Comments on: British Sea Power – Do You Like Rock Music?

By: Matthew

Matthew — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:44:01 +0000

I’ve seen them in a massive festival tent and a tiny venue here in Edinburgh and they absolutely shook the place both times. I guess with such energetic bands there’s always a chance they might just not quite get things going on any one night, but I think the small venue will be excellent.

I loved Decline, although I’ll admit it is a little uneven in places. I use terms like ungodly clatter as a compliment. And I agree entirely that this tails off a little, but I’d put that about two thirds of the way through. The rest is superb.

By: Harry

Harry — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:34:15 +0000

I am quite surprised that you felt Open Season was a better disc than Decline… I was SO disappointed with Open Season, especially after the vitriol and energy of Decline. It’s the same frenetic energy that I feel with the first half of Rock Music. (Admittedly, I’m left a bit wanting by the second half). I’m hoping their live show is as good as everyone says it is. Do you know how they perform in smaller clubs? The show in Columbus, OH is at a venue that holds maybe 200 people. I think it will be interesting to see how the huge tracks from Rock Music (Waving Flags, anyone?) will feel in such an intimate setting.

By: Matthew

Matthew — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:32:06 +0000

How about that for two eminently sensible comments from two well-respected colleagues.

I think you’re both right. There is a lot to love about this album, but I still can’t quite claim to understand the hysteria. Had it been less fervent I would probably be singing the same hymn myself.

As it is, this is just another really excellent album by a generally excellent band who produce some of the best live performances in the country.

The second coming, on the other hand, it is not.

By: Drunk Country

Drunk Country — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:18:22 +0000

I dig what you are saying. It’s left me somewhat exhausted for explanation of t’other interweb blogger’s frenzied high praise for this.

At this moment in time I am entirely underwhelmed by it & find myself returning to the side project Brakes for the adrenalin jump leads.

Let’s see, then, what occurs in the coming months to see if this opinion eats its own tail.

By: the vinyl villain

the vinyl villain — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:11:29 +0000

As I’m off to see them this Saturday, I’ve been listening to this an awful lot this past few days. I give it a wholly unconditional 5 Stars….

The thing about rock-crits in January is that they inevitably go ape-shit for the first thing to come out after all the shite we hear year-upon-year every Decemeber (as well as them all having to do their round-ups of the previous 12 months). I remember a couple of years ago that the deradfully dull Athlete were being fawned over.

If you want further proof, look at how much coverage Sons & Daughters are getting in the meeja. Now…there’s a band whose first two albums blew me away, but the tasters for the new work have left me a tad cold.

back to British Sea Power – the new LP is far more ‘consistent’ than the previous two albums – there’s probably 5 or 6 potential singles on it. That must mean it’s a bit more radio-friendly and accessible. Doesn’t mean they’ll crack it though.

Don’t put it back on the shelf just yet my amigo….