museless ravings

Nerina Pallot - Fires

2006-04-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting to buy this album for ages and now, I have it. I first heard of Nerina in The Times: a review of this album and an ad back last year. So I logged onto her website and listened to snippets of this album. Apparently that's all I needed. This album opens with the Sheryl Crow like Everybody's Going To War. Very catchy, definitely draws you in. The lyrics are clearly well thought through. Track 3 Damascus is a brilliantly moody song. Beautiful to listen to, Nerina's voice is clear yet just a little fizzy. I can't quite describe it. This is then followed by Idaho interesting track, she sounds more American here, though not a bad thing by any means. This album is just great to listen to and gets better the more you listen to it. Songs I didn't quite like on first hearing have grown on me. The only song yet to grow on me is Heart Attack, there's something about it that puts me off.
That said, the standout track is Sophia. i love this song. It's clever, subtle with incredible vocals. I can't stop listening to it.
I hope her third album is just as good!

Edited 24th September 2006: As I write this, Nerina had released a re-recorded version of Sophia as her new single. This one no longer just uses Nerina and her piano, but now features strings and drums. (This is the version featured in the video with the fire. On her site, if you press on Entertainment and click Sophia, it plays the original) This is probably in order to tie it in more with the rest of the album and to make it more appealing to the British public. I have to say I preferred it sparser. It seems to have lost it's emotional punch now that it has the extra instruments. But maybe that's just me.

Placebo - Meds

2006-03-18T10:39:00.000-08:00

This is actually the first Placebo album I've bought: I know I should hang my head in shame, apologies to Brian Molko and co. I'm glad I bought it though because, despite it's, questionable, artwork, it really is a very coherent, well written album. It switched mood with ease and in a way that doesn't sound odd. The opening track Meds is just great, featuring guest vocals by VV from The Kills, which is the reason for my particular love for this track. This album also boasts guest vocals by Michael Stipe. Not bad going I must say. Infra-Red is also a very good track as is In The Cold Light Of The Morning. But, the standout track had to be Follow The Cops Back Home. Once again I've chosen the sadder, slower song from the album but it's just a beautiful song. The lyrics are clever - clever in the big vocab sense of the word: imbibe, apartheid - and the melody is just wistful enough. Not too mushy as the guitar work pulls that back. Fantastic album, well worth buying for that one track alone.

We Are Scientists - With Love and Squalor

2006-02-26T10:34:00.000-08:00

I bought this album on the strength of the single The Great Escape and I'm glad I did. Admittedly I don't listen to it all that often but when I do I realise anew how great an album this is.
The songs are catchy yet simple and well put together. They remind me slightly of a dancier Strokes. And possibly geekier. The lyrics are good - "It's hard to rely on the rhythm section when they're packing up and heading for the exit". cleverly simple. Vocals are also very very good. The album is taught and consistent, always interesting to hear. It captures the life of young people in a city without being overly anecdotal. As I said,always interesting to hear. Plus, with a name like We Are Scientists, what's not to like?
Best songs: This Scene Is Dead, It's A Hit, The Great Escape, Worth The Wait

Kathleen Edwards - Back To Me

2006-02-26T10:28:00.000-08:00

I have to say now that I am so grateful to Canada for raising this great songstress. This is a fantastic record. It is fluid, consistent and beautifully sung. The lyrics are clever and catchy, with hints of nostalgia -Old Times Sake and Pink Emerson Radio being key examples of this. I have to say that for the supposedly difficult second album this is brilliant, (Might I add in at this point that this is proof that if Canada is the place to raise children if you want musical talent: Sarah McLachlan anyone?) Edwards had written catchy yet poignant songs. In State talks about a criminal boyfriend who she essentially blackmails into treating her better, Copied Keys is a fantastic song about what it's like to be alienated in a completely new environment. The best song of all though is Away. It's a beautifully sad song about emotional detachment that is sung in such a heart-wrenching way. I adore this song. Can't wait to buy her debut and see what else she comes up with!

Maximo Park - A Certain Trigger

2006-02-26T10:22:00.000-08:00

Okay, I admit it, iTunes has a certain appeal. I went on a little spree and bought this album and the next two: Kathleen and We Are Scientist. But I'll get to them later.
I bought this album on the strength of their singles Graffitti and Going Missing. Paul - the lead vocalist - has an interesting voice with an unmistakable Northern accent, which sets it apart from the crowd on the outset. I have to say that those two singles showcase this album brilliantly. The thing that this band does best is to create songs with quirky lyrics but with irresistably catchy hooks. Seriously, these songs get stuck in your head for tune alone.
This album is excellent for a debut but that doesnt mean that there are no weaknesses. At times the album feels inconsistent and repetative, however, don't let that put you off.
Best songs: Graffiti, Going Missing, Apply Some Pressure, Postcard of a Painting

Sarah McLachlan - Solace/Surfacing

2006-02-19T10:09:00.000-08:00

Well, I did say that being a true Sarah fan was on my list of things to do so here it is, I bought two more of her albums.
Solace:
I'm not quite sure what to make of this album. Coming to Sarah late means I didn't get the chance to see her evolve as an artist so the difference between this - her second album - and her later ones are quite obvious. But good. This album is far more experimental than "Fumbling..." You can still hear Sarah's fantastic voice but the songs are different, both in subjecgt matter and style. I can't quite explain it but it's Kate Bush circa Wuthering Heights ish, but I mean that in the best way (loving Kate Bush herself). I like this album because it shows that while Sarah is still trying to find where she is as an artist, it still shows the enormous potential that she has without it being a stepping stone album. It's an album that grows on you, sneaking up on you until you realise that it is beautiful for what it is. Her lyrics are, as always, interesting, not your usual 'easy-listening' fare (why put her in that genre HMV, seriously!) One thing that this album uses more than the others is backing vocals both male and female. It's also happier that Fumbling and to a certain extent Afterglow.
Best songs: Black, Drawn To The Rhythm, I Will Not Forget You

Surfacing:
This is her second most recent album, recorded in 1997 if I'm not mistaken, and might I say that it's fantastic. It sounds a lot like Fumbling... but not too alike to sound repetative. This again is a happier album than Fumbling... but that's not a hard feat to accomplish. Once again it is Sarah's voice that shines on this album with the songcraft coming a close second - the fact that the instrumental at the end of the album Last Dance won a Grammy is testament to that. The melodies are gorgeous, simply beautiful and the lyrics are still as clever and hauntingly quotable as ever. This is an album that lingers in the air long after it's ended.
Best songs: Angel, Do What You Have To Do, Last Dance, Building A Mystery, Black & White

Panic! At The Disco - A Fever That You Can't Sweat Out

2006-02-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

I love this album. It's such a pulled together, clever debut. it sounds a little vaudevillian to me, there are strings and horn sections, a little odd for a band that is essentially a 'rock' band (I use the term loosely at this point.) It's knowing of it's status but not in a damaging way and despite it's self assured tone, it is a fantastic album. The lead vocalist - Brendan Urie - has a voice akin to that of Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy - not surprising considering he lent vocals for a track on From Under The Cork Tree and the fact that P!ATD are on Decaydance run by Pete Wentz, sorry I digress - but layered over P!ATD's trademark synth/orchestra/guitar ensemble, it sounds completely unique.
The lyrics are really interesting and quite funny. The melodies are great and incredibly catchy, every song has an irresistible toe-tapping hook (I can't believe I just wrote the words toe-tapping). There is no song on this album that I don't like. I like every song for different reasons which is why you will find no list of best songs at the end of this post, it would be pointless. I just hope that the 'difficult second album' will be just as good!

Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan - Ballad Of the Broken Seas

2006-02-01T09:53:00.000-08:00

This album is not quite what I thought it would be, in a good way. The majority of the songs are written by Isobel Campbell, with the exception of 'Revolver' and 'Ramblin' Man' These songs are the songs you would think would be played ina bar somewhere in the Midwest. There is variety, some are piano based, otheres use guitar alone. The mix of Lanegan's rough low growl with Campbells quiet angelic voice is an odd suggestion but it workd to perfection. Honestly.
I think this album can be appreciated instantly but it takes a couple of rotations for it to fully sink in. The best songs are the ones where they sing together - and by together I mean at the same time - the perfect example being 'Revolver', clearly one of the best songs on the album, though short at 2:40.
To be honest when I bought this album it was a kind of bet, hoping I'd like it. Fortunately there isn't much to not like.
Best songs: 'Deus Ibi Est'. 'Ballas Of The Broken Seas', 'Revolver', 'Ramblin' Man', 'Honey Child What Can I Do'

Ava

Gemma Hayes - Night On My Side

2006-01-28T09:46:00.000-08:00

I still haven't made up my mind about this album. Gemma Has a voice that largely resembles a hybrid of Eva Cassidy, Joni Mitchell, Alanis Morisette and Sinead O'Connor. The songs complement her voice, they don't force it. The album is very good but not much past that. It could be that I'm still in awe of Rabbit Fur Coat (which is so stunning it puts everything else to shame) The melodies here are interesting enough, it's the order of the album that confuses a little. I feel as if it's not quite there yet, that maybe another week in the studio might have polished it a bit more. THat siad Gemma's voice is lovely to listen to and the songs are very good for a debut. I will be looking forawrs to her newer albums.
Best songs: 'Ran For Miles', 'Hanging ARound', 'Back Of My Hand', 'My God', 'I Wanna Stay'.

Ava

Jenny Lewus with the Watson Twins - Rabbit Fur Coat

2006-01-25T11:14:00.000-08:00

Simply gorgeous. Really, truly beautiful. The songs are so well crafter it's amlmost a privilage to hear them. Jenny's voice is so, I don;t think there is areal adjective for it. IT's silky smooth, just wonderful.
Now for the Watson Twins: Chandra? Leigh? Where have you beeen all my life? Their combined voices are so pure they - excuse the pun - 'Melt Your Heart'. Really. Can't wait to buy their forthcoming album Southern Manners. The songs would not be complete without Chandra and Leigh's immense vocal abilities. The harmonies are divine to hear.
The lyrics are also vey well thought through, clever yet simple "When you're sleeping with someone who doesn't get you, you're gonna hate yourself in the morning..." and plenty other fine examples/
I am so so so so so so so glad I bought this album. These songs are timeless I'm sure, melodies like this can stand the test of time for sure. Well done Jenny, Chandra and Leigh, excellent CD. Continue please!
Best songs: 'Run Devil Run', 'You Are What You Love', 'Rise Up With Fists!!', 'Rabbit Fur Coat' and Handle With Care (Jenny, Ben Gibbard, M Ward and Conor Oberst, who better to cover the Travelling Wilburys? hmmmmmm, can' t think of anyone!)

Ava

Bright Eyes - I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning

2006-01-08T10:51:00.000-08:00

Once again, not bought recently but during last summer. I just had to write about it though. It's such a fantastic album. The real beauty of this album lies in it's lyrics. A little odd at times sure, but they are truly fantastic, sowcasing Conor's ample abilities. Scratch that, lyrical prowess.
I also like the fact that it's quite quiet and folksy in an acousitc but not way. I also love the fact that we have Conor's unique voice and Emmylou Harris singing the harmony. As odd and incongruent as it may appear, it actually sounds wonderful.
My favourite songs have to be 'Lua', 'Another Travelin' Song', 'Landlocked Blues' and 'POison Oak'. This is simply a brilliant album, though my review may seem short, it's just so fantastic that I find that I can't gush.

Beautiful. The only word for this album.

Ava

Sarah McLachlan- Fumbling Towards Ecstasy

2006-01-08T10:42:00.000-08:00

Okay, I didn't buy this today, or even recently, I'll admit that but this album begged to be written about. I bought this last summer in Canada after reading that this is her best album. Well although I don't own the other three (At time of writing I didn't but as of now I most defintely do!) I personally prefer this album to Afterglow. Fumbling just showcases Sarah's talent better, Afterglow does have a more glossy produced feel -not to say that I don't love it which i do but you know... This album is beautiful, the lyrics are fantastic but once again it is Sarah's vocal abilities that stun me. Her voice is undeniably great. Her capability as a songwriter is also amazing. The lyrics on this album capture their subjects perfectly. true, this is definitely no the happiest album I've ever heard - songs that chronicle betrayal, rape and miscarriage (in my head anyway) don't exactly leave you jumping with joy - it is just wonderful to listen to. Sarah's voice has just hte right mix of honey and husk, clarity and edge. I could sing, I'd want to sing like her.
The best songs on this album are: 'Ice', 'Fear', 'Circle', 'Plenty', and 'Elsewhere'. In fact the only song that I don't particularly like is 'Mary, 1/11 isn't bad. I can't wait to buy Surfacing and Solace, hopefully they are just as good.

Ava

Editors - The Back Room

2006-01-07T10:35:00.000-08:00

Well, what can I say? This may be the best £6 I've ever spent. This album is quite short but it's so so so oh so good. Tom Smith -the vocalist- has an Ian Curtis/Paul Banks esque voice, deep and a little odd. You could , on the surface, make a comparison witht he aforementioned men's bands (Joy Division and Interpol respectively) but it would be relatively pointless. Editors pack great vocals, interesting lyrics and catchy hooks into songs that rarely last more than 3 and a half minutes. Editors are a lot less 'depressing' (I use the term loosely here) than Joy Divison and are all the better for it. 'Munich' is irresistably catchy as are 'Blood' and 'Bullets'. The guitar work is great as is the excellent drumming. 'Distance' is just beautiful, the lyrics could be completely heart wrenching if only you weren't so haunted by the beautiful melody.
That's it really, concise, well-written and catchy. Well worth the money, undoubtably.

Ava

Beth Orton - Trailer Park/Central Reservation

2006-01-03T10:19:00.000-08:00

I bought these two off Amazon. These are Beth's first two albums and after listening to them I can understand why the title "Comedown Queen" is undisputedly hers. On 'Trailer PArk', her debut, she sings whole ehartedly in songs I don't fully understand the subject of. It's mostly quiet and acousticy (I know it's not a word but it works for my purpose), the songs just seem to drip off her tongue. With the more up tempo songs - How Far for example - shehas more percussion and backing vocals, but they never detract from her.
Let me help you understand why she is the "Comedown Queen". Most of the songs on Trailer Park start wih electronic sound effects that wind off into these slower melodic songs. If you've spen the night drinking copius amounts of spirits and ingesting illegal substances, you come home and this is the CD you would put o. It is exactly what you want. It's slower, softer, more tuneful but is still connected to the music you've been listening all night. That's comedown music. That's this album.

Central Reservation carries on with her trademark sound. Good rhythm behind, great vocals, brilliant lyrics. Except, this ofering is much more polished, more concise and consitstent than her debut. Personally I prefer this album. It's a small slught step away from Comedown and more towards Beth showcasing her vocal an songwriting skills. It's a taughter album, still retaiing it's easy-to-listen-to style but doing it better thanthe last time.
Beth's Englishness prevails through her songs. The fact that her voice isn't Americanised is very refreshing. Some have said that her voice is an acquired tast, I am more inclined to think that she is very accessible, with talent like hers it's almost unavoidable.

Overall, defintely worth the money howevr, out of the two, Central Reservation is defintely the stronger of the two. I can only hope that Daybreaker and The Comfort Of Strangers can compete.

Ava