Razorlight Album: “Up All Night”

I'm not sure what version this is. There are >4 versions of this album (with bonus tracks, videos, bonus DVDs) so without a track listing you can't tell what you are getting.

However, here is my review as the album is well worth buying, whatever version you finally select.

Although known as Johnny Borrell's band, Razorlight lays down an incredible screaming raw wall of sound with a constantly surprising thread of brilliant chords and subtle themes intertwined to make you smile at all the right places. Sometimes it's a new song, sometimes it's a pause or phrase, always it's a brilliant layering of song, lyric, and sound.

These guys formed in 02 and have paid dues on the London scene with all the famous names. It shows in every track. They are more than ready and this album is it. Johnny Borrell is nothing less than spectacular and bandmembers Björn Ågren, Christian Smith-Pancorvo, and Carl Dalemo make it all work. Andy Burrows has now replaced Christian Smith-Pancorvo on drums.

For a great run start the album with In The City/To The Sea/Fall, Fall, Fall - this is one of the best sequential runs ever recorded. Personally I think they sound like Razorlight, but if I was into categorizing everything by the obvious influences I would say something like:

A male version of Patti Smith forgetting the lyrics to Gloria as he is invaded by the ghost of Lou Reed while being backed by John Cage and Velvet Underground. The unexpected transition into To The Sea evolves into a Kings-Of-Leon Talihina Sky-ish piece that drops like an unexpected waterfall into the lilting acoustics of Fall, Fall Fall. It certainly isn't Dylan (some reviewers seem to think any significant lyric sounds like dear old Bob).

Everybody justifiably raves about Rock `n' roll Lies/Eyes and Leave Me Alone but this is one of those extremely rare albums that holds together very well with each track becoming part of the cuts before and after. It's almost a shame to talk about any single song when they all fit together so perfectly.

As with most bands these days, there is a plethora of extra and bonus tracks on CD Singles, EPs, Albums, DVDs, Import, Export, Japanese, U.S., U.K. and other versions. To help you though the chaos, here is a current list of the Razorlight track releases that are not on the standard CD Album releases:

Action!

Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah

Here It Comes

Spirit

Yes, You Should Know

When He Was Twenty

Heartbreak Soup

Just Can't Explain

Fairy Tale Of New York

For Georgia

Bright Lights

Dean Take Your Time

Losing Your Mind

Get It And Go

(hardest to find - only on import with bonus & import with bonus DVD albums)

Hang By, Hang By

Control!

Dagger In Your Heart

Believe In Me

Anabelle Says

Hey Ya!

Somewhere Else

Keep The Right Profile

There are some additional live, remix, and video tracks in addition to the songs listed above.

While vacationing in England during the summer, I stumbled across I bunch of brilliant british bands. It was made quite clear to me while there for two weeks, that British rock music is better than anything coming out of America. An exciting music revolution is taking place, and bands like Kasabian, Franz Ferdinand, Bloc Party, the Kaiser Chiefs and the best of them all, The Libertines are at the forefront of that. Razorlight gained a reputation on the London scene for being friends with the Libs and for frontman Johnny Borrells huge arrogance. He has been quoted in influential music mag NME as calling himself a godlike genius and the best songwriter of the generation. He's not. But the bands debut is still one of the best albums of the year.

Rock n Roll lies is a irrestibly catchy song, while the passionate, crazy delivery of Vice makes it perhaps the best song on the album. Up All Night switches from ballad to rip-roaring punk anthem in minutes, much like the Libertines. Rip It Up is another highlight, destined to be an indie disco anthem for years. Dalston is a fantasic song. To those unfamiliar with it, Dalston is a notorius drug haven in England, and it's written directly to crack addict, Pete Doherty of the Libertines. It switches from quiet love song to desperate, psycotic anthem. Golden Touch is the perfect song. Brilliantly catchy, it is a majestic acousticy track that filled the british airwaves all summer. Stumble and Fall features guitar duelling and, and it has the catchiest chorus on the album. Another passionate, enthusiastic song is live favourite, In the City.

I advise everyone to buy this fantastic album.

This is one of the best additions to your collection that you will ever make. Every track on this album is a gem, which is a lot more that can be said of 90% of the music released today. They definitely have their own sound but it's not contrived in any way and you won't get bored. The best songs on the disc, are of course "Golden Touch", "Which Way Is Out", and the title track, "Up All Night". So what are you waiting for? go and get a copy!

You may read other reviews here that state Razorlight is not "unique". Well, my advice to anyone reading this is that.... if you expect every album you buy to be completely unique from another, you are gonna end up listening to fusion-techno-polka before it's all said and done. As for "Up All Night", sure it is not groundbreaking, but compared to the generic conglamarations of Nickleback, 3 Doors Down, Staind, etc. etc..... Razorlight is that breath of fresh air I have been waiting on for a long time. For me, there are only a couple of skippable tracks on "Up All Night", but for the most part, this is one of those albums you can just let it spin.

I am definitely satisfied with my purchas. 4 solid/unquestionalble stars from me. For anyone wanting a feel for Razorlight, give an ear to "Rock and Roll Lies" , "Vice" or "Stumble & Fall". Now that I know.... I will be keeping an eye out for future releases from these guys.

Its hard to say why a previous listener rated this band with a mere 1 star. Suffice to say, these guys kick ass. Don't let the Strokes comparisons fool you, these guys are forging their own identity in a big way.

More than Strokes I hear some awesome early punk influences that stand out even more in their live show (Opener for Muse in KC). Muse kicked serious ass but these guys are the best opener I have ever heard. The Uptown Theater was blown away by the intensity, showmanship and crafty songs of this young act. Also, the CD is laden with great hooks, and just overall rollicking rock and roll music. If you like early punk with a British/Indie Rock flavor then this is your disc.

Also, The Strokes would be like Decaf Coffee compared to these Brits