So, eight albums thus far and here the Charlatans deliver their ninth, following a switch of record label, much chatter and no shortage ofconfidence.
Simpatico (2006)
So, eight albums thus far and here the Charlatans deliver their ninth, following a switch of record label, much chatter and no shortage of
confidence.
Rating 4/5
Chart position TBC
Reviews
Pete (thecharlatans.info 2006)
Album opener 'Blackened Blue Eyes' is pretty much Charlatans by numbers - It's a Tremelo Song/One To Another hybrid and is instantly recognisably them - it's pure undiluted Charlatans. The vocals leaving behind the 'I don't see no sunshine when I'm Up At The Lake' vibe - it swaggers and swirls and sets the lp off to a 1997 like getaway.
Next Up and we head to the Big Apple with 'N.Y.C. (No Need To Stop)' - already established as a Charlatans fan favourite after a couple of festival outings last summer this one is a high tempo pop classic, the likes of which they haven't produced since "How High" from Tellin' Stories - yeah some of the lyrics could be sneered at, but the underlying optimism and melody carry it safely into the stuff of Charlatans legend.
'For Your Entertainment' shimmers in next, like a sweeping ballroom ballad it's noisy but quiet, bass heavy but delicate and ultimately it charms it's way into your affection with typical trademark Burgess sentiment.
Enter 'Dead Mans eye' - possibly the LP's highest point - a raw country infected stompalong, massive guitars competing with the vocals, neither wanting to be dominated and the music kicks in, in agressive manner, not the stuff of pop land but the work of a band just making records that can't fail to impress and that pay no attention to fads or fashion - a track it's no surprise arrived on their ninth record - easily worth the wait.
Sweetness invades next with 'Muddy Ground' another piano laden masterpiece, the album is flowing now - each track seamless contrasting sufficiently from the last to keep your interest - 'Muddy Ground' grows and grows and is as tecnically profficient as anything the doubty crucaders have ever accomplished so far and yet the album still has to unleash it's most dramatic turn....
Yes!! They dive headlong into SKA and Reggae!!! I kid ye not and just as they carried off the Bob Dylan vibe so perfectly with Us And Us Only the band prove again they can listen to and improve upon the past. Whether die hard hammond addicted charlies fans can cope with the direction change or not, one thing is indisputable, track 6 on the record "City Of The Dead" is a fantastic song making all the right moves, the guitars and hammond combining perfectly with the piano and vocals. Remember Madness - remember the walk? Remember the hats? It's all here minus the saxophone!
And here the review ends and why I hear you ask? Well the surprises end after track 6 - there are 5 more equally accomplished songs to hear - the standard remains high, the production (more airy and free) and songwriting better than ever.
Some may be amazed that the Charlatans are still around in 2006 but judging by this record they have no plans to leave the stage just yet - their 20thanniversary isn't far off - what price at least a 25th ?