Post by yeahyeahtron on Apr 4, 2008 3:20:29 GMT 1
One of the most anticipated albums of the year will be out on the 8th April. Having heard it for around 5 to 10 times, this is what I think about it.
"Century" - Expect the unexpected. I never thought Kate Jackson could sing in such a way as the opening section of this song. The way she sings "Century" is just lovely. That's the first surprise. It seems like The Long Blondes are aiming to scare us as each time you think a chorus is coming the song takes another direction. The synths in the middle of the song are so infront that they sound disturbing. This continues to add with the haunting beauty of this song. "Century" ends as it starts with those sighing vocals. "Century" shows that by deploying a synth The Long Blondes have evolved their sound and it's not only a brave step forward but also the best thing they've done so far. Well Done. 10/10
"Guilt" - After such an adventurous but bold start, you're made to expect everything. Is this going to be an altogether experimental album for them or will they return to their old style? The result is neither. The Long Blondes go disco. Although for them this is new teritory this is definitely not a fresh song for me. The song is good but it's not exciting as the opener. I'm still after them though for trying something different. 7.5/10
"The Couples" - Here's another song that continues on the trend of the album so far. 3 tracks in and 3 tracks that are completely different from each other. The Long Blondes go back to their guitars but this has nothing to do with anything on "Someone To Drive You Home". This song has a strong driving rythm with jangly guitars that will make you nod your head on first listen. As far as title tracks go they're always amongst my favourites on any album and this is no exception. 9.7/10
"I Liked The Boys" - I Liked The Boys sounds like a furious take on a "Someone To Drive You Home" cut. It's all jam-packed action and it might sound confusing at first as the song goes such a long way in less than 2
minutes. On the positive side this is a grower and after repeated listens it reveals itself as a proper song. 8.0/10
"Here Comes The Serious Bit" - A spiky indie pop number that would fit perfectly on their debut. This songs boasts a soaring chorus which makes it a definite stand-out on first listen. Although there is nothing new on this it serves as a catchy, familiar number between the experimentals. 9.0/10
"Hairpin" - This is what I call a slow burner man! "Hairpin" starts slowly with a groovy, infectuous drum beat that drives this song all the way. Kate Jackson sings seductively in a low voice. Over the course of nearly 6 minutes this song builds and builds. There is no chorus here and instead the rythm section of The Long Blondes takes over with the drums being pushed infront of the mix. This becomes irresistible with a couple of listens I'm warning you hehe! 9.7/10
"Too Clever By Half" - By The Long Blondes standards "Too Clever By Half" is a clever ballad. Maybe too clever for them. On a positive note Kate sings nearly as beautifully as on "Century" however there is something that doesn't work here in my opinion. Just like on "Someone To Drive You Home" The Long Blondes feel more at home with the faster paced songs. Don't get me wrong, I still like this song but it could have been done better especially its first minute. 7.5/10
"Erin O'Connor" - Back on track in style! The second track that wouldn't sound out of place on their debut. This is very similar to "Here Comes The Serious Bit" only stronger! Should be the next single even though I think "Guilt" will take it. 9.5/10
"Nostalgia" - Nothing can represent this song better than it's title. A dreamy laid back, nostalgic, reflective number... shall I say haunting as well? This is one of the songs that like "Century" benefits from their new direction. That single synth hook present through out the song here together with a melodic, breezy chorus make this song a standout on first listen. Repeated listenings only make it sound better. A strong album track that I would love to see as a single! 9.7/10
"I'm Going To Hell" - A fitting ending to this album. This is The Long Blondes at their most rocking. Not miles away from anything on their debut, this sounds more urgent though. I'm Going To Hell is almost 6 minutes long. Interestingly enough, the final 2 minutes of this song are one long slow fade out! 8.5/10
A very solid "sophomore album"... Welcome Back Long Blondes! 9.0/10
"Century" - Expect the unexpected. I never thought Kate Jackson could sing in such a way as the opening section of this song. The way she sings "Century" is just lovely. That's the first surprise. It seems like The Long Blondes are aiming to scare us as each time you think a chorus is coming the song takes another direction. The synths in the middle of the song are so infront that they sound disturbing. This continues to add with the haunting beauty of this song. "Century" ends as it starts with those sighing vocals. "Century" shows that by deploying a synth The Long Blondes have evolved their sound and it's not only a brave step forward but also the best thing they've done so far. Well Done. 10/10
"Guilt" - After such an adventurous but bold start, you're made to expect everything. Is this going to be an altogether experimental album for them or will they return to their old style? The result is neither. The Long Blondes go disco. Although for them this is new teritory this is definitely not a fresh song for me. The song is good but it's not exciting as the opener. I'm still after them though for trying something different. 7.5/10
"The Couples" - Here's another song that continues on the trend of the album so far. 3 tracks in and 3 tracks that are completely different from each other. The Long Blondes go back to their guitars but this has nothing to do with anything on "Someone To Drive You Home". This song has a strong driving rythm with jangly guitars that will make you nod your head on first listen. As far as title tracks go they're always amongst my favourites on any album and this is no exception. 9.7/10
"I Liked The Boys" - I Liked The Boys sounds like a furious take on a "Someone To Drive You Home" cut. It's all jam-packed action and it might sound confusing at first as the song goes such a long way in less than 2
minutes. On the positive side this is a grower and after repeated listens it reveals itself as a proper song. 8.0/10
"Here Comes The Serious Bit" - A spiky indie pop number that would fit perfectly on their debut. This songs boasts a soaring chorus which makes it a definite stand-out on first listen. Although there is nothing new on this it serves as a catchy, familiar number between the experimentals. 9.0/10
"Hairpin" - This is what I call a slow burner man! "Hairpin" starts slowly with a groovy, infectuous drum beat that drives this song all the way. Kate Jackson sings seductively in a low voice. Over the course of nearly 6 minutes this song builds and builds. There is no chorus here and instead the rythm section of The Long Blondes takes over with the drums being pushed infront of the mix. This becomes irresistible with a couple of listens I'm warning you hehe! 9.7/10
"Too Clever By Half" - By The Long Blondes standards "Too Clever By Half" is a clever ballad. Maybe too clever for them. On a positive note Kate sings nearly as beautifully as on "Century" however there is something that doesn't work here in my opinion. Just like on "Someone To Drive You Home" The Long Blondes feel more at home with the faster paced songs. Don't get me wrong, I still like this song but it could have been done better especially its first minute. 7.5/10
"Erin O'Connor" - Back on track in style! The second track that wouldn't sound out of place on their debut. This is very similar to "Here Comes The Serious Bit" only stronger! Should be the next single even though I think "Guilt" will take it. 9.5/10
"Nostalgia" - Nothing can represent this song better than it's title. A dreamy laid back, nostalgic, reflective number... shall I say haunting as well? This is one of the songs that like "Century" benefits from their new direction. That single synth hook present through out the song here together with a melodic, breezy chorus make this song a standout on first listen. Repeated listenings only make it sound better. A strong album track that I would love to see as a single! 9.7/10
"I'm Going To Hell" - A fitting ending to this album. This is The Long Blondes at their most rocking. Not miles away from anything on their debut, this sounds more urgent though. I'm Going To Hell is almost 6 minutes long. Interestingly enough, the final 2 minutes of this song are one long slow fade out! 8.5/10
A very solid "sophomore album"... Welcome Back Long Blondes! 9.0/10
It's a very good album... I cant stop playing it... 
