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Post by julesd68 on Jun 30, 2016 11:52:13 GMT
Midlake is a band from Texas who I was introduced to by our very own Tim. Having been listening to mostly classic rock and classical music for a number of years now, this was the first lp that got me interested in new music again. Their music is an interesting fusion of influences such as folk, classic rock and country. I hadn't heard anything quite like it before! They have released four albums to date of which I’m presenting the second album, ‘The Trials of Van Occupanther’ from 2006. It’s really quite a gentle album featuring top quality songwriting by front man Tim Smith. It's also that rarity of an album that you can sit down and enjoy from start to finish! Tim Smith would stay for one more stellar album, ‘The Courage of Others’, which has a much heavier sound with hard rock and progressive influences. Both albums are utterly superb in my book but I chose Occupanther here as it’s good to hear this before moving onto the next album I think to understand the progression of the band. After Tim Smith left they released a hastily written and rather inferior lp called 'Antiphon' in 2013. Tim Smith has locked himself away songwriting but has sadly not got to release anything yet, as he’s quite the perfectionist. I really hope this doesn't stop him bringing us more of his wonderful music. Hope you enjoy it. I loved it on first listening but it’s an album that certainly repays repeated listens. 
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Post by Slinger on Jun 30, 2016 15:49:52 GMT
I remember this as a damn fine album. I shall have to play it again to decide between 8 and 9.
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Post by ChrisB on Jul 2, 2016 12:17:11 GMT
I don't know this album at all - though since Jules got this as a recommendation from Tim & Tim and I have tastes with significant areas over overlap, it would be a good bet to think I might like it.
I'm listening to it and and, yes, I like it a lot.
The vocals remind me of Elliot Smith.
A few more plays before a vote though.
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richb
Rank: Trio
Posts: 123 
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Post by richb on Jul 3, 2016 10:34:32 GMT
8/10 for me. I bought this when it came out and still enjoying tracks from it.
Roscoe, Head Home and Young Bride are the standout moments for me. This album lived in my car for seemingly ages and was the soundtrack to a bad weather trip to the Lake District on my iPod. I'll always associate it with the dramatic scenery, awful weather and general melancholy mood of that trip.
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Post by julesd68 on Jul 3, 2016 14:33:39 GMT
Yes I have a cd that lives in the car! Sadly it only gets played when I have the car to myself as the mrs and boy don't really dig it ...
I also have the vinyl which I truly hope gets remastered in the future as it doesn't do full justice to the quality of the songs; same goes for 'Courage' ...
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Post by Slinger on Jul 4, 2016 14:35:22 GMT
A definite 8. I'd have given it 81/2 if I could have.
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Post by MartinT on Jul 4, 2016 20:52:38 GMT
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Post by Barrington on Jul 5, 2016 8:58:47 GMT
Oh blimey , I gave this away , I just did not get it, like watching grey sheep on grey hills against a grey sky dying. Should I give it another chance  |
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Post by julesd68 on Jul 5, 2016 12:10:57 GMT
Well I would certainly agree it's a bit on the melancholic side!  |
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Post by MartinT on Jul 5, 2016 13:25:00 GMT
This is the second time I've tried with this album (did it come up years ago on AoS?) and I've played it through three times now. It's just not engaging me at all and I can't really explain why. Sorry! 4/10
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Post by Barrington on Jul 5, 2016 18:15:56 GMT
This is the second time I've tried with this album (did it come up years ago on AoS?) and I've played it through three times now. It's just not engaging me at all and I can't really explain why. Sorry! 4/10 I think my explanation of dying grey sheep was better |
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Post by Tim on Jul 5, 2016 23:16:35 GMT
This is the second time I've tried with this album (did it come up years ago on AoS?) and I've played it through three times now. It's just not engaging me at all and I can't really explain why. Sorry! 4/10 I know why Martin, this style of music just isn't your bag and Midlake did come upbon AoS a few years ago, good memory fella  |
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Post by MartinT on Jul 6, 2016 5:21:51 GMT
There's no accounting for taste |
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Post by julesd68 on Jul 7, 2016 12:35:54 GMT
Martin - if you haven't already please have a listen to the next Midlake album - The Courage of Others.
It's a much heavier, harder sound - I'd be surprised if it didn't do anything for you!
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Post by Tim on Jul 7, 2016 15:49:26 GMT
Knowing Martin's taste I doubt he'll like it Jules, but I agree, of the two it should be a better bet. But Martin isn't a huge fan of John Grant's album The Queen of Denmark (the band on that supporting John is Midlake), but he does like Pale Green Ghost's, with his Icelandic band. I like TQoD but not PGG, so the common denominator is Midlake |
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Post by MartinT on Jul 8, 2016 6:14:15 GMT
Hah - good analysis, Tim. I'm a bit disappointed with JG's latest album Grey Tickles, Black Pressure. I simply love Pale Green Ghosts but I don't dislike Queen of Denmark.
Thanks, Jules, I'll have a listen to The Courage of Others.
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Post by julesd68 on Jul 9, 2016 14:04:47 GMT
Been listening to Queen of Denmark and think I'll probably get the vinyl!
I'm with Tim on Green Ghosts though, leaves me very cold indeed. Will see how I get on with the latest album ...
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Post by MikeMusic on Jul 9, 2016 14:41:24 GMT
Listened a while back and have it as a 5
Listening again .......
Still a 5 for me
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Post by Tim on Jul 10, 2016 12:01:18 GMT
I'll vote when I next get to a computer, no poll on Tapatalk
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Post by Tim on Jul 12, 2016 23:30:06 GMT
I'm giving this 8/10, it deserves 8.5, but I can't score that. I really rate Midlake (or did) and have seen them a lot and got the chance to meet Eric Pulido a few times. I liked them a lot until Tim Smith left, which really has had a negative impact on the band - they have stalled without him and he has stalled without Midlake. Hey ho, that's musicians for you. I think Courage is still my favourite album and that would get a 9. Roscoe is superb and I have always liked Bandits and Head Home too. Those first 3 are probably my favourite tracks on the album. Good choice Jules, but Midlake are, from my experience a marmite band for most - I personally don't get that, as this to me is very fine song writing and musicianship, the lyrics are masterful but there's no accounting for taste |
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