Starsailor burst onto the music scene this year with a stunning debut album. From the moment it starts to the end of the 11 tracks the genius and talent of the boys is obvious. Each song could be a greatly successful single, their sound of soft lyrics, smooth guitars and pianos, pure vocals and all tied together with great melodies and a calm finish. Think I like this album. Your right then.
Starsailor are a relatively new band, the current form came together in early part of 2000. They are all from the Northern town of Chorley, and comprise of four members. James Walsh is the lead singer, he is a terrific talent, producing smooth polished words to fill the album. Other band members are James Stelfox, Ben Bryne and Barry Waterhead. All songs were written by then band, and in the case of ‘Fever’ produced by them as well. The majority of the tracks though were produced by Steve Osborne. The album was released by Chrysalis and EMI.
Other boring stuff, the cover of the album is arty, with a photo of a train line that leads off into the distance
before disappearing. The inlay has some more of these pictures, and is produced on good quality thick paper, but as I often moan no lyrics. For this it is a shame I would have liked to have read a bit more into them, as they are at times sublime. Back cover has another picture, with all the tracks printed in black text. I got this album of CD-WOW for the low price of £8.99, even better value, though in this case I would have been prepared to pay high street prices for this.
Lyrically and vocally this album is superb. The piano is more involved, often outplaying the acoustic guitars, but there is a bit of variety on the album, some have more guitar and drumming than others, but all are worked really well so the songs come across with real feeling.
The songs, well like I said each one could be a potential single. The three singles will probably be recognized with a few of you, ‘Fever’ ‘Good Souls’ and ‘Alcoholic’ where I took the title from. I really brought this on hearing the single ‘Alcoholic’, a great song, and also on a few recommendations from close mates. At the first listen I picked out these tracks as familiar, but over time some others have really grown on me.
The album opens with ‘Tie Up My Hands’, not the best opener, starts slow then builds up. ‘Poor Misguided Fool’ is quicker and rockier than some of the others, moving at a fast pace, and great chorus line with power. Still got all the acoustic guitars in, one of my personal favourites in the early stages. Next comes one of the biggest singles ‘Alcoholic’. It has some great words, the first display of the lyrical talents, but again starts slow before building up to a good finish with piano and drums in the backing.
The piano playing, which is a good feature of the album is more obvious on the following track: ‘Lullaby’. Another single, so people may know it, but there is a slower feel to it, helped out with guitars and soft drumming. A more sad tone to the next song is ‘Way to a Fall’, but it ends on a high. The lyrics are darker, beginning slower to finish well, another good quality track,
‘Fever’ is another really good track. Apparently it was released as a single, but I never got round to hearing it, but it was my loss. A nice song, again no real speed, but the guitar and very easy lyrics pull it through. ‘She Just Wept’ is another dark song, much more depressing with painful parts put across well. Not always my type, but again great quality vocals throughout. ‘Talk her Down’ is more upbeat, a nicer tone more to my choice. More involved guitars and a nicer feel all the way.
The title track ‘Love is Here’ is a slower paced song, again more piano playing is a nice touch. Followed by ‘Good Souls’ the single is better, quicker and lively about as much as you get on this album. I found the singles a fair reflection on the album in general, so if you are in any doubt get hold of some of them and have a listen.
‘Coming Down’ is again quite quick, backed up with more great lyrics and vocals, well worth a listen to. I think there must be a hidden track at the end of this, there is a very long pause followed by a brief song, but seems very silly to me, or am I missing the point of these hidden tracks?
There certainly is plenty of hype around these people, undoubtedly they are hot talent, even better hot British talent. A lot better than the stuff that fills the chart, but I was still a bit apprehensive with all the talk surrounding them. My advice to people is to ignore it, take it from me: they deserve every good thing, they are fantastically talented and you will not regret getting this.
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I first came to notice them by watching Jools' Holland's late show a few months back and listening to Fever, which grabbed me straight away - what a song. Great stuff. R :)
marsden 04.11.2001 12:37
Great op, the album is superb - I bought it the other day. Fantastic. Ta.
litebite 02.11.2001 20:37
I like Good Souls but Alcoholic is a bit whiney. But good review, will take a look.
AlthoughLove Is Here, Starsailor's anxious, soulful folk and urban blues nuanced inaugural ... more
album will be less of a culture shock to any scene-follower who experienced, say, Tom McRae's debut from 2000, it will certainly jolt the core beliefs and common...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Although Love Is Here, Starsailor's anxious, soulful folk and urban blues nuanced ... more
inaugural album will be less of a culture shock to any scene-follower who experienced, say, Tom McRae's debut from 2000, it will certainly jolt the core beliefs and commo...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Advantages: Ideal for lying in the sun with a loved one- or in a darkened room on your own.. Disadvantages: 5 songs previously released in one form or another so possibly not the best value for existing fans.
KingMonkey 17.10.2001 (17.10.2001)
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Review of Love Is Here - Starsailor
Oct 31st, 2001
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