Album Reviews November 2005 Part 2 :: Wessex Scene Online

Album Reviews November 2005 Part 2

25th November 2005

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Nov 05 - Album Reviews November 2005 Part 3
Dec 05 - Album Reviews November 2005 Part 4
Nov 05 - Album Reviews: November 2005, part 1
Dec 05 - Album Reviews: December 2005 Part 1 (The Mars Volta, The Bad Plus, Various Artis
Dec 05 - Top 100 Albums of 2005 (100 to 1)

Stereo MCs: Paradise - Rob Birch and Nick Hallam comprise Stereo MCs, a group who have been around since the 1980’s. They have so far gained two Brit Awards and been short listed for the Mercury Music Prize. They are a group who, until now, seemed to have disappeared from the centre stage of the music scene after the release of their last album in 2001.

‘Paradise’ delivers a few exciting tracks such as ‘Don’t Know’, which is an infectious mix of up-beat electronic riffs and lively vocals. It has been on the commercial radio play lists for months. Moving away from average lyrics obsessed with love and the cruelty of life, this track deals with the trust issues and friendships. The title track, ‘Paradise’, assists the Stereo MCs in their task of constructing a hit album, as they did in 1992 with the release of ‘Connected’. Rob Birch’s droning voice fits nicely with the orchestral undertones and hip-hop beats of the song.

All of this considered, the sad truth about this album is that they may have tried too hard to recapture the ‘Connected’ days. Musically they have moved on very little since that time, instead they continue to rely on old formulas, hoping that they can pull the album towards the chart success they once had. The album overall is enjoyable and it is diverse in the energy and mood that each track carries, but, put simply, it is nothing new. The Stereo MCs need to realise that we have progressed into the 21st century and it is time they caught up with the rest of us. Then maybe they will be able to release an album which will prove to be a ‘must have’ rather than an ‘if I must’.
Charlotte Ward

Vashti Bunyan: Lookaftering - In 1970 Vashti Bunyan, a young English folk singer-songwriter released her debut album, the stunning ‘Just Another Diamond Day’, which despite it’s amazing beauty, faded into obscurity, as did Bunyan herself. 35 years later, due to Vashti ‘googling’ her own name and discovering the cult reputation of her first album, she has returned to music by releasing this, her second album.

It is great to hear that this follow up is not just a cheap excuse to cash-in on her reputation. Vashti’s pure and ethereal vocals and guitar, along with unobtrusive guest appearances from Banhart, Joanna Newsom and Nick Drake producer Robert Kirby, make ‘Lookaftering’ a thing of rare splendour. Somehow not a hint of false intent or self-consciousness manage to infect the atmosphere Bunyan creates, and the organic nature of the recording creates a timeless quality to it that makes it stand out from everything else you might hear this year, despite the huge influence she has had on the new psychedelic folkies.

This album feels like it is an undiscovered relic from the 70s that has somehow travelled here in a time capsule. Anyone with any sense of nostalgia for the records of that period would surely be in heaven listening to it. Although the album is only 35 minutes long, this creates a spare and temporary feel that makes repeated listens a must. Vashti never gives us a chance to be bored, and if we know her history then each moment is cherished as another gem from a rare mine that hasn’t yet been fully explored. One can only hope that there won’t be as long a wait for her next recording.
Jamie Summers

Animal Collective: Feels - I had been semi-impressed by the previous Animal Collective album, ‘Sung Tongs’, but felt that it lacked a little cohesion and was too self indulgent, length-wise. This time however, they seem to have got it completely right. Animal Collective play a trance influenced progressive folk-rock that shifts and contorts by the second into ever more confusing and yet instantly endearing forms. The reason it works is because there’s nothing quite like an album where you have no idea what’s coming next. Especially one where each new direction doesn’t disappoint.

The best comparisons that could be made would possibly be to the early Flaming Lips, as they share a joyous sense of experimentation and positivism that is instantly attracting. On the lyrical side the sheer enjoyment of listening to ‘Feels’ overtakes any of the usual demands for catchy songs, normal lyrics or whatever else most bands think they need.

The song ‘Grass’ is a great example of Animal Collective’s innovative style, sounding like all the best bits of Captain Beefheart, The Who and Syd Barrett, tied together with a chorus made up of screams that sounds like the record is skipping. Somehow it is completely listenable. Unlike their previous album, which suffered from too many slow and lacking songs in the latter half, this time the slower songs are amongst the highlights, displaying how the band have learnt from past mistakes.

‘Feels’ is at once frightening and yet childlike, innovative and yet catchy. It is highly original and yet clearly enthused with a love for the history of music. It’s not a record for everyone, in fact I’d recommend you had a listen before buying. Fans of Frank Zappa or Mr Bungle should really rejoice, as on the evidence of ‘Feels’, Animal Collective should be your new favourite band.
Jamie Summers