Disco de Ocean Colour Scene: “Mechanical Wonder”

it's amazing how much bad press ocs gets in its home country of england. the critics hate them because they refuse to let go of something they love - 60s and 70s rock music. how can you blame them? it was the best time for that; just watch "almost famous" if you need to be convinced. when a band loves what it does, and does it well, it should be admired and respected, and unfortunately much of the uk won't do either, and the vast majority of the hopeless us won't even acknowledge the band. "mechanical wonder" isn't the heart-stopping, definitive, climactic, perfect-statement-of-a-holy-grail-album that so many radiohead fans are looking for. it's just excellent songwriting and musicianship. songs like the sublimely funky single "up on the downside" and "mechanical wonder" are just great songs. people looking for rock-saviors and the like can check their baggage at the door and appreciate this for once. this won't destroy nsync or j-lo once and for all; *nothing* will. it's not complicated - simon sings his heartfelt lyrics a la "in my field" or the beautiful "if i gave you my heart" while steve cranks out his guitar showmanship chops on "give me a letter" and the previously mentioned first single. decidedly more ballad-oriented (ie: acoustic), "mechanical wonder" might not appeal to the bluesy fans of "moseley shoals," but their crafty knack for songwriting is unchanged. maybe this isn't the best album, or ocs isn't the best band in the world, but they certainly are as engaging as the beatles and as consistent as the stones ever were. feel confident buying all but their very first (self-titled) albums.

I have never listened to Ocean Colour Scene prior to this album. I have no other album to compare this one to, so what I am about to describe is my first impression which might be useful for new listeners.

I bought the album after I heard the song 'Mechanical Wonder'. Sure there wasn't anything particularly new about the song, but it is blessed with a great sincerity and melody. I have a penchant for mellow music and Britpop has been my consistent supplier thus far.

After listening through the whole album, I wasn't impressed, but neither was I disappointed. It is a very consistent album, there is hardly any departure from one song to the next. They seem to be playing what they know best and the music flows with a great execution and confidence. Is it like listening to twelve tracks of 'Mechanical Wonder'? I don't think so, similar as the songs might be, they do not reflect a malaise or lack of creativity. It is just that they know what they are good at and what they are good at is what they will play.

I would compare their music to Soul Asylum's: sincere, slickly rocking and unpretentious. Would I try another album of Ocean Colour Scene? I would and I hope that I will be as entertained as I am by this one.

Mechanical Wonders has got to OCS best album to date. Being given a US release means that hopefully a wider range of people will be able to benefit from this album. Mechanical WOnder contains tracks like Biggest Things, In My Field, Mechanical Wonder and the UK hit single Up On The Downside. If you have never been a fan of OCS then this will be the album to convert you

The timing of this release could hardly be better, this will be a perfect soundtrack for this summer -- for me anyway. Mechanical Wonder sounds quite effortless when compared to their last two albums, and has great sunny vibe to it. Simon Fowler's voice seems to have gotten better--still slightly reminiscent of George Harrison, but quite expressive in its own way. An impressive, solid album.

"Mechanical Wonder" is a very good album by OCS, though not their best ( that price goes to "Marchin` Already") it`s an album that ought not be neglected

It has a terrific opener in "Up On the Downside" one of the most optimistic and rhythmical tunes they have recorded. "In My Field" and "Sail My Boat" are good tracks too.

The melancholy "The Biggest Thing" is a silent ballad, but not one of their best. Next track "We Made it More" is another ballad, but a much better song - a great track.

"Give Me a Letter" shows the boogie side of OCS, solid but quite forgettable.

The title track "Mechanical Wonder" is another highlight; a catchy and optimistic song and OCS when they`re at their best. "You Are Amazing" is a bit like "The Biggest Thing" - a lttle uninteresting.

"If I Gave You My Heart" is a silent waltz; a beautiful recording.

The rocking "Can`t Get Back to the Baseline" is the closest they get to the sound of "Moseley Shoals" on this album.

The album is recommendable alone for songs like "Up On The Downside", "Sail on My Boat", "Mechanical Wonder" and "If I Gave You My Heart" - the rest of the album is just good and solid!