I ordered the latest Travis album by post and had not seen the album cover before. But, as you can see from the photo, it is quite atrocious. In fact, I was appalled. Not only does it look strange, but once you look inside it, you are presented with a most peculiar array of drab photographs, my favourite being that of a miserable pair of blue curtains. Fortunately, once you get around to actually listening to the CD however, things start to improve, and this is what really matters I guess.
Travis' best-selling 2nd album 'The Man Who' had some great singles on it, yet it could be criticised for containing too many mediocre songs as fillers for the album. And, in my opinion, much the same can be said of 'The Invisible Band', but with greater conviction. When I first listened to this album, and bear in mind that I loved 'The Man Who', I thought it was poor. The songs seemed to merge into one dreary mess, and I was so disappointed. But, I cannot think of any album that has grown on me more, and so quickly too, than this has. I could see no potential singles on the album other than 'Sing', and thought that this would be to Travis what 'Be Here Now' was to Oasis. Now, I still don't rate this as highly as 'The Man Who', but still consider it to be a pretty good album.
The opening song, 'Sing', is the first single release from the album. I'd be surprised if anyone hasn't heard it by now, so I'll limit what I say about it. You can make your own minds up. Undoubtedly, in my view, the best song on the album is 'Side', which has some great lyrics and a catchy tune. Unfortunately, sandwiched between the two best songs is 'Dear Diary', a peculiar little number which I believe relates to lead singer Fran's diary entries. It almost makes me cringe as much as 'Last Laugh' on 'The Man Who'. I can't make my mind up about a few of the songs on the album, and my view of them is greatly affected by what kind of mood I'm in. I'm sure that most of you find that with certain songs and bands. I can hear a song one day and love it, but hate it the next, and then like it again the following week. This is so true of a number of Travis' latest songs. I would include in this group: 'Pipe Dreams', 'Last Train' and 'The Humpty Dumpty Love Song'. Of the remaining songs I would say only this: you either like them or loathe them. Personally, I enjoy listening to 'Flowers In the Window', 'The Cage', 'Follow the Light' and 'Afterglow', but as for 'Safe' and 'Indefinitely' I still think they're rubbish, no matter how many times I hear them!
In summary, I would say the following: if you liked 'The Man Who' then get this album, but if you've never bought a Travis album before, listen to their previous albums first and then decide if you want to invest in the 'Invisible Band'.
The track list for 'The Invisible Band' is as follows:
1. Sing 2. Dear Diary 3. Side 4. Pipe Dreams 5. Flowers In The Window 6. The Cage 7. Safe 8. Follow the Light 9. Last Train 10. Afterglow 11. Indefinitely 12. The Humpty Dumpty Love Song
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you remind me, i gotta borrow this of my mate. Good op, nice to hear which songs you love and loath ~ nadal
BennyRialto 05.09.2001 02:42
Excellent review, and thanks for the comment on my one. I haven't actually seen the booklet because I got a promo copy with just a little inlay cover, so thanks for filling me in on the details. I still think Side and Flowers In The Window are great songs, but it's till an average album. Cheers, BW
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...
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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...
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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: ?
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