobs

Copyright © 1998 PopEntertainment.com All rights reserved. Posted: September 30, 1998.