This is not a disposable record. It did not get the attention that the Arctic Monkeys or The Fratellis had despite the superior song writing, superb arrangements and unique vocal attitude. Although they're actually Scottish, if you never get another brit-pop CD again, get this one; you'll never get tired of it.
~!an
If you like the Arctic Monkeys, Fratellis, Kaiser Chiefs, you'll definitely enjoy the View (yes, pun intended). "Wasted Little DJs" was song of the year in Britain and "Same Jeans" makes me laugh every time I hear it. Good stuff!
The View are a talent. That's obvious. That their debut album isn't a classic is due to a number of factors; One is vocalist Kyle Falconer (A great name!). He needs to have more faith in himself, be more strident with his self-belief. When he' not trying to sound like Liam Gallagher or the lad from Arctic Monkeys', his delivery is far too polite (my 'polite' way of saying it's wimpy), when it should be high up in the mix, competing on every level with the beefy music.
No shrinking violet, but just not enough earthy swagger, not enough gravel in the delivery. A better producer might help him a bit, but ultimately it's gotta come from him.
More problematic, is the band obviously can't sustain 40 minutes yet. Proof? Two fabulous openers: 'Comin Down' and the excellent single 'Superstar Tradesman'. Bejeez, these lads CAN stir up a pop rage when the mood takes 'em, but unfortunately it's the strength of these two stormers which goes some way to ultimately defeating the rest of the album. Expectations get raised, and when not (quite) realized, leave one with a slightly empty feeling. It's as if they're holding back in case they find themselves outside the fold. Reluctant to break out on their own in case the world turns nasty, but they will have to sometime. Sooner the better.
I feel cruel here, like a tyrannical despot with a cudgel, hitting little pop people for no good reason. Not my fault. Those opening blasts made me hopeful, eager for the rest of the album to be as good, but it isn't.
On the plus side, they have got a sense of humour; check out the insane lyrics to the genuinely punky 'Skag Trendy' or the otherwise dull 'The Don' - but it goes seriously awry on the albums closer, which sounds like 'I Spit On Your Grave' type hillbillies singing by a bayou.
Other plusses? The Oasis-like 'Street Highs' which is a solid song, and the Clashy guitar attack of 'Wasted Little Dj's' (look out for that humour again!), but they're too few and far between.
I have faith in these boys though. The good stuff on here gives cause for optimism, and I strongly believe they have the potential to do something effective and lasting. Here's hoping.
This is the album that the whole of the Shire has been waiting for: Hobbit Rock in its truest form. From the squeaky hobbit perfection of 'Same Jeans' through to the tub-thumping beats of "Sam Gangee and Me", this album is a corker. I've got a copy translated from the original Hobbitish and signed by Mayor of Dundee, Gilbert D'Frodo. Watch this space for a halfling tsunami of Hobbit Rock, and those 4 feisty fellows from the View will be surfing at the front.
...this record was big in the UK...and I've had the displeasure of hearing it...and I don't understand the positive reviews this is nothing new at all...and the singer's voice? Ugh...
...it's annoying songs like "The Same Jeans" which will have people saying for weeks in a gerbil like fashion "I've had the same jeans on for four days now" WELL DONE!!! WE DON'T CARE....
...so yes more brit pop that completely follows the verse chorus struture...no interesting instrumentals and an annoying singer...bravo england...we've done it again...
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