Neil's Album Reviews
ALBUM OF THE WEEK
The album I've enjoyed the most in the past week
Bothy Culture by Martyn Bennet
As music seems to becoming more confortable with cross-pollination, this album of Drum'n'Bass meets Celtic music is not as off-kilter as you might expect. Bennet is a very young Scot with a foot planted firmly in both todays dance culture and the traditional music of the British Isles. As a result this album places Celtic reels in the same song as a Chemical Brothers inspired rhythm track. Very intoxicating mix of the strangely familiar. Favourites include the great "4 notes", which actually only has 4 notes. Very recommended.
RATING ****1/2(out of a possible five)
PREVIOUS ALBUMS OF THE WEEK
The Hollies' Greatest Hits by The Hollies
Althought probably not the most well known of the British Invasion bands of the 1960's, the Hollies had a fair number of lasting hits. The best known of their songs include "Bus Stop", "Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress" and "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother". All of these songs are found on this surprisingly complete compilation. However, it is the lesser known hits with provide the true payback from this album. Most notably the harmony laden "Pay You Back With Interest" and the horn-driven "King Midas In Reverse". Songs like these show how the Hollies' songs have influenced 90's bands such as The Boo Radleys and Dodgy. Well recommended listening for any fan of the British Invasion era sound.
RATING ***1/2(out of a possible five)
Like You Do...Best of the Lightning Seeds by The Lightning Seeds
Ian Broudie is one of the most gifted pop songwriters to emerge in the 90's. His Lightning Seeds have gone from being a one-man project to one of the most formidable pop outfits currently recording. This new best of... confirms Broudie's place among the masters of the pop song. However, the pretty pop melodies only serve to sugarcoat the often wistful lyrics they accompany. Nowhere is this better exemplified than in the re-recorded version of "Waiting for Today to Happen" found on this collection. Broudies unique voice serves the song exceptionally especially when he sings about "Waiting here with nothing but disaster". However, not is all gloom with Mr. Broudie as the terminally effervescent "Life of Riley" proves. Also included is one of the great lost singles of the decade "All I Want" which is so good that not even Susanna Hoffs cover manages to dim the brilliance of the original. Fourteen classics, two new songs and one great band. Although all the Lightning Seeds album are worth owning, this compilation is an exceptional introduction to a great band.
RATING ***** (out of a possible five)
Foreplay by
Crowded House
Although Crowded House no longers exist as a band, the Crowded House Fan Club is helping to keep interest in the band alive through a series of live CD's. It is from this series that our CD of the week comes. Anyone who ever saw Crowded House live, knew they were attending more than just a rock concert. It was more like the way a family reunion should be. Lots of friends sitting around listening to their favourite music and talking about what's new or funny in their lives. This CD captures that feeling exquisitely. From the rarely performed b-side "Dr. Livingston" to a new song "Convent Girls" the band are not content to simply play they greatest hits. The closest things to a big hit here is "Weather With You" which features the band joined by Tim Finn. All told, this is one of the best live CD's to be released by the fan club so far. (For information on joining the fan club, see frenz.com.)
RATING **** (out of a possible five)
Weights and Measures by
Spirit of the West
After their last studio album, Two Headed it seemed that SOTW were starting to run out of ideas. Relocating to England to record Weights & Measuers seems to have brought the band out of the doldrums. Starting off the simple but moving "Canadian Skye" and the first single "Soldier's Boy" it is obvious that SOTW have chosen to embrace their ecletic nature on this album. The albums ranges from the Celtic "Canadian Skye" to the very cool "Circus" which kind of reminds me of the great single "...if venice is sinking". The only mis-step is the rather annoying "Waking the Lion" which just meanders. Highly recommended to anyone who has ever bought a SOTW album.
RATING ****1/2 (out of a possible five)
Valentino by Weeping Tile (Warner Music Canada)
Weeping Tile are possibly Canada's most underated band. Featuring the immense
songwriting skills of Sarah Harmer, the band produces slightly punky, roots rock
that stays in your head. Lyrically, the songs raise lots of questions but provide few answers.
Together, with the achingly beautiful vocals from Harmer, Weeping Tile always seems to leave a lump
in my throat. This effect was most noticeable on their debut "Eepee" but Valentino's "Goin' Out" has the
same effect. The albums also has more upbeat material such as the first single "South of Me" and the amazing
"Every Good Story". This is the album that will hopefully get this band some well deserved attention. Oh yeah,
they kick butt live too.
RATING: ****1/2 (out of a possible five)
Be Here Now by Oasis
Oasis are back from last year's troubles and remain in top form. If I was to use one word to describe this album it would be BIG. This album opens with the subtlety of Godzilla in Tokyo.
The lead-off track (and first single) "D'You Know What I Mean?" is a loud stunning slab of rock at it's best. Lyrically it seems to be reflecting Noel Gallagher's reflections of Oasis' mammoth Maine Road concerts last year. Other strong tracks include the not-so-ironic "My Big Mouth" and the stomping "It's Getting Better (Man!!)". The only weak step is the song "The Girl in The Dirty Shirt" which seems to just go nowhere.
Noel Gallagher has been quoted saying that Oasis will change styles with there next album. It's not hard to see why considering that the band have perfected arena rock.
RATING: ****1/2 (out of a possible five)
Dizzy Heights by The Lightning Seeds
For the first time in his four album career as The Lighning Seeds, Ian Broudie chose to record Dizzy Heights with a full band (Chris Sharrock, Martyn Campbell and Simon Rogers).
The resulting album is easily the finest moment in The Seeds career. The album will go a long way to shake off the early comparisons to New Order.
My personal highlites include the touching Waiting For Today To Happen (co-written by Broudie and Manic Street Preacher Nicky Wire) and Sugar Coated Iceberg (co-written with Stephen "Baby Bird" Jones).
The album also features collaborations with ex-Special Terry Hall and a stunning cover of the Byrds "You Showed Me".
Unfortunately, it appears that this album will not be released in North America so a trip to your local import store is recommended. UPDATE: This album has just been released in Canada. You now have no excuse not to own it!
RATING: ***** (out of a possible five)
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