King of Woolworth’s debut LP was inspired by television programmes and films he had seen in his youth. For L’Illustration Musicale, the producer–known to his mum and dad as Jon Brooks–has found another, related set of influences, namely library music. Taking cues from famous libraries like De Wolfe, KPM and the little-known French library from which the album derives its name, Brooks throws himself into his analogue equipment to make imaginary soundtracks to the TV shows in his head. The results are less eccentric than on Ming Star but equally enigmatic. Using deceptively simple melodies (Brooks also quotes Erik Satie, Brian Eno and Phil Spector as major influences) and heartfelt vocals from the likes of Dot Allison and Emma Pollack (The Delgados) amongst others, Brooks has created another easy-flowing tapestry full of heartfelt songs, cheerfully cheapness and playful innocence. –Paul Sullivan
