ahh okay. I understand ya.

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The bones of what you believe --- Chvrches --- Recommended by DJ Chameleon and YorkeDaddy

I saw how YorkeDaddy enthused over this album and I have a lot of respect for his music taste, so decided to give it a go. Then I realised I really owe the rec to the chameleonic lifeform, as it was he who reviewed it much earlier in his journal as one of his "Razor's Edge" postings. Going on what I read there, and here, I assumed this would be a really great album. But I was mistaken. It is not a good album at all.

It is an effing EXCELLENT album!!! :thumb:

I'm not one for pop per se --- I don't tend to listen to much of it and generally lump most/all pop in as "chart rubbish", but I may have to start thinking about changing my attitude if even some of the pop albums are this good. Mind you, I thought I was off to a bad start with the sort of sampled voice opening, but then the beat kicked in and I just fell instantly in love. YD is right: Lauren's voice is sexy and beautiful, kind of like Hazel from Lanterns on the Lake in a way, but that's only part of it. The jumping guitar work, the smooth and boppy synths, and the whole feel of the album is just upbeat and fun, something which probably belies the lyrics, many of which seem to speak of breakups and pressures.

Making potentially sad or angry songs cheerful is quite a talent, and while I don't mean in any way to denigrate any personal experiences Chvrches (how do you pronounce that anyway? Ch-veer-ches? Oh no wait: the Gods of Wiki tell me it's pronounced "churches", but they changed the u to a v in order to thwart Google searches bringing their fans to pages about actual churches. Nice one! Using the head, unlike the UnGoogleable band 3!) put into this album, it's hard not to tap your fingers and bop your head to songs, even if they're about breakups and jealousy and rage and revenge.

Standout tracks? Hard to say really, as I don't think there's a bad one here. Even when there's a male voice singing --- I assume that's one of the other band members though it doesn't say --- there's no sense of disappointment, though I do prefer Lauren's voice. My only real gripe is that this band have the bad taste to only have one album so far, as if they had a discography stretching back a few years I'd be seriously hammering my balance at my local album vendor! Oh well, maybe next year there'll be another?

One thing is for sure, Chvrches are here to stay!

Rec rating: A solid 9.5/10. Pure gold.

I knew you'd like it despite you usually not being a huge pop guy. I think you genuinely seem to have an appreciation for good songwriting which is why I respect your music taste and I think this album has superb songwriting for a pop album.

There's no word of a new album yet, but I will certainly be watching for it and you will definitely see posts from me when a new album is announced!

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Has been --- William Shatner --- Recommended by ? and now re-recommended by Trollheart

Someone, I can't remember who, recommended this album a while back and pleaded for anyone to look beyond the obvious sniggery reactions to Shatner's music, which I (eventually) did. I was impressed. I've reviewed the album in my journal for anyone who wants to check it out, but let's just say that this album is different.

Of course our Bill don't sing; he talks in spoken-word fashion that is really quite poetic, and you know his voice instantly. He's helped by Ben Folds on the piano and guitar, and also drags in the likes of Joe Jackson, Aimee Mann and Brad Paisley to help. Even Black Flag's Henry Rollins is up for it! The songs are not all great; some are downright awful but the good ones far outweigh the bad and on this album when Shatner is good he is VERY good!

Have a listen if you're someone who prides themselves on having an open mind musically, and f you don't come away with something from this album I'll be very surprised. It's unlikely you've ever heard anything like it.

I think that Loathsome Pete posted about that one, it pushed me to check out the album as well. It definitely was not what I was expecting, but to be honest I was expecting it to sound like the Star Trek soundtrack :laughing:.

If you guys liked that album, you will ADORE prog-Shatner. :rofl:

Snapped that up as soon as I could. Just waiting now to get the right ambience to luxuriate in it! :thumb:

Myself and Pete have talked about it quite a bit. Really good album.

That's actually an interesting way to look at it. Though I already enjoy the album a lot, I may try this out and see how it goes.

Trollheart, I'd post in this thread, too, but I'm busy ripping you off in my journal, and I have the dilemma of whether I should fill said journal with the recommended albums I have yet to listen to, or if I should post them here. So far I've went with the first one.