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  1. sorry for being extremely late..been a rough week..Sergio I'll have my review up by no later than tomorrow.
  2. I had a hard time coming up with a title for this, so I’ll just leave it at what I think it should be

    DAMNIT SERGIO NOW I GOTTA GO BUY THIS THING. AND BY THING I MEAN FRANK TURNERS BEAUTIFUL VOICE IN CD/MP3 FORM.

    Eulogy – at first this seems all solumn and EXPLODES INTO SONIC EUPHORIA as it’s meant to be. Took me by surprise and it was a pleasant one
    Peggy Sang the Blues – I really enjoyed this one. As per usual, I like to comment on the sound of the album overall by the second song, which to me really sets the sonic tone for the album. And it’s fantastic. I can’t praise it enough.
    I Still Believe – easily one of the catchiest tunes to come off this record. It’s stuck in my head still.
    Rivers – extremely powerful lyrically…left me speechless in a good way
    I Am Disappeared – Liked this one a lot
    English Curse – I loved that Frank’s voice on its own could carry this song and by golly its absolutely fantastic
    One Foot Before the Other – probably the heaviest song on the album, but finds its way to fit into the album
    If Ever I Stay – This was a really fun song to listen to. It could be the horns in the background, it could be the beat, it could be Frank Turner’s great voice or the fantastic lyrics…all I know is it left a smile on my face.
    Wessex Boy – You can tell just how much fun Frank & co. must’ve had making this record, at least based off every song and this one in particular. It just jumps off the vinyl that way, if we were to go that far!
    Nights Become Days – powerful ballad, not exactly my favorite on the album, but it’s still a fantastic song.
    Redemption – ah, the Springsteen mention! Very cool number here.
    Glory Hallelujah – I love the whole “there is no God” juxtaposition to the song title, as well as this being a fantastic album ender, song, and one of my favorites off the album.

    Overall, I’ve been introduced to something I’ve definitely missed on my musical discovery journey in life. Sonically it goes up and beyond what you’d expect after hearing the first song. Lyrically, there aren’t any fillers, which is what I love in an album. Hell, some of the songs are quite clever and I have to give a nod to Frank for what its worth. Favorites are definitely 1. I Still Believe 2. Glory Hallelujah 3. If Ever I Stay, which If Ever I Stay being my absolute favorite. I didn’t find anything really negative with the album, because even the song I didn’t find to be my favorite – is still really good. Great pick Sergio
  3. I really liked this album. It has a nice rawness to it. I guess it's main themes are home and mortality. It deals with home in a good way. To me I feel his home, England, is that kind of home that you really love, sometimes without really knowing why. I think that's something most people can relate to, since there isn't really a perfect place on this Earth. Still, it's where you want to end up when it's all said and done.

    I also always enjoy an anti-religious track like 'Glory Hallelujah'. I should start a list of those songs.
  4. interesting choice (I mean Olofs choice)
  5. From the #listening thread:
    Originally posted by LikeASong:Modest Mouse - Spitting Venom

    I don't remember who chose Modest Mouse's We Were Dead... album for the Album of The Week thingy but damn, this was one hell of a discovery. Thanks again to whoever it was!


    Just checked the 2014 round and now I see it was Tim... Damn, this was a fantastic album. Love the nautical theme and I've grown to appreciate the raw vocals by the singer a lot more.
  6. Originally posted by iTim:[..]Anyway, here's my summary after four full listens. The first thing that struck me was his voice and the energy of the album. I was expecting something...calmer, I guess.
    (...)
    Overall. Not quite what I was expecting, but an enjoayble listen nevertheless. It did grow on me as I gave it time. Some truly excellent songs in "I Am Disappeared" and "Redemption" though which will help to keep bringing me back to this album.


    Shame on you not getting Rivers. Poor people who grew up in old grey cities with no rivers and cows around their homes... Just kidding, I get what you mean, but I love the song. Oh well. Thanks for the most extensive and comprehensive review of the album! You've actually made me realize some things about some of the songs (for example, I guessed Nights Become Days was a dark song and the cocaine reference was there, but never could put my finger on it). It's also good to know -in a sense- that the album wasn't what you were expecting, being surprised is an important part of what this thread is about in my opinion.


    Originally posted by Alvin:Frank Turner - England Keep My Bones

    At first I must say I'm not fan of folk singer-songwriters, campfire music or yelling pub rock, and this album is much about it. And usually singer-songwriters have at least great lyrics, but even lyrics on this album didn't touch my heart.
    But there are exceptions (musical or lyrical): Eulogy is nice intro, One Foot Before Other is powerful song and Redemption is nice song with great second half. Also English Curse is nice - telling dark story from history of England - like some traditional.
    I will definitely listen to those two songs, but not the rest of the album (sorry Sergio )
    No problem - whatever you love won't be another's cup of tea - that's life I agree with you and Tim, Redemption is an incredible song, but it became tough to listen to for me a while ago, I haven't listened to it in ages. I'm actually glad he didn't play last year when he was around here, it could have ruined the excellent show to me...


    Originally posted by NeonTiger64:The first thing that gets my attention is his voice on the first few tracks. I don't really like it. I'm not a fan of the yelling a song (something only Bono's able to pull off for me ) it's too harsh for me so I was happy to hear in the later half there were a few calmer songs. Luckily he has a English voice, being American I always like hearing those accents from Europe. The instruments are very English too, I don't mind that but it's not something I'd have listened to outside of a suggestion.
    I'm not a fan of screaming lyrics either, but Frank has a distinctive way to do it, similar to Bruce Springsteen, and I can live with it easily. But I agree, I also prefer his mellow voice when he sings a little calmer. I love his accent as well, but that's not very special as I love most south England accents haha.


    Originally posted by Mr_Trek:I really liked this album. It has a nice rawness to it. I guess it's main themes are home and mortality. It deals with home in a good way. To me I feel his home, England, is that kind of home that you really love, sometimes without really knowing why. I think that's something most people can relate to, since there isn't really a perfect place on this Earth. Still, it's where you want to end up when it's all said and done.

    I also always enjoy an anti-religious track like 'Glory Hallelujah'. I should start a list of those songs.
    Yeah, I love the irony behind Glory Hallelujah. And spot on, these are the obvious themes on the album

    But I disagree on your view about the land. There IS a perfect place on this Eart and it's actually close to England Take a look, you might like it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ireland


    Originally posted by stj0691: DAMNIT SERGIO NOW I GOTTA GO BUY THIS THING. AND BY THING I MEAN FRANK TURNERS BEAUTIFUL VOICE IN CD/MP3 FORM.
    (...)
    Overall, I’ve been introduced to something I’ve definitely missed on my musical discovery journey in life. Sonically it goes up and beyond what you’d expect after hearing the first song. Lyrically, there aren’t any fillers, which is what I love in an album. Hell, some of the songs are quite clever and I have to give a nod to Frank for what its worth. Favorites are definitely 1. I Still Believe 2. Glory Hallelujah 3. If Ever I Stay, which If Ever I Stay being my absolute favorite. I didn’t find anything really negative with the album, because even the song I didn’t find to be my favorite – is still really good. Great pick Sergio
    Well, I didn't expect this much but I'm SO GLAD it happened. Thanks for appreciating and loving the album, Stephen. Frank is virtually always on tour (he's played over 1600 shows already) so there are good chances you can attend one of his awesome shows soon. Keep your eyes peeled http://frank-turner.com/live-gigs/
  7. Frank Turner - England Keep My Bones

    Let me start reviewing my own choice by saying that I love this guy and mostly everything he does, so this is a clearly biased review.


    Eulogy is a nice intro to the album, and I somehow consider it to be a sequel to my personal favourite song by him, Photosynthesis. I haven't always been a perfect person, and I haven't done what mom and dad had dream; but on the day I die I'll say: "at least I fucking tried". Hell yeah.
    Peggy Sang The Blues is a reiteration of this same theme; it doesn't matter where you come from, it matters where you go and what you do for a living. You've been blessed with the gift of life, so make the most of it, y'know!
    I Still Believe is one of Frank's most famous songs, it's catchy and well constructed, but the album version doesn't do it justice with the cheesy piano and the slight over production. This song comes truly alive when played live in front of an audience, with Frank's live more raw arrangement. Now who'd have thought that after all, something as simple as rock 'n' roll would save us all? Something so simple, something so small... Ah. Long live music.
    As I told Tim in my previous post, I love how Rivers pays a humble tribute to the rivers and their way to shape human culture and geographical expansion. It's blatantly obvious from an anthropological point of view, but you might have not thought of it: most human settlements have been built around rivers since we didn't even know how to speak or light a fire. Lovely tribute, this is.
    I Am Disappeared is an ode to nomad life; I've never been too huge on it, but I reckon it's a well written and played song - and it's grown on me a little more lately. It's also special to every Turner fan, since he named his band (The Sleeping Souls) after this verse: We are electric pulses in the pathways of the sleeping soul of the country. Actually, it's the electronic break before the final verses what puts me off - I would love the song otherwise.
    English Curse is nothing but a caprice, a dark old story told in the most low-key possible just to serve as a contrast to the heaviest song in the album, which is...
    One Foot Before The Other. This song has always been the darkest in the album for me. I find it quite eerie to write about your own death and the path of your mortal remains, but it's surely a great song.
    If I Ever Stray was one of the first songs (or even the first) I knew from this album, I've always had a soft spot for it. It doesn't sit very well besides the previous track, I always change the order when listening to the album. The song itself has one of the catchiest chorus in the album, I love singing it to the top of my lungs and feel the explosion after the 1, 2, 3, 4!!
    Wessex Boy... What a beautiful tribute to the beautiful land where he was born and raised. I wasn't raised in Wessex but I sure can identify myself with the lyrics, with that feeling of lovely nostalgia you feel when coming back the places where you grew up, where you found your strongest friends or even your first love...
    I think Nights Become Days is a very personal story, probably about some friend of him that got into real life trouble (or even passed away) because of drug abuse. Maybe I had never properly listened to the song until I read Tim's review, but it's now struck me real hard... What a sad, sad song.
    Redemption is a powerful and sad song. It starts out quiet and then evolves and turns into a fierce cry for the lost better half... From what I can remember. Because I can't listen to this song since some time ago. Something to do with redemption and blame, y'know. I listen to music that I enjoy listening, not to music that makes me feel guilty or makes me want to turn my clocks back too long ago. Enough with this---
    Glory Hallelujah is a brilliant closer and a true statement of Frank's principles. Swap your confirmation for your dancing shoes, no spilling blood for those who have never spread a drop of blood. And I know you're scared of dying, and I am too, but just pretending it's not happening isn't gonna see us through. So just accept that there's an end game and we haven't got much time!. I have always equally admired and despised those who believe there's a life after this one. They're equally lucky and blind to me. Sorry if any of you are a true believer lol

    Song For Eva Mae [bonus track] is a nice acoustic song tha Frank wrote for his recently born goddaughter. Nothing special, I could do without it but I guess it's special for him, so I'm fine with it.
    Wanderlust [bonus track] is nicer, it has a distinctive feeling to it. It tells the lifestory of the artist that wanders around, not staying for too long anywhere, and that sometimes makes him leave his beloved ones behind. I guess we all have felt the distance calling us on sometimes, huh? I feel it quite often, and I'm tempted to pick up my guitars, a handful of clothes and just go... But no, not yet. The time will come!
    Balthazar, Impresario [bonus track] is an ode to the life on top of the stage, whether it's a theatre or a musical stage. It's my least favourite and I'd prefer the album if it ended with Wanderlust's last sentence actually


    Summary
    I'm obviously biased as I said earlier, but I really feel Frank Turner is one of the greatest songwriters of his generation. He's able to write the most delicate, fingerpicking guitar song, and the minute later do his punk-folk stuff, or sing a whole song a capella or turn his radio hits into instrumental breaks for other unknown songs. He's a beast. I feel like this album is bigger than the sum of its parts. It's hard for me to choose a clear favourite, and that only happens with this kind of albums.
    If someone's interested in more of his catalogue, I'd recommend his 2008 album Love Ire And Song, which is objectively his best album I think, although not as varied as the one I chose - hence the choice His latest album, Tape Deck Heart (2013), is superb as well, although it contains less of the mellow stuff (if you don't get the deluxe version) and more of the heavier and/or radio-friendly stuff. It probably would have gone better over here than England... but I chose its predecessor simply because I like it more

    Top songs:
    1 - Redemption
    2 - Wessex Boy
    3 - Rivers
    (or not. As I said before, it's really tough to pick a favorite)


    Thanks all for your opinions


    And now head on to a new great album, thanks Olof for your curve ball
  8. Good to finally read your thoughts Sergio It's always good to get a different perspective on an album, particularly when the other person is as passionate as you are about it.

    Anyone listened to Olof's selection yet? I've listened to it, but haven't had chance to sit down properly with it yet. Off the top of my head, "Moonstruck" and "Mean Love" left an impression. I'll see if I can set aside some time for it later on.
  9. I think one of my favorites are 'New Name'. I really like the music in that one. It sounds like it's going somewhere.
  10. I'm ready to review, I'll post something up later. Hopefully that will spark some discussion
  11. I like first half of the album. Second half is a little boring to me.
  12. Originally posted by Mr_Trek:So, I hope this is a bit of a curveball. This isn't the kind of music I usually listen to, but here we go:

    [image]

    Mean Love by Sinkane. The album is from last year, but I hope not that many of you have listened to it. At least it's never been discussed on U2start. I have listened to it some, but it'll be interesting for me as well to dive a bit deeper into it.

    Wikipedia gives this description of Sinkane:
    Sinkane (born Ahmed Gallab[1] in London, "England) is a musician who blends krautrock, free jazz and funk rock with Sudanese pop."

    I think it's a pretty interesting mix.



    Sinkane - Mean Love

    I obviously didn't know a thing about this guy or this music, so it will be all fresh ears and fresh mind. Review on the fly, first listen, as I doubt I will have the time to do any more full listens to this or any other album in the near future. It's also 6:15 in the morning and I haven't slept a single minute since Wednesday night, so hey

    How We Be - hmmm. Interesting start. Synth pop blended with afro funk... Vocals start shabby but get better later on. Nice harmonies from 02:00 on! It didn't really go anywhere but it was fine this way I think. Good intro to the album.
    New Name - horns! I was already thining this kind of music needed to be expanded by a section of horns - and there they are! This is a far more accesible and catchy song than the previous one. I'm sure this was a single and got some airplay when this album was out, it even rings a small bell somewhere in my head. Was this used for a commercial or something? Great little song.
    Yacha - definitely don't like his falsetto too much (Bee Gees raised in Africa?), but instrumentally this is another great song. It could be on the soundtrack for a GTA videogame (or for a movie) - and that's saying a lot for me haha.
    Young Trouble - nice but somewhat of a filler. Nothing stands out from this one to me.
    Moonstruck - huh, huh, this sounds far more interesting. I hear some bossa nova in here, which is always great, and some psychedelic jazz as well. I even like the falsetto in this one.
    Mean Love - whopss, there we go with the African Bee Gees falsetto again. I appreciate this song's potential although the falsetto puts me a little off. On the other hand, the vocal melody, the drum pattern and the song structure strongly ressembles a swing standard/oldies ballad, something along the lines of Frank Sinatra, but with Hawaiian and African influences. Surprising and funny to listen to. It might be the one that epitomises the album the most (that's probably why it's named after it haha).
    Hold Tight - this sounds like something Price himself could have recorded - I guess that's a big compliment towards Sinkane lol. This song needed a funky guitar solo to properly lift off, it's a shame it never happened. It sadly didn't go anywhere in the end.
    Galley Boys - more Hawaii influences, lovely! I can picture myself playing this on acoustic guitar under a coconut palm with a cold, strongly alcoholic beverage and the sound of the waves as the background... Can't you?
    Son - one of the few lyrics that stand out. Ah, the son that worries about his parents liking him! Eternal topic that gets a nice treatment here, with the added feature of being away from the land that saw him born. I don't even mind the falsetto, this was a very nice song overall.
    Omdurman - psychedelic alert!! I was expecting something calmer to close the album, something along the 2 previous songs. This is coming as a true surprise. Interesting tropical arrangements for an otherwise standard pop track. The ending with the choir was nice, definitely a good way to finish the album.


    Summary
    I didn't know what to expect because I had zero preconceptions, so it's all been a surprise. I don't like that he uses his falsetto so much, it became annoying from the minute 0 to me. I dealt with it in some songs better than others, but overall it was unpleasant and actually distracted me from getting many of the lyrics (I wasn't reading them at the same time, something I use and like to do). Musically it's a very strong album with a fucking ton of different influences, so many I can't even start listing them: R&B, synth pop, funk, acid jazz, bossa nova, reggae, swing, tribal, blues... That is an amazing thing in itself. I will listen to it again whenever I have the time and maybe revisit this succint review

    Top songs
    New Name
    Moonstruck
    Galley Boys
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