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He might be currently languishing in the commercial doldrums, but Lloyd Cole's critical credibility shows no signs of diminishing.

Unjustifiably looked upon as a survivor of the 1980s, Cole got a career boost earlier this year with the release of Lloyd Cole - The Collection, a compilation of solo chart misses and Commotions's hits. The unifying thread between his heyday and poorly received (but occasionally brilliant) solo work is a love of melody and words, into which he invests no small degree of style and charm. His previous performances in Ireland included a sell-out two-night stint at Vicar Street late last year. His forthcoming gigs at Dublin's HQ tomorrow and Monday are, therefore, essential for fans of quality pop songwriting.