Well, i'm a student in South Essex, currently studying my 'A' levels.
Well, i'm a student in South Essex, currently studying my 'A' levels.
Member since:06.07.2001
Reviews:26
Members who trust:9
Forgive me as I write this opinion as I’m listening, as I’m writing this op on a ‘first-listen’ basis, so the opinion may seem fragmented into ‘tracks’.
The album begins with ‘Sing’, which is inevitable considering it’s success in the charts. This, to say the least, is very uplifting to say the least, whilst, similar to Toploader, is great to relax to.
Track two, ‘Dear Diary’, is very eerie, and from this experience, it is very hard to concentrate on the lyrics, as the very penetrating sound rattles through my head. To be honest, the piercing sound of a faint electric guitar is very monotonous to say the least, and the 2.57 length of this track couldn’t be any shorter.
Track three, ‘Side’, is considerably more uplifting, and sounds very similar to ‘Sing’, in the sense that the guitar, played by the lead singer, Fran Healey along with his original voice, make this a very warming track. However, the lyrics sound very cliché-ish , in a sense that you feel that you’ve heard them before, however despite this, they’re very inspiring to say the least. However, this is a very welcome track and more than makes up for the disappointing track two.
Track
four, ‘Pipe Dreams’, begins, again with Travis’ trademark guitar, along with the distinctive voice of Fran. Again, with the use of the drums and guitar, this sounds similar to ‘Sing’, however unlike the previous track, the lyrics feel that they have a very strong feeling and meaning to them - it feels the track has been written from a very strong past experience, and this conveys very well into the form and structure of the song itself.
‘Flowers In The Window’ is Travis’ fifth track, sounds very similar to U2’s ‘Angel Of Harlem’, which is also a very welcome addition to the album, whilst the lyrics, similar to the previous track, remain very inspiring, almost although they’re written about a past experience of love. Overall, a very uplifting and pleasing track.
The sixth track, ‘The Cage’, again, the lyrics prove very thought provoking, and feel as though again, they’ve been drawn from a past experience of love. Although sounding a little like ‘Driftwood’ this is another great track and a great addition to the album, and in a strange way, sounds very similar, yet very different (due to the lyrics) to many of Travis’ other songs.
Track seven, ‘Safe’, on first impressions sounded a little ‘depressing’, to say the least. However once the lyrics begin, this proves to be yet another uplifting song, which, although sounding similar to many of the previous tracks, is still very enjoyable. Again, another thought provoking track which, although a little repetitive, is still very original.
‘Follow The Light’ is a welcome break from the consistent style of songs seen throughout this album so far. Yes, the traditional guitar is still present, however drums similar to those heard in the song ‘Rock The Casbah’ by The Clash provide a very welcome deviation from the repetitive style of music seen throughout the album so far. Again, a very inspiring track, feeling as though it’s taken from past life experiences, which, in my opinion, is the best track on the album so far.
Sounding very mystical to begin with, ‘Last Train’ sounds like the previous tracks from track seven and before. However, similar to track two, listening to the lyrics is very difficult, as the style of this song seems to take your mind on an imaginary journey. The title reflects the nature of the song entirely, in a sense that although you don’t directly listen to the lyrics, they are unconsciously very thought provoking.
Again, commencing with the ever so familiar guitar, ‘Afterglow’ feels very independent from the rest of the songs so far, as the subtle electric guitar provides an enjoyable, pleasant break from the partly monotonous style offered by the previous tracks. Fran Healey’s lyrics also provide a further ‘edge’ to the song, which blend beautifully with the general flow of the song itself.
Sounding very similar to the style of David Gray, ‘Indefinitely’ is more laid back and relaxed when compared to the previous tracks on this album. The incorporation of strings into this song also add to the relaxed feeling of this song, whilst also add an extra element of emotion. The end of the track is rather like a cliffhanger, with the use of a sampled sound of a bedside clock incorporated into the end.
‘The Humpty Dumpty Love Song’ provides a very soothing end to the album, incorporating a mix of both guitar, drums and strings, which blend together beautifully. The lyrics, although sounding a little drowned out during the louder parts of the song, are nevertheless thought provoking, whilst the orchestral ending to the song provides a very soothing end to the album
To conclude, this is a very enjoyable and uplifting album. Although the tracks seem very repetitive, this is due to the individual style offered by Travis, and in my opinion, so long as the album is not listened to on a daily basis, this compilation will grow on you over time. However, although the tracks feel uplifting, it feels that it will be great to listen to when feeling a little down, as it provides great, thought provoking lyrics.
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The Invisible Bandmarks no major change in direction for Travis but this is no bad thing. ... more
That Travis are the most simplistic of the post-Radiohead groups may not sound like the heartiest of compliments but it undoubtedly accounts for their massive app...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
The Invisible Band marks no major change in direction for Travis but this is no bad thing. ... more
That Travis are the most simplistic of the post-Radiohead groups may not sound like the heartiest of compliments but it undoubtedly accounts for their massive ap...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 1 to 3 weeks...
Advantages: Easy to listen to, excellent lyrics, good musical accompaniment, great album to work to Disadvantages: None really, apart from the fact that there were only 12 tracks
Advantages: Great sound of and tunes written by Fran Healy. Includes the excellent releases such as 'Turn,' Writing to Reach You,' and 'Why Does It Always Rain on Me?' Disadvantages: ?
Jul 16th, 2001
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