|
If Coldplay is too artsy and heavy and you need something with that down home, old-school, backwoods, cheesy British white guy blues, just like down in Memphis except without the bluesiness or soul, then this is for you. Play it first thing as you rise out of bed. There are some great McHits and even some McBlues tracks with McSoulfull singing. Just like Britney Spears is exactly like Aretha Franklin except without the music or voice or anything. Or the music of fast food. When John and Jane Doe drive home from work, John and Jane need music.
Music at home both in the elevator, doctor's waiting room or even for 'lil Johnny's tenth birthday party.Buy this music/muzak and let it be the soundtrack to your McWorld. Sing to it as you shower and even as you cover yourself head to toe with brand-name clothing. Like their cars, clothes and even the neighborhood they live in, John and Jane like their music safe. Let it shroud your soul in shrink wrap. The world needs another Coldplay like my neighborhood needs another Starbucks.Listen safely. That's why they like muzak.
The fast food of music.
Spread the word on this one. It's a journey. (I hear a touch of Alan Parsons Project -Beatles - Chicago - and difinitely a bit of Leonard Cohen). Everyone who has heard it has been delightfully surprised. Each tune takes you on a journey of sound with an interesting message. Elbow is a major hit in the UK and Australia but not here in the states.
The Seldom Seen Kid CD speaks to today's generation but could easily entice the older generations of the '60's - '80's as it did me. An exhilarating journey. Our loss. It's true that there really is not one bad song on the CD. However, as this CD is passed around it most likely will climb the charts and the hearts.
BUT.Elbow is their own creation with their own sound.Their sound is different but strangely familiar.
Their lyrics are consistently fresh in expressing ageless ideas of love and friendship. Saw this band on "Live from Abbey Road" on Sundance Channel, loved the song "The Bones of You" so much I made it my ring tone, then bought the CD. I know this isn't their first CD, but it's hard to imagine that they're just going to keep getting better than this. Vocals so engaging, every musician at the top of his game. Loved the CD so much, I bought 3 more copies for friend who just had to have it, too. "One Day Like This" is a beautiful and romantic powerful piece.
For a start, the album is well produced and the songs well crafted. But, the album gets better with every listen and I find it rather infectious. Much has been written about Elbow since the release of their Mercury Prize winning 4th release 'Seldom Seen Kid', that I just had to buy this album out of curiousity. On first hearing, two tracks stood out - the brilliant 'Grounds For Divorce' and the beautifully arranged 'On a Day like this'. This album is better than good and maybe Elbow are getting the deserved praise that was long overdue. Many say that they are underrated but surely the masses vote with their feet and the cream always rises to the top. I cannot speak for their first three albums as I have not ventured that far as yet, but the 'Seldom Seen Kid' collection definitely has me yearning for more.
All the scenester magazines (and you know who you are) are going crazy with this album. With that in mind, one must understand that this is not going to be an album that you put on before going out or celebrating. But truthfully this album is not that good. True, it takes a few listens to get use to the lead singer's voice.
Trust me and not the "so-called" music critics and pass on this album. One must slowly appreciate the subtleties and musicianship of this good band.With that being said, this album has done nothing to improve themselves from their previous two albums. I tried listening to it while cooking and at work but I quickly got irritated and just wished that the album would end. Their last two albums will suffice you for now. It's quite annoying at times and it's pretty much re-hashed (but not as good) stuff from their last two albums. Giving it 5-stars / 9 out of 10 / etc.
The album is extremely boring and doesn't have any catchy songs, beats, or lyrics. Hopefully Elbow can improve on their next album - give us something catchy and/or different. I liked Elbow's last two albums. And yes, Elbow isn't the type of band to put out an album that will get any radio play or have a hit song.
|
