Chosen By: Ben
Comments -
Stu: What a record!! I LOVE THIS SO VERY MUCH!! I do own a copy on vinyl! 3 talented guys on instruments and a glorious young lady with a wonderful voice when both singing or spoken word!! Very cleverly written and performed. They did win a MERCURY PRIZE, now waiting for the follow up! I think my favourite track is BROKEN BISCUITS!! Too many great tracks to choose from!!! Still trying to work out the cover image?
Dean: The lyrics hold the musicians to account.
I remember when Ben would pick me up from Blunsdon and take me to Highworth or occasionally Lechlade and he'd play inspiring music on the way. Velvet Underground or Pavement? and naturally The Smiths. These are memories full of fresh air and mg midget nostalgia.
And I think of these experiences when I listen to Ben's choices. I have a great respect for a knowledge that inspired my own quest and am always intrigued where his interests are heading.
This album is among those I've downloaded. It is there but given little attention. Good to be given the space to listen without prejudice.
It's a beautiful album, inspired by lyrics and sympathetic musicians who trust in the poetry.
I'm a believer in words that inspire thought and I'm a believer in lyrics that inspire change. Thanks Ben x 🌟
Ben: I appreciated the interesting directions the songs went in and the crescendoes reached - not too many verse, break, chorus and repeats here. This is a habit of my faves Steely Dan. However, even though I’ve listened several times I struggle to identify many catchy melodies - this is a bit of a disappointment. I couldnt catch too many of the lyrics or work out what the songs were about but the tone felt a bit over whingey. So, overall I appreciated the workmanship but struggled to warm to the record.
This review may have been affected by my current condition - I think I may have covid and my body is aching like crazy and I have all the energy of a new born baby bird.
Paul: This is a review in two halves. For the first seven tracks I'd say there's a lot of it about. And English Teacher do it well, I'll give them that. But I don't like it over much. By 'it' I mean British bands making this sort of music meets poetry, not quite a song musical genre. Like Ben I miss that catchiness. There are snatches of lyrics that I find interesting but then there are bits I can't pick out to know if it's a coherent idea or just a clever line padded out.
I like her voice and the musicians can clearly turn to many styles and the album really comes alive for me with R&B and then keeps it up. The rest of the record feels fully-formed and is the better for it. Albert Road seems like a song for our times. I'm interested to see which way they go next.
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