Grand Don't Come For Free, A [PA] - Streets (The) > Reviews > 'Dry your eyes out mate, its not that bad.'

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Groundbreaking
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
Value for Money

Advantages:	Eclectic range of songs .  thought - provoking lyrics .
Disadvantages:	May not be to everyone's taste .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Maybe it was the fact that I too was going through a similar situation myself, but hearing 'Dry your eyes out' yesterday, something struck a chord. I heard it during my quick workout at the gym yesterday and I couldn't believe my ears; could it be Mike Skinner (aka the voice behind 'The Streets' ) really has a sensitive side? Incidently, I bought the album on the post-workout splurge at Tesco and here's what I made of it. Amazing what relationships can make you do eh?!

But stop the violins!! I'm a big girl now and I can deal with my heartache all on my own thank you very much!! Onto the album for I know you Ciao-ers will switch off if I continue to pour out that ol' heart of mine...

A Grand Don't Come for Free
*********************************
Firstly, the basics. The album has 11 tracks:

1. It was supposed to be so easy.
2. Could well be in.
3. Not addicted.
4. Blinded by the lights.
5.Wouldn't have it any other way.
6.Get out of my house.
7.Fit but you know it.
8.Such a twat.
9.What is he thinking.
10.Dry your eyes.
11.Empty cans.

Genre
********
Eleven songs, eleven styles. Each different from the one before but yet all connected in some strange concoction of musical genius and contemporary colloquialism which is what makes categorising this album so very difficult. If you believe the gossip this album is supposed to be abit of a hip-hop urban mix but I think its so much more than an Englishman's impersonation of Eminem as some would have you believe.

However, this album is so much more than yet another 'Ghetto' mediocrity; we seem to have so many so-so artists about these days saturating the music market. There are, undoubtedly, bits which fit perfectly into the 'Urban' pigeonhole but there are also traces of influences from elsewhere: 'Dry your eyes' has the haunting classical strings not usually synonymous with the likes of hip-hop artists or garage acts. 'Fit but you know it' has the punky guitar throughout which seems more likely to be found in a song by 'The Strokes' and not 'The Streets' which is what adds to the excellence of this album.

Best bits
*********
This album is definately an entirely original piece of work. There really is no-one I can think of in today's music scene that captures the freshness of 'A Grand...' and here are the best bits:

Lyrics
*******
This is what makes the album so fantastic. The lyrics throughout 'A Grand...' are simple yet poignant and thought-provoking. Whilst most artists only succeed in raising a laugh, Mike Skinner et all manage to make us think. Who else could talk about DVDs and crack cocaine so eloquently?! Mike Skinner's voice is soo perfect

Best Songs
*************
Check out 'Dry your eyes' as anyone who has ever had their heart broken or endured a messy break-up will be able to relate to this one. It is one of the album's highlights and captures the emotions and pain we all go through when your other half realises they no longer want to be with you. This is definately a surprising song; I never expected to hear a ballad (of sorts) from 'The Streets' but its sublime. The strings just add to the pain... boo hoo hoo......

'In one single moment your whole life can turn 'round
I stand there for a minute starin' straight into the ground
Lookin' to the left slightly, then lookin' back down
World feels like it's caved in.'

I told you didn't I?! Its not what you were expecting at all!!

Fit but don't you know it
***************************
Those of you who liked the earlier songs from the previous album will certainly warm to this one. Its quirky and like that 'Ronseal' stuff, it does what it says on the tin. Its about a girl, who funnily enough, 'is fit but, oh my gosh don't (she) know it!' Beware all you 'full of yourself' girls-Mike Skinner is onto you!! I especially like the guitar which carries the song along nicely.

Could well be in
******************
Another heart-wrencher (I think I'm on a losing streak here) about meeting a girl the story-teller rather likes. She's been hurt in a previous relationship but she's playing with her hair and following a programme on 'ITV' which stated the sure-fire meaning of hair-preening, this bloke thinks he 'could well be in.'

'I told her I thought it was important,
That you could get lost in conversation.
Chattin shit, sittin in, oblivion
With that person who's your special one.'

Ah bless.

For all you lot who need something abit darker, somewhat less soppier theres loads on her to sink your teeth into. Try 'Not addicted' and 'Such a twat' for more trials and tribulations!

Bad bits-well there's not much really..
*****************************************
Some people never try new foods and its probably these same people who will never try listening to this album. I never thought I would be buying it myself but its amazing what great stuff is out there just waiting to be listened to. In terms of disadvantages with this album the only thing I can think of are the occasional spouts of swearing but hey, let's face it, this isn't an album for the kids. Save the sugar-coated drivel for the kiddies because this is a serious adult album for the clued-up, discerning listener.

Go on, try it; if you don't enjoy it, fair enough. But its bands like this we need more of! For more info and tasters of the songs if you don't want to commit to buying or downloading the music just yet, check out:

the-streets.co.uk

Thanks for reading.
Elvy