How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Good
Value for Money
Good
Advantages:
Summery, romantic and melodic throughout
Disadvantages:
Nothing original here, and grossly overplayed
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
'Snow Patrol' went from 'that annoying band they play too much on the radio' to one of my favourite artists, sheerly on the strength of this album.
Snow Patrol have been cursed by popularity I reckon. People are put off Snow Patrol by the fact that their songs are on every advert, radio station or teary-eyes rom-com commercial from London to Manchester. But once you look past the big 'hits' from this album, such as 'Run' and 'Spitting Games', you will find some really strong tracks here.
'How To Be Dead' in particular blows every other Snow Patrol song out of the water with its melodic, dream like feel, which will make it idea for lazy days in Summer 2007. The lyrics too are just amazing, as they are throughout.
Other tracks vary from being either 'heavy' with strong distortion and hard hitting drums, such as 'Tiny Little Fractures', complimented by the softness of Gary's voice, or gentle acoustic/piano (which is where they truly stand out). There's no in between with Final Straw.
To that end, there's nothing revolutionary here. It's the same Snow Patrol here as with their previous albums and 'Eyes Open'. But can't blame them for sticking to what they do best ! They do it well.
1. How To Be Dead - Beautiful and relaxing, with deep lyrics and charming vocals *****
2. Wow - Gritty and rough around the edges. Features signature choir vocals in background to Gary's harmonies ****
3. Gleaming Auction - Strong song with good rhythm, but perhaps a shadow on the earlier two tracks ***
4. Whatever's Left ***
5. Spitting Games - Outstanding fuzzy guitar effects and summery feel. A highlight *****
6. Chocolate - Iconic and beautiful *****
7. Run - Poetic and brilliant. A genuine modern day love song with true sentiment and an instantly lovable sound *****
8. Grazed Knees - Feeder-esque. slow and sweet, with romanticised lyrics and a great strings section *****
9. Ways & Means - Rough and hurried ***
10. Tiny Little Fractures- Distorted guitar interspersed with great lyrics and inspired use of crackling effects and clapping. A personal favourite amoungst the others *****
11. Somewhere A Clock Is Ticking ****
12. Same **
13. We Can Run Away Now They're All Dead And Gone (UK Bonus Track) ****
14. Half The Fun (UK Bonus Track) ***
On a final note,all that is left is to decide if it beats their new release? Oh yes, this is the best of Snow Patrol. Definitely worth a try.
More details
How does it rate alongside the competition
Good
Cover / Inlay Design and Content
Good
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