|
|
Post by MartinT on Jun 13, 2021 18:17:53 GMT
Low - I Could Live in HopeAlthough MikeMusic has already nominated the Low - Christmas album in a previous Album Choice, I'm going for their debut album, I Could Live in Hope. All the elements of their low-key hot burning songs are already in place with Mimi Parker's excellent vocals and percussion and husband Alan Sparhawk on minimalist guitar. There really is no other band quite like them. The songs all have memorable hooks and get under your skin with successive plays. There is a sound-world genuinely all their own here. This debut recording is a bit rudimentary and you can hear plenty more than perhaps was intended, but it's honest and never interferes with the inventive songs. Not a dud in sight, the entire album is a listening pleasure. If you're only going to skim or listen to one song, make it Lullaby. Stunning.  open.qobuz.com/track/828482
|
|
|
|
Post by MikeMusic on Jun 13, 2021 18:53:13 GMT
Superb
Probably their best album
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Jun 13, 2021 19:13:17 GMT
I agree, Mike, I think it's their best. Certainly the one I play the most.
|
|
|
|
Post by ChrisB on Jun 14, 2021 8:29:11 GMT
I don't know this at all. I shall give it a whizz this very day!
|
|
|
|
Post by Barrington on Jun 14, 2021 14:11:26 GMT
I quite like this and Lullaby is indeed a great track offset by the last track Sunshine which is dreadful .
|
|
|
|
Post by Slinger on Jun 14, 2021 15:27:58 GMT
Spotify album link
|
|
|
|
Post by rfan8312 on Jun 15, 2021 1:51:12 GMT
Lullaby is mesmerizing indeed.
|
|
|
|
Post by nick193 on Jun 15, 2021 6:37:33 GMT
I can't wait to give them a listen. This is going to be my soundtrack whilst I work today.
|
|
|
|
Post by nick193 on Jun 16, 2021 8:50:43 GMT
I can't wait to give them a listen. This is going to be my soundtrack whilst I work today. Gave it a full listen. I know you didn't ask, but here are my thoughts: - The guitar tone in "Fear" is great. It has a touch of phase or chorus that gives it a great swirling effect.
- "Words" initially felt like an odd track to start the album on first listening because I was waiting for the track to "kick in" (like it does in "Lullaby") if that makes sense? It made a lot more sense as the album progressed though.
- Loved the ethereal vocals in "Cut" it worked well with the diminished guitar parts.
- "Slide" was a daydream of a track.
- The dual vocal harmonies in "Sunshine" were beautiful.
Enjoyed the suggestion. Thanks!
|
|
|
|
Post by ChrisB on Jun 16, 2021 9:07:51 GMT
Au contraire! Thoughts are most certainly sought in Album Choice threads. We are about half way through the current rota of hosts for AC - would you like to be added to the end of the list, so you can offer an album of your own choice? That would put your slot in the middle of Sept, nick193Here's the List |
|
|
|
Post by ChrisB on Jun 16, 2021 9:16:48 GMT
Also, if you like classical music, the lad julesd68 would be glad to fit you in almost anytime at all! |
|
|
|
Post by nick193 on Jun 16, 2021 9:27:49 GMT
I would love to be added for mid September. Thanks!
Unfortunately, my knowledge and appreciation of classical music is a bit limited to be honest. I don't think I would have too much to add to that one at the minute.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Jun 16, 2021 10:04:25 GMT
Gave it a full listen. I know you didn't ask, but here are my thoughts Great - thanks. Also feel free to vote your score at the top. |
|
|
|
Post by ChrisB on Jun 16, 2021 12:27:16 GMT
I would love to be added for mid September. Thanks! Unfortunately, my knowledge and appreciation of classical music is a bit limited to be honest. I don't think I would have too much to add to that one at the minute. Great! I have added you to the list. |
|
|
|
Post by ajski2fly on Jun 18, 2021 11:41:20 GMT
Some great stuff here, an exercise in musical sparseness producing evocative aural landscapes, sorry I am being rather romantic.
it struck me in some parts like I was listening to Joy Division on downers, if there is such a thing, or very much slowed down. I rather liked the album, and Fear really hit the mark for me, as didnRope, I found Sunshine quite creepy, perhaps that was the intention.
so it’s 4/5 from me.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Jun 18, 2021 19:34:13 GMT
That's remarkably apt, I like it! |
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Jun 18, 2021 19:56:28 GMT
Playing the album again tonight, for the first time since my system has settled on its final configuration, I am struck by just how much reverb is used to great effect on tracks like Lullaby. The percussion is also played in a superb acoustic, giving it room to breath. It is a very transparent recording despite what sounds like Mimi's microphone being overloaded at times and the odd tape edit.
|
|
|
|
Post by ajski2fly on Jun 18, 2021 21:14:31 GMT
Playing the album again tonight, for the first time since my system has settled on its final configuration, I am struck by just how much reverb is used to great effect on tracks like Lullaby. The percussion is also played in a superb acoustic, giving it room to breath. It is a very transparent recording despite what sounds like Mimi's microphone being overloaded at times and the odd tape edit. Odd tape edit, you’ve either got better ears and than me or a better system 😂 |
|
|
|
Post by Barrington on Jul 6, 2021 10:41:55 GMT
5/5 Even Sunshine is growing on me .
|
|
|
|
Post by Slinger on Jul 6, 2021 16:41:13 GMT
I forgot all about this one. In the words of The Book - Mostly Harmless. I forgot it was playing too, towards the end, and it was only the mental kick in the pants of "Sunshine," that woke me up, so to speak. I've heard that song performed at folk clubs, so why not an indie rock/post rock version?  3/ 5 |
|
3/5