Littledeath is the fourth studio album by Scottish band Love and Money, released by Iona Gold in the UK in 1993 and Mesa Records in the US in 1994. The album produced one single, "The Last Ship on the River".
Background
Despite the strained relationship between Love and Money and their label, Phonogram, the band were commissioned to record their fourth studio album following the release of Dogs in the Traffic in 1991. However, when the band presented approximately six new tracks to Phonogram, the label felt they were not commercial enough and lacked hit potential. The two parties were unable to come to an agreement, resulting in Love and Money leaving the label in late 1992 and completing the recording of Littledeath themselves. Once completed, the band secured a deal to release Littledeath on the Glasgow-based independent label Iona Gold. Douglas MacIntyre told the Evening Express in 1994: "The freedom we now have is very important. We didn't want to sign to another major label. When the opportunity to work with Iona came along it was a real blessing." Speaking of the material on Littledeath, MacIntyre added: "It's a more acoustic approach, and we're just more interested in writing good songs rather than having hit singles." In regards to the album's title, James Grant told The List: "I'd like it to mean like a kind of catharsis." Littledeath was well-received critically but failed to achieve commercial success. Love and Money split in 1994 and Grant embarked on a solo career.
Critical reception
On its release, Stuart Maconie of Q wrote: "Many will welcome this new release, a typically swish affair comprising easy on the ear tunes played with discreet soulfulness. Jazzier and more acoustic in execution than previous releases, its non-perspiring politeness can become anaesthetising but more often it has the comfortable feel of a very expensive shirt." In a retrospective review, Alex Henderson of AllMusic commented: "Littledeath demonstrates that the band still had a lot to offer . The writing is consistently strong, and Grant is expressive throughout the CD. Creatively, this album is successful; commercially, it didn't do Love & Money justice in 1994. Nonetheless, Littledeath was a rewarding swan song for the Scottish outfit."
