Let me begin by saying that I absolutely love Seldom Seen Kid and Leadersof the Free World. They are works of musical genius that free the mind and soul when listening to them (not always good when driving!). This album however (Build a Rocket) lacks the apparent ease of the previous 2 mentioned and is, dare I say it, contrived - as if Elbow were making an effort to out-Elbow Elbow. Whilst the others leave me pondering the expanse other dimensions, this album left me decidedly earthbound and reaching for my old Genesis as antidote.
On the basis of other feedback left, I have just purchased Cast of Thousands, so I am not abandoning the Elbow ship! Maybe don't try quite so hard next time boys, just do what you do best.
good cd, great music but you should see them live: even better! they bring along their violinists, cellist (who is also a great vocalist!) and produce a tremendous livesound.
beside the music, the lead singer has a great charisma and a nice way to communicate with the audience.
good cd, great music but you should see them live: even better! they bring along their violinists, cellist (who is also a great vocalist!) and produce a tremendous livesound.
beside the music, the lead singer has a great charisma and a nice way to communicate with the audience.
This album features just about the best lyricist around right now. Garvey is a brilliant writer and is in the best band to showcase what he can do with a lyric. Saw them live in March and they could hardly have been better- NIA seemed like a small club . Now THAT is a good band.
The new songs on BARB are growers , as many have already said, this album is worth the effort to get to know.
Whilst this is a very good, it's sadly not up to the very high standards off the last two Elbow albums. Seldom Seen Kid was always going to be a hard act to follow, as was my personal favorite Leaders of the Free World beforehand. Elbow continue to be the finest band in the land but the songs feel slightly lacking somehow in this latest installment. It has a blend of high production tracks such as Birds and Neat Little Rows and then more melancholy ballads such has Jesus was a Rochdale Girl and The River, but somehow it just fails to deliver in the same way as before. Still very good, but not great!
Early Birthday present from my daughter to see Elbow live in Newcastle last week. Mixture of songs from Seldom Seen Kid and Build a Rocket Boys. Superb preformance. Best live preformance ever. Thought this album might have to grow on me but love it already. Crowds age, at gig, varied from mid-teens to one couple I saw were at least 70 yrs old.
Although not as commercial as Seldom Seen Kid, this is the album Elbow fans wanted.
Superb tunes, musically brilliant and lyrically immense.
Not a duff track on the album with Lippy Kids and Neat Little Rows standout tracks and sure to be part of the live set when they do their 1st arena tour this month.
I'll be at the CIA singing along with the rest of them.
Brilliant album and highly recommended
Elbow c.d`s are growers. Seldom Seen Kid took a while and will so this one - but as `m listening to B.A.R.B now for about the 5th time, I can hear their amazingly beautiful, exhurberant songs - with lyrics from one of the best writers around Guy Garvey.Embrace Elbow , they are such a treasure., we are lucky to have them. A bunch of musicians who work hard , and make wonderful music, and The Night will always win - is one of the most beautiful songs of the year . Gorgeous stuff. Well done lads and thankyou.
Though it lacks that something the The Seldom Seen Kid has this is still a quality album. Highlights for me are The Birds, High Ideals and With Love.
There is something amazinlgly relaxing about this album and the sounds of Guys voice soothes the mind. Had it on a few times now and I just close my eyes and enjoy.