On pop

For years, Ian Broudie (right) was best known as a producer, most notably of fellow-Scousers Echo and the Bunnymen. Then, five years ago, he struck out in his own right with the Lightning Seeds and 'Pure', the band's delicious slice of pop sponge cake. Two albums followed, and, appropriately for a football fan (of the Anfield variety), 'Life of Riley' was commandeered to accompany the goals' round-up on Match of the Day. The third LP, Jollification, comes out on Monday, and in a couple of weeks' time in Berlin, he makes his first acquaintance with the rigours of live performance, moving on to the Borderline on 22 Sept, a prospect he confesses to regarding with 'fear and excitement'.

Jollification continues the Lightning Seeds' tradition of classic pop confections - light and open, shining with Sixties-style hooks, but tinged with more ambiguous feelings. 'When my things work it seems to be that conjunction of the melancholy lyric and the uplifting tune,' he said when I interrupted rehearsals at his studio in Liverpool. 'Sometimes one person can think one of my songs is very happy, and someone else can think it's really sad.' His music seems to be infused with a longing, a wistfulness and romanticism. 'I wouldn't say I'm an overly romantic person. There's a lot of cynicism in the things I write. But I am nostalgic. I hate the idea of anything being lost forever - from animals to art forms. I hate the idea of them not being around.'

Broudie has renewed his partnership with Terry Hall, on the single, 'Lucky You', and he collaborates with Alison Moyet on the delightful glimpse of sweet suburbia, 'My Best Day', so Sixties it hurts. For me, all the best pop music comes in a direct line from the Sixties. If you feel the same, you'll adore the Lightning Seeds.

(Photograph omitted)