So, now that p4k makes me feel all validated for loving this album, what do you guys have to say about it?
So far this year, it's topping my list, beating out a lot of other excellent albums (MPP, Hazards of Love, etc).
Favorite songs would have to be "Siren's Song," "Pearl's Dream," "Daniel," and "Glass."
The thing that drew me in the most was definitely her voice, but the lyrics have started to unfold and reveal some interesting points to reflect upon the contradictory duality of existence, the necessity for a balance between chaos and order. Very cool stuff here.
I like the album, but so far I've found it to be a little front-heavy. I haven't listened to it enough to be too judgemental, but I can't really remember anything about the songs after Pearl's Dream.
____________________ I'm still swinging on the cross of St. You
Posts: 228 | Location: London, ON | Registered: 03 October 2008
Since I'm gonna be reviewing this album myself, I'm not gonna take P4K's review into too heavy of consideration. However, I will say that I'm very excited to listen to this one. I listened to Fur & Gold the other day, and was exceedingly impressed by what I heard. It's great to see such a talented artist get such a good rating from such an esteemed publication. Of course, I still have to listen for myself to make a final judgment.
Image doesn't matter if the music sounds like crap.
I like the album, but so far I've found it to be a little front-heavy. I haven't listened to it enough to be too judgemental, but I can't really remember anything about the songs after Pearl's Dream.
While "Traveling Woman" might be the weakest song on the album, the excellent duet with Scott Walker, "The Big Sleep," practically makes up for it. It's a fitting closer for the album, tying death to sleep on an album that seems to work in a very dream-like world with lots of dreamy imagery.
And, "Two Planets" is pretty great as well, I think.
I will admit that the songs on this album took a while to reveal themselves to me, but now I've fallen under her spell.
I was not expecting to be interested in this album at all, but I'm glad I gave it a try. It is brilliant.
If you don't like the second half as much, I'd suggest listening to it a few more times. I'm starting to really enjoy nearly every song. I agree that "Traveling Woman" is the weakest, even after many listens, but there are things to like about some of the slower songs.
This album is currently #2 (to Animal Collective), and "Glass" is definitely going to be one of the best songs of the year. Maybe "Daniel" too...
Those four are the stand outs, crob. I like it, but it seems about equal to Fur and Gold to me, which also had about four really good tracks and a bunch of so-so ones. I guess I liked that one a little more and this one a little less than the 'Fork. Still a good album. But not as good as the new Thermals. Off to watch Yeah Yeah Yeahs on SNL.
Maybe I'm just sentimental, but "Good Love" definitely has to be one of my faves on the album. It's hand-clappy beat reminds me a bit of a leaky sink (don't ask me why).
While I'd replace "Pearl's Dream" with it, the other 3 mentioned songs are definitely the stand-outs. That being said, I think this album's more even than it's being given credit for-- definitely one of the year's best! (so far)