Academy Award Songs, The - Henry Mancini

Advantages: A few good songs
Disadvantages: Bad production and "Everything We Had"

...I am a very big fan of the first effort from The Academy Is titled 'Almost Here.' The Chicago based pop punk band, fronted by william Beckett, delivered a highly original and enjoyable debut album in 2004, released through the record label Fueled by Ramen. Fueled by Ramen have already brought us such bands as Panic! at the disco, Fall Out Boy, Cute Is What We Aim For and pretty much any of the other bands consisting of American twenty-somthings with girly hair. The Academy Is fits nicely into this subgenre of pop punk emoish US bands which have been flooding our radios and stereo's in the past few years. I brought The Academy Is second album "Santi" in its first week of release back in April 2007 keen to hear more from a band which contained much promise. The album's bizarre name; "santi" is short for "Santiago" and dates back to... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: A sublime album of high points and even higher points
Disadvantages: The cassette version needs to be turned over in some players

...and John wierd lyrics and totally rocking vibe shines through all of this like a beacon of purest joy. Examples of John Henry stand out (they all do) songs - "Snailshell" first single from the album and a track that I cannot listen to without freak dancing like a maniac around the room, can be difficult when I play it in the car. The guitar on this speaks directly to my inner soul and does things to my spleen. "Do not forsake me" - Gregorian chant (honest, it is!) that will transport you to another place and then give you a blindfoild guided tour while slapping your ankles with a bikechain. This is a good thing. "Extra Savoir-Faire" a bit Noel Coward this one, if you imagine Noel Coward grew up in Brooklyn, had eight heads and a homicidal dislike of steel drums. "Meet James Ensor" - a rock crazy tribute to Belgiums famous painter... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: spine-tingling arias
Disadvantages: none

...A few years ago I was in a local pub and this handsome barman caught my eye!During a short break from bartending he took to the floor and I couldn't believe the sound which was coming from him-the place was brought to a standstill and the hairs on the back of my kneck stood to attention.We all knew we would see this guy again. I have recently bought his album and am pleased to say those hairs were once again up on the back of my kneck.Playing this in the car,I was almost spellbound by the amazing voice of Tony Henry-beautiful modern and familiar songs accompanied by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra;She being a particular favourite of mine and the haunting First Time Ever I saw Your Face. Tony Henry deserves to be a star-I hope we hear a whole lot more of this beautiful voice.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful