A nine-piece band from Croydon? Doesn't sound all that promising does it, but this album may well be one of the pleasant surprises of the year so far. Weird doesn't begin to describe the band, but as long as you listen with an open mind, and are prepared for a certain amount of silliness (I mean, come on, COWBELLS?), then you should find much to enjoy here.
Singles Time For Deliverance, What's Hideous and The Song Rides pretty much set the tone (if you didn't like them, well then you are better off looking elsewhere) but there is plenty to enjoy throughout the album if one can stomach heavy metal tunes with operatic singing! But seriously, beyond the laughs there are enough killer tunes on this stomping record to hook in pretty much anyone prepared to give them a go. Whether or not their rise will last though, is open to question.
Icon's View - 3 1/2 out of 5.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Madeleine Peyroux - Careless Love
It is no exageration to say that someone listening to this CD for the first time, with no knowledge of the artist in question, could believe that this was some remastered version of some classic 1920's or 1930's album long since forgotten about. Whilst this is very much a modern album, featuring tracks made famous by the likes of Leonard Cohen and Boby Dylan, there is that authentic air of Billie Holliday and Bessie Smith always permeating through.
Quite how this is seen as the "true" style to Norah Jones' "commercial" efforts is beyond me, but it is clear that Madeleine is donig the music she loves and she's doing it bloody well. My particular favourites include "Dance Me To The End Of Love" which surely makes any man listening want to do whatever she asks of them and "Don't Wait Too Long", which is, ironically, one of the few original tracks on the album. Where it falls down is the over-abundance of slower melancholic songs, which whilst being authentic, don't do much for me.
But having said that, the very fact I like this album, when the "style" is certainly not one that I am over-enamoured with, perhaps shows just what a classy piece of work this is. If you have any liking whatsoever for the era of Billie Holiday, then this is certainly an abum for you.
Icon's view - 3 1/2 out of 5.
Quite how this is seen as the "true" style to Norah Jones' "commercial" efforts is beyond me, but it is clear that Madeleine is donig the music she loves and she's doing it bloody well. My particular favourites include "Dance Me To The End Of Love" which surely makes any man listening want to do whatever she asks of them and "Don't Wait Too Long", which is, ironically, one of the few original tracks on the album. Where it falls down is the over-abundance of slower melancholic songs, which whilst being authentic, don't do much for me.
But having said that, the very fact I like this album, when the "style" is certainly not one that I am over-enamoured with, perhaps shows just what a classy piece of work this is. If you have any liking whatsoever for the era of Billie Holiday, then this is certainly an abum for you.
Icon's view - 3 1/2 out of 5.
Nerina Pallot - Fires
Dear Frustrated Superstar was one of the best albums of 2001, and was one of the best debuts by a female singer songwriter that I have heard. Of course the problem was that not too many other people heard it, which always led me to fear that a follow up would never be released. Well it's taken four years, but Nerina Pallot has finally gotten around to releasing Fires, her second, and equally breathtaking, album.
This is just full of great track after great track with memorable tunes, and great lyrics. From the opening track Everybody's Gone To War, with it's memorable "I've got a friend, he's a pure-bred killing machine...and he'll be dead by Christmas" lyric this is just pure class all the way.
Standout tracks for me are Halfway Home, Idaho and Geek Love, which, with it's catchy chorus lyric of "So hey, you, could you give it a rest. Just take me home and get me undressed", could be the hit single which finally, and justifably, let's the rest of the world in on the charms of this great singer-songwriter. This is quite, simply, a must buy.
And on a final note, I "made her day" when I exchanged messages with her so that's just another reason to love her.
Icon's View - 5 out of 5
This is just full of great track after great track with memorable tunes, and great lyrics. From the opening track Everybody's Gone To War, with it's memorable "I've got a friend, he's a pure-bred killing machine...and he'll be dead by Christmas" lyric this is just pure class all the way.
Standout tracks for me are Halfway Home, Idaho and Geek Love, which, with it's catchy chorus lyric of "So hey, you, could you give it a rest. Just take me home and get me undressed", could be the hit single which finally, and justifably, let's the rest of the world in on the charms of this great singer-songwriter. This is quite, simply, a must buy.
And on a final note, I "made her day" when I exchanged messages with her so that's just another reason to love her.
Icon's View - 5 out of 5
The Subways LIVE
First things first, 53 Degrees in Preston is a pretty rubbish venue. And a weird shape as well.
But now that's over, lets concentrate on what was a pretty awesome concert. Normally, watching a band whose songs you don't know can be a pretty baffling experience, but track after track here was top quality, with hardly a ballad/slow song in sight.
"Oh Yeah" is one of the most exuberant singles of the year so far, but it was by no means the only highlight of the set. Heavy, without losing the pop sensibility that I love so much, this was a great night. If there is any justice in this world (sorry Lemarr) The Subways should be a name on everyone's lips by the end of the year!
And Charlotte is Grade A teasely! Good job I spotted her first hey Gee man?
But now that's over, lets concentrate on what was a pretty awesome concert. Normally, watching a band whose songs you don't know can be a pretty baffling experience, but track after track here was top quality, with hardly a ballad/slow song in sight.
"Oh Yeah" is one of the most exuberant singles of the year so far, but it was by no means the only highlight of the set. Heavy, without losing the pop sensibility that I love so much, this was a great night. If there is any justice in this world (sorry Lemarr) The Subways should be a name on everyone's lips by the end of the year!
And Charlotte is Grade A teasely! Good job I spotted her first hey Gee man?
Monday, April 11, 2005
Shakin Stevens - The Collection
Well, what can I say about this one?
Since I was about 2 years old, Shaky has been one of my favourites. Hell, I once wrote to Jim'll Fix It in hope of meeting the great man (I didn't, but I did get sent a signed photograph) and Shaky did send me a get well card when I was hopsitalised. But that is hardly the point here is it?
Quite frankly, this does exactly what is says on the tin. It's collects 25 of Shaky's greatest hits (including FOUR number one UK singles) and is pure joy from start (This Old House) to finish (Merry Christmas Everyone) and proves exactly why Shaky was THE biggest selling solo artist in the UK charts in the 1980's.
My personal top 5 Shaky singles would be (in no particular order) A Little Boogie Woogie (In The Back Of My Mind), Lipstick Powder & Paint, A Rockin’ Good Way (To Mess Around And Fall In Love), I’ll Be Satisfied and, perhaps my favourite of all A Letter To You. Throw in the best Christmas record EVER, and a free DVD collecting 12 Shaky promo videos, and you have one bloody brilliant package. Buy it NOW!
Icon's View - 5 out of 5!!!!!
Since I was about 2 years old, Shaky has been one of my favourites. Hell, I once wrote to Jim'll Fix It in hope of meeting the great man (I didn't, but I did get sent a signed photograph) and Shaky did send me a get well card when I was hopsitalised. But that is hardly the point here is it?
Quite frankly, this does exactly what is says on the tin. It's collects 25 of Shaky's greatest hits (including FOUR number one UK singles) and is pure joy from start (This Old House) to finish (Merry Christmas Everyone) and proves exactly why Shaky was THE biggest selling solo artist in the UK charts in the 1980's.
My personal top 5 Shaky singles would be (in no particular order) A Little Boogie Woogie (In The Back Of My Mind), Lipstick Powder & Paint, A Rockin’ Good Way (To Mess Around And Fall In Love), I’ll Be Satisfied and, perhaps my favourite of all A Letter To You. Throw in the best Christmas record EVER, and a free DVD collecting 12 Shaky promo videos, and you have one bloody brilliant package. Buy it NOW!
Icon's View - 5 out of 5!!!!!
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Martha Wainwright - Martha Wainwright
There was certainly a lot of hype and expectation riding on the release of this album. With her mother, father and brother all successful (artistically at least) recording artists, the pressure was surely on. But then again, maybe not. Martha's view's on her parents are plainly on show in the song "Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole", and perhaps Martha simply doesn't care for the inevtiable comparisions with her family.
Thankfully shorn of the over-blown, some would say pompous, arrangements that her brother Rufus favours, this is a good album, without ever really threatening to really live up to the expectations some placed on it.
When it's good, as in the afformentioned BMFM, "Ball and Chain" and "TV Show" it's very good, but that level of quality isn't sustained over the whole of the album. It's a promising debut, at times hauntingly beautiful and at others filled with raw, flamed propelled, energy, but, and perhaps this is just me here, I was expecting more. It's well worth a listen, but you get the feeling the best is still yet to come.
Icon's view - 3 out of 5
Thankfully shorn of the over-blown, some would say pompous, arrangements that her brother Rufus favours, this is a good album, without ever really threatening to really live up to the expectations some placed on it.
When it's good, as in the afformentioned BMFM, "Ball and Chain" and "TV Show" it's very good, but that level of quality isn't sustained over the whole of the album. It's a promising debut, at times hauntingly beautiful and at others filled with raw, flamed propelled, energy, but, and perhaps this is just me here, I was expecting more. It's well worth a listen, but you get the feeling the best is still yet to come.
Icon's view - 3 out of 5
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Basement Jaxx - The Singles
I really don't have enough dance tunes in my collection so the release of this compilation came at just about the right time for me. And what a corker it is too. The Jaxx have been churning out top-quality tunes for ages, but have never really quite grabbed me enough to purchase a studio album. This however is the perfect compromise.
The Icon's quality-o-meter definately pricks it's ears up at the earlier tracks on this collection. "Red Alert" is a funky stomper, "Where's Your Head At?" is funk-punk at it's best (if indeed that is even a genre of music at all) but my pick of the pack is the delightful "Romeo". A song so good that the Beckham's decided to name their daughter after it. Or perhaps not.
Other trakcs don't quite hit these heights, but all offer something different, and take on different styles, which is always a welcome feature of dance collections. New single "Oh My Gosh" is quite a grower too.
So all in all, this does exactly what is says it will do. It collects the Basement Jaxx singles in one handy collection, and proves that they are well worth a listen. Now let's all get on that dancefloor.
Icon's View - 4 out of 5
The Icon's quality-o-meter definately pricks it's ears up at the earlier tracks on this collection. "Red Alert" is a funky stomper, "Where's Your Head At?" is funk-punk at it's best (if indeed that is even a genre of music at all) but my pick of the pack is the delightful "Romeo". A song so good that the Beckham's decided to name their daughter after it. Or perhaps not.
Other trakcs don't quite hit these heights, but all offer something different, and take on different styles, which is always a welcome feature of dance collections. New single "Oh My Gosh" is quite a grower too.
So all in all, this does exactly what is says it will do. It collects the Basement Jaxx singles in one handy collection, and proves that they are well worth a listen. Now let's all get on that dancefloor.
Icon's View - 4 out of 5
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Concerts 2005 Update
Just a quick update, for my reference more than anything, complete with latest addition.
18th February - KT Tunstall - Liverpool Academy 3
27th February - Electric Six - Carling Academy Liverpool
1st March - Natasha Bedingfield - Liverpool Royal Court
7th March - The Donnas - Manchester Academy
16th March - The THrills - Liverpool Academy
12th April - The Subways - 53 Degrees, Preston
24th April - The Hives - Liverpool Academy
19th May - Girls Aloud - Manchester Apollo
22nd May - KT Tunstall - Manchester MDH
26th May - KT Tunstall - Carling Academy 2, Liverpool
27th May - Girls Aloud - Liverpool Empire
11th June - Ben Folds - The Lowry
17th June - REM (with The Zutons & Feeder) - Lancashire Cricket Club
18th February - KT Tunstall - Liverpool Academy 3
27th February - Electric Six - Carling Academy Liverpool
1st March - Natasha Bedingfield - Liverpool Royal Court
7th March - The Donnas - Manchester Academy
16th March - The THrills - Liverpool Academy
12th April - The Subways - 53 Degrees, Preston
24th April - The Hives - Liverpool Academy
19th May - Girls Aloud - Manchester Apollo
22nd May - KT Tunstall - Manchester MDH
26th May - KT Tunstall - Carling Academy 2, Liverpool
27th May - Girls Aloud - Liverpool Empire
11th June - Ben Folds - The Lowry
17th June - REM (with The Zutons & Feeder) - Lancashire Cricket Club
Queens Of The Stone Age - Lullabies To Paralyze.
Ignore my slightly warped liking for the wonderful Josh Homme, this is one hell of a rock record and one that, for once, deserves every bit of critical acclaim that has come it's way.
From start to finish this is a rollocking ride which is even better than previous classics Rated R and Songs For The Deaf. Stand out tracks include the single Little Sister, You Got A Killer Scene (featuring guest performances by Brode Dalle and Shirley Manson) and Everybody Knows That You're Insane. Although to be honest, choosing favourite songs from this album is much like choosing which of your offspring is your favourite.
So this is rock as it should be. Dark, edgy and, above all, sexy. Buy it now.
Icon's View - 5 out of 5.
From start to finish this is a rollocking ride which is even better than previous classics Rated R and Songs For The Deaf. Stand out tracks include the single Little Sister, You Got A Killer Scene (featuring guest performances by Brode Dalle and Shirley Manson) and Everybody Knows That You're Insane. Although to be honest, choosing favourite songs from this album is much like choosing which of your offspring is your favourite.
So this is rock as it should be. Dark, edgy and, above all, sexy. Buy it now.
Icon's View - 5 out of 5.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
The Thrills LIVE
Well could The Thrills continue to enthrall at the third time of asking? The answer is a delightful yes. The poor boys come in for some stick, but they sure can put on one hell of a show.
Their great tracks, pick of the bunch being the delightful One Horse Town, were spread throughout the show so you never really got bored. There was also the plus point that the venue was stacked with the most teasely skewed audience I've perhaps ever seen. Not that that did my constitution any good at all.
Another cracking night out with the Irish lads and they really do give it their all. I just pity them if they ever have to play a gig in Skegness or Lytham St Annes.
Their great tracks, pick of the bunch being the delightful One Horse Town, were spread throughout the show so you never really got bored. There was also the plus point that the venue was stacked with the most teasely skewed audience I've perhaps ever seen. Not that that did my constitution any good at all.
Another cracking night out with the Irish lads and they really do give it their all. I just pity them if they ever have to play a gig in Skegness or Lytham St Annes.
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Kaiser Chiefs - Employment
Pitching straight in as a 21st Century Parklife (right down to the packaging of the album), Employment is an album which makes no bones about it's outlook or intentions. Singles "I Predict A Riot" and "Oh My God" whupped up a frenzy of expectation for the album, but sadly, the boys from Leeds can't quite manage to live up to the hype.
When they are good, as in the singles and the riotous "Everyday I Love You Less And Less", they are bloody fantastic, but too many tunes meander along without ever really hitting the mark, and at times it feels like the band are trying too many styles and are trying to be too ambitious in a debut album.
They've nailed the "storytellin" aspects of Parklife, but failed to keep up the momentum up over the whole album. Still, there is enough here to suggest that there is something more to come, and songs such as "Team Mate" suggest that there is more to the Kaiser Chiefs than the "Brit-Pop" attitude would otherwise suggest.
Icon's View - 3 out of 5.
When they are good, as in the singles and the riotous "Everyday I Love You Less And Less", they are bloody fantastic, but too many tunes meander along without ever really hitting the mark, and at times it feels like the band are trying too many styles and are trying to be too ambitious in a debut album.
They've nailed the "storytellin" aspects of Parklife, but failed to keep up the momentum up over the whole album. Still, there is enough here to suggest that there is something more to come, and songs such as "Team Mate" suggest that there is more to the Kaiser Chiefs than the "Brit-Pop" attitude would otherwise suggest.
Icon's View - 3 out of 5.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
The Donnas LIVE
It's been a long time coming, but finally the Donnas made it to Manchester. Worries about the girls health led to pre-concert speculation as to whether or not they would even make it on stage, but once the first drum beat kicked in there was no doubt at all. The Donnas were here, and they were coming to ROCK!
The energy level was amazing and the quartet sounded very tight indeed. There was a varied choice of songs from their back catlogue, and whilst this meant that some classics were ommitted, there wasn't really a duff song in the set.
Four chicks who love to rock out? Is it any wonder I love them?
And on another note, I do hope that lad from London managed to get home alright.
The energy level was amazing and the quartet sounded very tight indeed. There was a varied choice of songs from their back catlogue, and whilst this meant that some classics were ommitted, there wasn't really a duff song in the set.
Four chicks who love to rock out? Is it any wonder I love them?
And on another note, I do hope that lad from London managed to get home alright.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Natasha Bedingfield LIVE
She's teasely for sure, but could she capture me for an hour and a half of concert related entertainment? As it turned out, she did the job well.
All the hits were in (thankfuly spread throughout the show) and some great album tracks reminded me just how good her album actually is. The only negative would be that the girl appears to be losing her voice and at times the backing singers took over. But she still belted her lyrics out with aplomb and she does have a great voice.
Top marks for the Maroon 5 "This Love" cover version too, which was the best that song has ever sounded. Throw in some delightful drunken ladies and a soon to be infamous "lacy red knickers" incident, and you have yet another top quality night of entertainment.
All the hits were in (thankfuly spread throughout the show) and some great album tracks reminded me just how good her album actually is. The only negative would be that the girl appears to be losing her voice and at times the backing singers took over. But she still belted her lyrics out with aplomb and she does have a great voice.
Top marks for the Maroon 5 "This Love" cover version too, which was the best that song has ever sounded. Throw in some delightful drunken ladies and a soon to be infamous "lacy red knickers" incident, and you have yet another top quality night of entertainment.
Monday, February 28, 2005
Electric Six LIVE
The kings of irreverance put on one hell of a show. There is no mistaking the fact that their new album is nowhere near as good as their classic debut, but there are enough good songs knocking about in the Electric Six cannon to make for a wonderful hour and half of stomping entertainment.
And let's face it. It's worth the price of admission alone for Gay Bar, Dance Commander, Danger! High Voltage, Vibrator and Radio Ga Ga.
Snotty critics may scoff, but sod 'em. Just get your dancing shoes on and have a bloody good time. I sure did.
And let's face it. It's worth the price of admission alone for Gay Bar, Dance Commander, Danger! High Voltage, Vibrator and Radio Ga Ga.
Snotty critics may scoff, but sod 'em. Just get your dancing shoes on and have a bloody good time. I sure did.
Friday, February 18, 2005
KT Tunstall LIVE
Well what a way to kick off the 2005 concert season. This was, quite simply, absolutely bloody fantastic. This girl isn't a star yet, but she soon will be.
The entire audience was captivated from start to finish by this superb singer-songwriter, who played virtually all of her debut album, Eye To The Telescope. Technical problems didn't faze her, and didn't detract one iota from the concert.
KT can do the fast songs and the slow songs with equal aplomb, and never hits (or sings) a bum note throughout.
To be honest, I think I'm in love with her.
The entire audience was captivated from start to finish by this superb singer-songwriter, who played virtually all of her debut album, Eye To The Telescope. Technical problems didn't faze her, and didn't detract one iota from the concert.
KT can do the fast songs and the slow songs with equal aplomb, and never hits (or sings) a bum note throughout.
To be honest, I think I'm in love with her.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Electric Six - Senor Smoke
As great as their debut album "Fire" was, there was always the danger that the joke would wear thin long before a follow-up could ever be released. And whilst "Senor Smoke" doesn't live up to it's predecessor, either in terms of tunes or hilarity, there is enough good stuff on it to render it worth a listen.
Internet-only single "Vibrator" is an instant sing-a-long classic, (who could resist the lines "she don't need no Vibrator, no electric genetalia tonight") and rocks out as much as anything we've heard from them before. "Boy or Girl", "Devil Night's" and "Rock and Roll Evacuation" all display the irreverence one would expect and all have laugh out loud moments contained within, and all have the ability to get you dancing.
Sadly there is too much "by the numbers" filler on this album to make it really stand out, but there's enough quality to make it a worthwhile addition to Fire.
Icon's View - 3 out of 5
Internet-only single "Vibrator" is an instant sing-a-long classic, (who could resist the lines "she don't need no Vibrator, no electric genetalia tonight") and rocks out as much as anything we've heard from them before. "Boy or Girl", "Devil Night's" and "Rock and Roll Evacuation" all display the irreverence one would expect and all have laugh out loud moments contained within, and all have the ability to get you dancing.
Sadly there is too much "by the numbers" filler on this album to make it really stand out, but there's enough quality to make it a worthwhile addition to Fire.
Icon's View - 3 out of 5
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Emiliana Torrini - Fisherman's Woman
Call my cynical but when an unsuccessful artist completely changes direction after their debut album I have to wonder whether its the artist themselves or the record industry who make that change. 1999's Love In The Time Of Science is the polar opposite of this second album from the delightful Emiliana. Where as that was electronically based music, albeit of the "chill out" variety, this album is pared down to the bare minimum, with acoustic and gentle songs.
The problem is, it is perhaps too gentle and quiet to really grab the attention over a whole album. There is no doubting that Emiliana is a talent, and there is no doubting that the songs are good, but listening through the album all in one go is not ideal. Fact is, if you were to listen and fall asleep, when you woke up you would be hard pressed to know which track was on. They all kind of blend into one another.
All in all though, this is not a bad album. In short doses it is worth a listen, but at times it's just too anonymous to really stand out from the crowd.
Icon's View - 3 out of 5
The problem is, it is perhaps too gentle and quiet to really grab the attention over a whole album. There is no doubting that Emiliana is a talent, and there is no doubting that the songs are good, but listening through the album all in one go is not ideal. Fact is, if you were to listen and fall asleep, when you woke up you would be hard pressed to know which track was on. They all kind of blend into one another.
All in all though, this is not a bad album. In short doses it is worth a listen, but at times it's just too anonymous to really stand out from the crowd.
Icon's View - 3 out of 5
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Rilo Kiley - More Adventurous
What could be worse that a band fronted by a former teen movie starlet, which also includes her (ex) boyrfriend? Not much you would think, but ignore all that (although do watch Plesantville, in which lead singer Jenny Lewis has a part - that is a quality film) and instead just sit back and listen to one of the most pleasantly pop albums in quite some time.
One listen through is all it takes for most of the delicate melodies to lodge inside you brain although it takes subsequent listens to appreciate the lyrical venom that sometimes lurkes behind the calm veneer. This juxtaposition only adds to the band's appeal, giving the music heart and soul.
Stand out tracks include, "It's A Hit" (which it certainly should be), "I Never" which seemingly adds a cast of thousands to the group and lead single "Portions For Foxes" which deserves to lodge into the top 10 on a permanent basis.
Occasional lapses into schmaltz mean the album isn't perfect, and the collection does peak rather early, but if Miss Lewis really is "Bad News" as she suggests she is, then long may the bad news continue.
Icon's View - 4 out of 5
One listen through is all it takes for most of the delicate melodies to lodge inside you brain although it takes subsequent listens to appreciate the lyrical venom that sometimes lurkes behind the calm veneer. This juxtaposition only adds to the band's appeal, giving the music heart and soul.
Stand out tracks include, "It's A Hit" (which it certainly should be), "I Never" which seemingly adds a cast of thousands to the group and lead single "Portions For Foxes" which deserves to lodge into the top 10 on a permanent basis.
Occasional lapses into schmaltz mean the album isn't perfect, and the collection does peak rather early, but if Miss Lewis really is "Bad News" as she suggests she is, then long may the bad news continue.
Icon's View - 4 out of 5
Friday, January 28, 2005
LCD Soundsystem - LCD Soundsytem
Punk Funk...Disco Rock...Disco Punk...Rock Dance...so many labels and so much hype, but could the debut release from James Murphy (aka LCD Soundsystem) really be all that is was hoped it would be? The answer is a resounding yes...AND THEN SOME!
It's been a long time since LCD's trio of singles Losing My Edge, Giving It Up and Yeah (which are all thankfully included on the bonus CD with the album) but the long wait for the album has been well worth it. This is dance music, without conforming to the stereotypical features that make most of that scene seem passe. At times sounding like Talking Heads, at times sounding like Soulwax, at times sounding like Pink Floyd...you may think that the sheer wealth of reference points would overshadow the project as a whole but there is the opposite effect. This sounds so fresh and new and never feels derivative.
There is no way of picking out the essential or best tracks from this Double CD as pretty much all of them are destined to stick in your brain for days, then weeks, then years. This is quite simply a must have CD from a man more interested in producing genuinely exciting and exhillarating music than by the notion of being cool and/or "hip."
Icon's View - 5 out of 5 - ICON CLASSIC.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Bright Eyes - I'm Wide Awake It's Morning
No, don't worry. This is not some kind of Watership Down thing. Bright Eyes is the alter-ego of Conor Oberst who, if one believes the press, is the new Bob Dylan. Is he? I don't really know, but what I do know is that with this album, he is certainly one of the best singer-songwriters around at the present time.
Largely acoustic, and probably to be filed under "Alt-Country" this is, quite simply, a delightfully delicate album which really defies any ready classification. From the opening monologue, where an international traveller is facing the last moment of his life in a plane heading for a crash, this is meaningful and affecting music at it's most simple. Some critics have argued that the album is not simple, but merely simplistic, but to me this is missing the point. This is music making stripped down to it's rawest form. It's unadorned, naked, and beautiful.
Tracks such as "The First Day Of My Life" legitamtely make me cry, which surely emphasises just how soulful (in terms of soul-searching) this album is. Throw in some old fashioned country rockers (much like Johnny Cash would have done) and you have an album which demands to be listened to again and again .
Icon's View - 5 out of 5 - ICON CLASSIC
Largely acoustic, and probably to be filed under "Alt-Country" this is, quite simply, a delightfully delicate album which really defies any ready classification. From the opening monologue, where an international traveller is facing the last moment of his life in a plane heading for a crash, this is meaningful and affecting music at it's most simple. Some critics have argued that the album is not simple, but merely simplistic, but to me this is missing the point. This is music making stripped down to it's rawest form. It's unadorned, naked, and beautiful.
Tracks such as "The First Day Of My Life" legitamtely make me cry, which surely emphasises just how soulful (in terms of soul-searching) this album is. Throw in some old fashioned country rockers (much like Johnny Cash would have done) and you have an album which demands to be listened to again and again .
Icon's View - 5 out of 5 - ICON CLASSIC
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