... It threatens to let rip about 3 minutes in, but never quites goes as far you would wish, it's all terribly well mannered, but still remains a highlight from 'Alone with Everybody'.
'Crazy World' picks the pace up a little and changes the tone of the so far, quite laid back listen. Its another ... Read review
Like so many before him, the Verve's ex-frontman Richard Ashcroft is destined to be the ... more
victim of his own success. That the Verve's final album, the universally applaudedUrban Hymns, with its down-tempo laments and thoughtful lyrics captured a space in...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Like so many before him, the Verve's ex-frontman Richard Ashcroft is destined to be the ... more
victim of his own success. That the Verve's final album, the universally applauded Urban Hymns, with its down-tempo laments and thoughtful lyrics captured a space i...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Advantages: Well produced, high standard of musicianship Disadvantages: Tone remains the same, no edge, likeable but forgettable
'A Northern Soul' this ain't. A collection of songs that were mostly written during the 'Urban Hymns' sessions, and some of these tracks would fit quite snugly onto that album, but this remains a very un-Verve work. Pete Salisbury on drums and Nick Mcabe Tour 'stand-in' BJ Cole are the only artists to appear from the wreckage of the Verve, session musicians filling the other spots, along with Ashcroft's wife and keyboard player Kate Radley.
... ...start to this album, and immediately urges you to forget any hopes of 'This is Music' style anthems. It is undeniably poppy, with a far more accesible sound than previously. A country twang is the backbone to this upbeat number, strings bolster the sound along with some nice muted horns. It is a nice track and was a brave first single when perhaps 'Money to Burn' would have been a far safer bet.
'A Northern Soul' this ain't. A collection of songs that were mostly written during the 'Urban Hymns' sessions, and some of these tracks would fit quite snugly onto that album, but this remains a very un-Verve work. Pete Salisbury on drums and Nick Mcabe Tour 'stand-in' BJ Cole are the only artists to appear from the wreckage of the Verve, session musicians filling the other spots, along with Ashcroft's wife and keyboard player Kate Radley.
'A Song for the Lovers' is a superb start to this album, and immediately urges you to forget any hopes of 'This is Music' style anthems. It is undeniably poppy, with a far more accesible sound than previously. A country twang is the backbone to this upbeat number, strings bolster the sound along with some nice muted horns. It is a nice track and was a brave first single when perhaps 'Money to Burn' would have been a far safer bet.
Track 2, 'I Got My Beat', is a slow number, lushly produced again, soft and mellow, and boasts a nice chorus...notice that word again - 'nice', that will come to be a thorn in the side of this album later.
'Brave New World' is another slow number, with some nice work by BJ Cole on the pedal steel guitar. An initially interesting number, soon gives way to big choruses, and it's a perfectly 'nice' listen, and yes already you can sense me wishing for something a bit edgey, melancholic, depressing, the guitar of Nick Mcabe, anything really.
'New York' is one of the more Verve sounding tracks on here, but the guitar is way back in the mix, and the whole session musician thang is starting to rear it's head, it all sounds so damned note perfect and rehearsed. Were it not from Richard Ashcroft this would probably be sounding a great album, but you just know that he is capable of miracles a la 'History', 'The Drugs Don't Work', 'Gravity Grave', 'Let the Damage Begin', it's all so safe sounding, and perhaps it might have been the direction the Verve would have taken on their next album. I doubt it. 'Urban Hymns' was a very well produced album, but even the most polished of it's numbers had an energy that is missing from this overproduced collection of perfectly adequate but far too easy on the ear songs.
'You On My Mind in My Sleep' is one of the stronger songs from the album, again it benefits from BJ Cole's guitar, some nice strings and a good vocal performance from Ashcroft. It threatens to let rip about 3 minutes in, but never quites goes as far you would wish, it's all terribly well mannered, but still remains a highlight from 'Alone with Everybody'.
'Crazy World' picks the pace up a little and changes the tone of the so far, quite laid back listen. Its another polished upbeat number and it has a catchy chorus, and is quite an infectious tune, although the lyrics are lamentably average, lots of Noelesque rhyming going on. That is another disapponting aspect of the album, other than being largely positive, the lyrics are also largely lame.
'On a Beach', back to the lazy pace of the previous tracks, and again it's another good solid track, sweeping vocals and soundscapes, but, as much as I like it, it could be track 2,3 or 5. This is such a safe album and a brave move for someone formerly so on the edge and godlike with his musicianship. In years to come it'll be an album to wash the car to, a 'No Jacket Required' for the remnants of the 90's indie boom.
'Money to Burn', poppy, enjoyable, Ashcroft sounds good, but the track stays firmly in the same gear from beginning to end. Nice gospel type backing distinguishes it, and it's upbeat tempo is a nice break. The second single, fared pretty averagely in the euro-dance-crap dominated charts.
'Slow Was My Heart', a beautiful and haunting song, a real joy to listen to, with quite a country feel to it, never thought I'd use that in a positive way. Achingly lush and dreamy, with another nice performance by BJ Cole, a standout number, an undoubted gem, and even the lyrics make nice listening.
'C'mon People' is without a doubt naff, but pretty catchy crap. I love this track despite every ounce of sense I possess telling me otherwise. The lyrics are woeful, and the plinky plonk keyboards make the toes curl, but I can't lie, this is a getting ready to go out belter. Also it inspired the NME's hilarious 'C'mon People: We're Making Wooden Cabinets / Shelving Units / Sheds / Spice Racks Now' Thrills features. So it's not all bad.
'Everybody' is another track that comes straight from the same stable as 2,3,5 and 7. Nice, pretty forgettable though.
Well, how to summarise 'Alone With Everybody'. I like it, difficult not to, it's such a polished production, the lyrics are average, but everything else does what it should and sounds how it should. Therein lies the problem, no edge, nothing dangerous, or even interesting. The tone is far too similar from start to end, overly positive in it's outlook, far too laid back....far too safe.
Now I'm really confused, perhaps it'll be an album I love to hate.
Advantages: Uplifting and make syou stronger in your love Disadvantages: Love Love Love , can Ashcroft do anything else ?
SO Richard Ashcroft is back . The question on everyones lips is can he surpass his history with The Verve ? Well yes he can . With a new all star band ( Pino Palladino - Bass , Bj Cole - Guitar , Peter Salisbury of The Verve on drums and Ashcrofts wife Kate on Keyboards ) and a handfull of tunes he's ready to start again . The Albums opener " A song for the lovers " is already a masterpiece and was well chosen as the lead off single . Other songs ... ..., Ashcrofts love for his wife Kate . So if your someone who's not a big fan of ballards or love songs , then don't buy this album . If on the other hand you are then this is the album for you 11 ways to say i love you . A masterpiece and an album i highly recommend . ...
Eatmealice 19.09.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Alone With Everybody - Richard Ashcroft
Advantages: Visionary, positive Disadvantages: No sign of Mad Richard as of yet...
It's the age old story. Boy forms band, sells precisely no records, splits band, records legendary guitar anthem, sells millions of records, splits band again, embarks on solo project. So how does Mad Richard's offering shape up?
One word sums up this record, that word is 'positivity.' 'Alone With Everybody' is a remarkably upbeat record, probably due to wife and ex-Spiritualized keyboardist Kate Radley. Ashcroft has finally found contentment. But ...
radarmaker 30.08.2000
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Review of Alone With Everybody - Richard Ashcroft
Advantages: Many great songs!! Disadvantages: Not with the Verve
I was bitterly disappointed when the Verve were splitting up. I remember classics like 'The Drugs Dont Work' and 'Bitter Sweet Symphony' after hearing them many times on the radio.
Then Ashcroft decided to go solo and what a good decision. And when he released Song For The Lovers, you could just picture that Verve were playing with him.
Anyway I was glad to hear that he was releasing a solo album. And i was sure glad i bought it. Okay there may ... ...to but the majority youll play over and over again. I bet youve already listened to 'Song for the Lovers' and 'C'mon people' a hundred times already!!
On a Beach, Cmon People, i get my beat are my favourites but youll have to listen to the songs to find out what you like! ...
Price 30.08.2000
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Review of Alone With Everybody - Richard Ashcroft
Advantages: its just brilliance Disadvantages: none i can think of
I liked a few of the verves tracks, but never went rushing out to by this album when it was released.
My boyfriend brought it over a few weeks back, and I still have it *L*
It is a great album, there isn't one track I hate, or skip over I love them all.
I do have my favourites though, "you on my mind in my sleep" is the top one for me, it has meaning to me, and brings back happy thoughts!
"MOney to burn" is another of my top tracks.
"C'mon people" ... ...It is perfect for lovers, it isn't the usual mushy mush love songs, richard ashcroft does them in a way that they dont really sound mushy until you really listen to the lyrics.
"..i got money to burn and i want to burn it on you
come on yeah yeah i got one short life and i want to spend it with you..."
I guess many guys who liked the verve and brought this would be probably disappointed as it is a different genre of music.
I know this has been ...
alleykatz 02.01.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Alone With Everybody - Richard Ashcroft
Advantages: Great listening Disadvantages: Nothing special about the look of the CD Cover
I could not get enough of the Verve, so just had to buy this albumn. Often I find a solo effort that comes such a short time after a split can sound bitter and rushed and often does not live up to expectations. This is not one of those albumns.
As with the Verve, this albumn takes a surprisingly short time to grow on you - just a couple of plays. When it did I was hooked, Ashcroft really has a fantastic voice.
It is definitely worth shopping around ...
Timphil 27.07.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Alone With Everybody - Richard Ashcroft
Product Information for "Alone With Everybody - Richard Ashcroft" »
Product details
Title
Alone With Everybody
Performer
Richard Ashcroft
Genre
Rock & Pop
Sub Genre
Alternative
Release Date
26/06/2000
Recomended Retail Price
14.99 GBP
Original Release Year
2000
Label / Distributor
Hut / EMI Operations/CEVA Logistics
Producer
Chris Potter; Richard Ashcroft
Pieces in Set
1
Studio / Live
Studio
Stereo
Stereo
Format
Performer
EAN
724384949129
Catalogue Number
CDHUTX 63
Additional notes
Album Notes
Personnel: Richard Ashcroft (vocals, guitar, melodica, piano, organ, Mellotron, keyboards, percussion); BJ Cole (pedal steel guitar); London Session Orchestra (strings); Lucinda Barry (harp); Jim Hunt (flute, saxophone); Jane Pickles, Anna Noakes (flute); Judd Lander (harmonica); Jamie Talbot (baritone saxophone); Philip D. Todd, Nigel Hitchcock (saxophone); Duncan Mackay, John Barclay, Stuart Brooks (trumpet); Chuck Leavell (piano, keyboards); Kate Radley (keyboards); Teena Lyle (vibraphone); Pino Palladino, Chris Potter (bass); Steve Sidelnyk (drums, percussion, programming); Peter Salisbury (drums); Craig Wingstaff (congas); Samantha Smith, Leonard Meade, Vernetta Meade, Michelle John-Douglas, Donovan Lawrence, Irene Myrtle Forrester (background vocals). Recorded at Olympic & Metropolis Studios, London, England. Following the worldwide success of The Verve's URBAN HYMNS album, vocalist Richard Ashcroft struck out on his own (with help from Verve drummer Peter Salisbury). ALONE WITH EVERYBODY, his debut solo effort, is a lush affair and the natural next step in furthering the sound of his former band's "Bittersweet Symphony." Each track is carefully constructed, replete with accentuating string sections, and highlights Ashcroft's relaxed-yet-earnest vocals. Standouts are "Brave New World" and "Slow Was Heart," both which recall Echo And The Bunnymen and feature smoothed-out country grooves accented by subtle, snaky steel guitar. "New York" has an awkward yet curiously catchy funk undertone and swooping, overlapped guitars, while "You Must Be on My Mind," a gorgeous, slow motion lullaby, features a Verve-like instrumental break and is one of two tracks including ex-Spiritualized member Kate Radley (also known as Mrs. Richard Ashcroft). Speaking of Spiritualized, "Money to Burn" mines that band's alternative-gospel/blues vein, complete with harmonica, horns, and choral vocals. The album's highlight is "C'mon People (We're Making It Now)," which sounds as though it was a blast to record and is a catchy, glittering pop song to boot.
Album Reviews
NME (12/30/00, p.78) - Ranked #20 in NME's "Top 50 Albums Of The Year". Rolling Stone (7/20/00, p.142) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...A quality set of long, slow ballads, heavy on the strings....Ashcroft has superhuman levels of sullen charisma..." Mojo (7/00, p.101) - "...As wired and edgy as you'd expect....veering between classic singer-songwriter fare and dark, cut'n'paste groove-rock...coming across as a more ambitious, more personal retort to URBAN HYMNS..." Entertainment Weekly (7/7/00, p.130) - "...An album of sweet symphonies....Piled high with strings and choirs...[the album] has flashes of sublime beauty....A promising...second wind." - Rating: B+ Magnet (8-9/00, p.67) - "...Elaborates on the same elegance he initially allowed to die with the Verve's disbanding....extracting life, hope and soul from its aura..." NME (6/24/00, p.41) - 8 out of 10 - "...His unswerving belief in music's potency has enabled him to produce songs that have perfectly communicated his ongoing voyage of personal discovery....it's a gift that hasn't deserted him here..." CMJ (6/26/00, p.3) - "...A classic songwriter who voyages deep into his heart....[He] has successfully made the transition from band member to solo act..."
Titles on disc 1
1.
Song For The Lovers
2.
I Get My Beat
3.
Brave New World
4.
New York
5.
You On My Mind In My Sleep
6.
Crazy World
7.
On A Beach
8.
Money To Burn
9.
Slow Was My Heart
10.
C'mon People (We're Making It Now)
11.
Everybody
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