Grand Don't Come For Free, A [PA] - Streets (The) > Reviews > Confirmation of a true british talent

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
Value for Money

Advantages:	Great storyline, ingenious melodies and beats
Disadvantages:	Quite short  -  it does seem to fly past

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

WARNING – This review does contain slight ‘spoilers’ of the story of the album – nothing that will ruin your listening experience, but be careful!

Mike Skinner, or 'The Streets' debut release, 'Original Pirate Material' is undoubtedly in my top 10 albums of all time. I had been salivating at the prospect of the follow up for months, and bought it on the day of release.

I was not disappointed.

'A Grand don't come for free' is an example of that very rare species, the concept album. It charts a rollercoaster relationship between Skinner himself and a certain girl by the name of Simone. The story is narrated through a series of 11 tracks, each one concentrating on a different aspect of the intruguing tale. I hasten to add that the album should definitely be listened to in the correct order, and all the way through, to really appreciate the narrative.

THE TRACKS

1. It Was Supposed To Be So Easy

You may look twice at the CD case when you hear the opening bars of this epic introductory song. A fat, majestic chord sequence blasts out, soon followed by the moan of 'it was supposed to be so eeeeeeeasy....' before the slow, thumping beat kicks in and draws the chord sequence along. The song tracks a dismal day for Skinner, who fails to return a dvd, can't withdraw any money from his bank account, can't get to his mums for tea, and to cap it all, loses £1000 in a shoebox (the 'grand' in question).
The lyrics are true to the streets’ style – crammed with slang and very conversational. Many words and phrases are elongated to force them to rhyme – a tactic so messy that it gives them a wonderful unique sound. The song features a strong chorus, opened by the quintessential line ‘today I have achieved absolutely nowt’ exclaimed by skinner his trademark melancholy, half singing, half talking method. A very strong start to the album – 9/10.

2. Could Well Be In

Track 2 is far easier to listen to – leading in with a relaxed, chilled piano chord progression. As a soft, calm, but pacy drum beat joins in, Skinner begins relating his thoughts and feelings as he makes conversation with Simone for the first time. The chorus explains his motivation for doing so…

‘I saw this thing on ITV the other week, said,
That If she played with her hair she’s probably keen,
She’s playing with her hair well regularly, so I reckon I could well be in…’

One of the main selling points of the streets’ music is its relevance to everyday life – in this chorus, it is especially relevant. It is exactly the kind of thing a lad would be thinking as he chats to a girl. Once again, Skinner uses his fantastic writing talent to express this situation in a very personal and appropriate way – 8/10

3. ***Not Addicted***

Slightly inconsistent with the rest of the story, ‘not addicted’ charts a boozy night of betting, hoping, wishing and relief. As the fortunes of the ‘blues’ change over the course of a match, Skinners emotions wildly fluctuate. Although not one of the strongest tracks, the aggressive, gritty tune and amusing lyrics (‘Instead of betting on to win the football, ill bet to lose…the cricket) keep the overall quality up – 7/10

4. Blinded By The Lights

Track 4 is possibly the darkest and most sinister of the 11, relating the ups and downs of a drug-fuelled, solitary night out. The video to this helps to portray this atmosphere even more effectively. As Skinner waits for Simone and best mate Dan to turn up, he drinks, smokes and pops pills to liven up the evening. All through the song his voice is monotone, and slovenly, turning into nothing more than groans as the chemicals slowly corrupt his mind. One of the best lines in the song, indeed, of the album, is simply a moan of ‘who cares….i’m mmmmmashed…..’ as the effects really begin to take hold. The darker tracks on original pirate material were, in my opinion, the most powerful, and blinded by the lights carries on this tradition in excellent style – 8/10

5. Wouldn’t Have It Any Other Way

After recovering from what must have been quite a night, ‘I wouldn’t have it any other way’ is a very laid back, smooth groove narrated by a relaxed Skinner, doing nothing but ‘roaching a splif, watching the TV’ on Simone’s sofa. The weed/TV line is repeated countless times throughout the song, as Skinner wonders about what else he could potentially be doing. Despite the subject matter, the song provides an opportunity for him to exclaim the praises of his new found girl…

‘I know I never, tell about every single day but,
I’m always thinking loads about her,
She’s the best thing that ever happened to me and,
I don’t know, what I’d do without her’

Lyrics that would not be out of place in a tepid, ordinary pop song are delivered somewhat more potently in this context, by an accompanying singer. The night in at Simones is given an air of comfort and homeliness – especially with lines such as ‘the clipper needs a shake…the ashtray needs emptying…’ which are both powerful and amusing when sang so poetically by the backing singer. Although not a standout track, this is the turning point of the story and so very important…7.5/10

6. Get Out Of My House

We never quite find out why, but an argument ensues between the ‘happy couple’. The track launches into life with Simone herself asking Skinner to ‘Go…get out of my house…please…’ The disagreement turns into a slanging match as each party relates their problems with the other. Simone whinges ‘I needed you to come over man, I needed you to have been there...when I was throwin’ up all mornin’ and it was all in my hair…’ leaving Skinner to respond with the fact that he needed to sort out his pills, ‘stock up my stash’. The song is driven along by a whiney, piercing melody, and a crunchy drum beat that leaves the argument to take prominence. A nice touch is that as Simone rants and raves, Skinner can be heard in the background, muttering away as he tries to calm his frustrated girlfriend. An interesting track which some may find irritating, but has a great structure and narrative. 7/10

7. Fit But You Know It

The first single from the album is also one of the best. A fast, driving, almost indie-esque guitar driven rant about the classic specimen of girl, who is quite literally, fit, but knows it – much to the frustration of Skinner and his companions. Especially when his arch enemy, the ‘white shirted man’ seems to be getting on very well with the girl in question. The song takes place ‘on location’ – a lads holiday in Ibiza – sun, sea, sand, sex and alcohol. Skinner argues with his conscience (what do I give a f**k, I got a girlfriend anyway) as the temptation of the holiday mistress builds. A true lads anthem, this was a great choice for the first single – and although quite similar to breakthrough single ‘Don’t mug yourself’, this track, for me, still holds its own, despite a lot a radio airplay. 9/10

8. Such A Twat

A great title and a great line in a song based around a phone conversation between Skinner and one of his holiday mates. It is here we realise that temptation proved too great and that a night of Balearic passion was enjoyed by the now regretful Skinner. It is clear that he is not feeling too good about his unfaithfulness (but I could have ruined it, im such a twat!). The song also humourously examines the foibles of mobile phones – one verse is simply ended by a loud shout of ‘oh, f**king phones, man!’ as the line goes dead. Again, this track is more of a filler chapter than a pivotal one, but nonetheless, is held together by humour and that one terrific line. 7/10

9. What Is He Thinking

Another slightly more mysterious section portrays the suspicion between mates Skinner, Dan and Simon as they try to read each others feelings over an incedent involving a coat and Simone. The track is built up with one of the most infectious, bassy backing melodies on the album, which prepares you for the anger in this track. The verses are exchanged between Skinner and Simon, both parties expressing a lot of anxiety and worry. The one downside to this song is that it is possibly, story wise, the most difficult to understand. It certainly takes a few listens to gauge exactly what has happened and who is trying to side with who. Once you get past this barrier of confusion, the song becomes one of the most expressive and high octane tracks – you can sense the levels of angst and the tension in the group. 6.5/10 initially, rising to 8/10.

10. Dry Your Eyes

A very different style is adopted for this emotional second single. This is the closest the streets will ever come to a slushy ballad. It is actually incredibly refreshing to hear such a clichéd pop music topic (a break up) expressed in Skinners individual style. The intro is very orchestral, with sweeping violins, and a fat brassy note leading into a soft, strummy guitar backing. It is at first unusual to hear Skinner talk so softly, yet still with inner city arrogance in his voice – exemplified by the line ‘proper sorry frown’ The chorus comes close to inspirational for the brokenhearted amongst us…

‘Dry your eyes, mate,
I know it’s hard to take but her mind has been made up,
There’s plenty more fish in the sea…
Dry your eyes, mate,
I know you want to make her see how much this pain hurts,
But you’ve got to walk away now…it’s over…’

You only have to listen to this track once (and, as the second single, you probably have) to see that there is real, raw emotion here – it would be wrong to say it ‘shows his sensitive side’ but it does bring some welcome variety to an overall quite raucous, angst-driven sound. Having been released as a single, Dry your eyes has lost some of its potency, but it remains a very unique track on an already unique album. 9/10

11. Empty Cans

The final track brings the story to a close…and adds a twist. I will not go into depth, to keep the ending a secret, but you will be pleasantly surprised. A total contrast to the previous track, Empty Cans sees Skinner really coming to terms with the break up – in a rather uncomfortable way. This track harkens back to the aggressive side of the streets’ sound, with a booming, growling beat, and incredibly angry lyrics – including an inspired chorus ending with the line ‘you know what you can do with your life, introduce it up your jacksie…’ An impressively strong end to the album, ensuring it does not merely peter out, but builds to a powerful climax.

After listening through the album once, I listened through it again, this time pressing the ‘repeat all’ button. Even now, I notice little niceties of the story that add to it in many ways.

Despite a seemingly glowing review here, after careful consideration I still think that debut album ‘Original Pirate Material’ is overall a more complete record. However, Skinner has taken on a difficult task in creating a concept album – telling a story while preserving the streets sound that is so gritty and realistic. His ‘Urban Poetry’ once again is hugely thought provoking and enjoyable. Quite simply, ‘a grand don’t come for free’ is a triumph.

Look out for the (slightly x-rated) video to ‘Blinded by the lights’ on music channels, or on www.the-streets.co.uk

Thanks for reading, hope you enjoy the album as much as I (still) do!