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Let it shroud your soul in shrink wrap. When John and Jane Doe drive home from work, John and Jane need music. That's why they like muzak. Or the music of fast food. Just like Britney Spears is exactly like Aretha Franklin except without the music or voice or anything. 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. Play it first thing as you rise out of bed. There are some great McHits and even some McBlues tracks with McSoulfull singing. The fast food of music. 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.
The world needs another Coldplay like my neighborhood needs another Starbucks.Listen safely.
It's true that there really is not one bad song on the CD. Elbow is a major hit in the UK and Australia but not here in the states. However, as this CD is passed around it most likely will climb the charts and the hearts. Each tune takes you on a journey of sound with an interesting message. Everyone who has heard it has been delightfully surprised. 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 a journey. (I hear a touch of Alan Parsons Project -Beatles - Chicago - and difinitely a bit of Leonard Cohen). BUT.Elbow is their own creation with their own sound.Their sound is different but strangely familiar. Spread the word on this one.
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. Their lyrics are consistently fresh in expressing ageless ideas of love and friendship. 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. Vocals so engaging, every musician at the top of his game. 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.
For a start, the album is well produced and the songs well crafted. 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'. 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. But, the album gets better with every listen and I find it rather infectious. This album is better than good and maybe Elbow are getting the deserved praise that was long overdue.
But truthfully this album is not that good. The album is extremely boring and doesn't have any catchy songs, beats, or lyrics. All the scenester magazines (and you know who you are) are going crazy with this album. 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. Their last two albums will suffice you for now. I liked Elbow's last two albums. 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.
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. I tried listening to it while cooking and at work but I quickly got irritated and just wished that the album would end. True, it takes a few listens to get use to the lead singer's voice. 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. Trust me and not the "so-called" music critics and pass on this album. Hopefully Elbow can improve on their next album - give us something catchy and/or different.
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