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I'm always impressed with the note-play in "The Bones of You," which toys with minor/major tonalities and often employs zig-zagging melodies ("But image on image like beads on a rosary, pulled through my head as the music takes hold"). It seems every beat, every syllable, and every phrase is calculated and prescribed just the right instrumentation and fill. Elbow fill space with such perfection. because of its enjoyable nature. Instead, they plan the peak of their songs for maximum effect (as is evident from the lengthy tracks, which are atypical of many bands who have nothing left after three and a half minutes). None seem to be produced by the same band, yet each have a distinct sound.I certainly recommend The Seldom Seen Kid for its knowledgeable musicianship, its thoughtfulness in creation, and (duh).
"Some Riot" is characterized with a scraping, synthesized bass sound that nearly shaves your scruff off when wearing headphones that then retreats to an eerie rumbling. If any instrument repeatedly fills space, it will nearly always take on a different sound every time. "Mirrorball," which is possibly the "best" track of the album, denies a cramming instrumentation and instead relies on acoustic space, snare rimshots, and a simple piano/guitar harmony to create such a beautiful melancholy. "The Fix," on the other hand, employs several voices, harmonies, and instruments to create a menacing, frolicking feel when the song closes out.2). There are many qualities of The Seldom Seen Kid that must be appreciated.1). Musical knowledge. Elbow refrain from a company front attack from the get-go.
They often add instrumentation throughout the song to do this so as not to throw it all out there from the start. There's also an evident understanding of modes. Fans of Coldplay will be surprised to find a singer reminiscent of Chris Martin. Not every gap is filled with predictable guitar strums, hums, or piano doodling. Elbow are obviously rich in influence as well.
Vocals are quality. but with a technically better voice: a well-placed and relaxed tone; no weak falsetto to change between ranges (typical of Coldplay), impeccable intonation, not to mention an impressive upper range in full voice (as in the chorus of "One Day Like This").3). Take the tracks "Grounds for Divorce, "Weather to Fly," and "The Fix," for example. What a great find.
Robert Wyatt meets Radiohead On The Beach, most likely the Isle Of Man ( in the British Triangle with The Singing Detectives, dig. ), and chase sheep into a soccer field full of poppies brought directly from Afghan soil by the British Army. That is what The Seldom Seen Kid sounds like after a tour of the Middle East. Good ridance lads.
To follow what alot of reviewers have written, they are a under rated band. You can utube them and listen to one day like this with the BBC orchestra pure magic. Great album.
I decided to take a chance on the rest of the music; I have not been disappointed. I found this group and their music. One of PBS World's promos features a piece of one of these songs from the CD. I have found that some of the vocalizations is reminiscent of Sting, and recommend this CD to any who like this sort of music. Check it out.
Kudos to keyboardist/producer Craig Potter who has crafted a number of very natural and beautiful sounds, particularly from the keyboards and strings. And they seem to get better each time, even after about 20 listenings.
I've had it for a month and I can't stop playing it (very atypical for me). There are so many things to like.
The Seldom Seen Kid is my first Elbow record, but it won't be the last. Six of the songs would get my highest rating, and all of them are interesting.
The songwriting is vastly original, both musically and lyrically. No two songs sound the same or like anything else.
The players are all excellent and I just love the understated delivery Garvey gives vocally. Finally, The Loneliness of a Tower Crane Driver is the most epic 5:15 song I've ever heard.Enjoy.
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