Music Of The Spheres - Ian Brown

Hmm. So I come to write an opinion on one of the late twentieth centuries most influential musicians and find that, not only is there no category for Brown's new album, "Music of the Spheres," but Ian Brown himself has no category. Well, apart from being dismayed about the fact that no other Ciaoer seems to have picked up on this and added the category themselves, I decided it was about time that the former Stone Roses frontman had his ...
...Ian Brown is pushing 40. He's a dad, who's days in the sun should be long over now - the Stone Roses, despite being one of, if not the, greatest band in the late 80's/early 90's Indie era (and I mean proper Indie, not O-bloody-asis) are long gone, and, although their songs live on everywhere students gather together, Brown as a solo artist has had very limited success. His first two albums, "Golden Greats" and "Unfinished Monkey Business," ... more

Hmm. So I come to write an opinion on one of the late twentieth centuries most influential musicians and find that, not only is there no category for Brown's new album, "Music of the Spheres," but Ian Brown himself has no category. Well, apart from being dismayed about the fact that no other Ciaoer seems to have picked up on this and added the category themselves, I decided it was about time that the former Stone Roses frontman had his own section. Let's hope this gets through.

Ian Brown is pushing 40. He's a dad, who's days in the sun should be long over now - the Stone Roses, despite being one of, if not the, greatest band in the late 80's/early 90's Indie era (and I mean proper Indie, not O-bloody-asis) are long gone, and, although their songs live on everywhere students gather together, Brown as a solo artist has had very limited success. His first two albums, "Golden Greats" and "Unfinished Monkey Business," bombed, both critically and commercially, and showed absolutely no sign whatsoever of Brown reaching his former glory. With the third album being the one that usually makes or breaks an artist, and after already having been given a second chance which most of his Mad-chester contemporaries never received, one had to believe that this would be his last chance of making it on his own...

Apparantly, according to a review on Teletext, Ian Brown had said that this album would surpass the Stone Rosos glittering eponymous debut. Hmmm... That is indeed a lofty goal, and one that few sane people will have taken seriously. And they would have been right to take the claim with a pinch of salt. That however, does not detract from what is, in fact, a damn fine album in it's own right, and by far Brown's finest solo work to date.

Anyone who has heard the single "FEAR" might have an inkling of what to hope for. And the fact is, the rest of the album lives up to those lofty expectations. Because, although being lauded by many as Ian's finest solo offering to date, "FEAR" does not stand head and shoulders above the rest of the album. Although undoubtably an absolute cracker, it has to be said that there is a lot of competition for the best track here, and while for some, "FEAR" might just edge it, for others it will be the equally impressive "Shadow of a Saint," or my own favourite, "Whispers." Either way, there is something for everyone.

But while Brown may have been waxing lyrical about how the album outshines his past, the music, for the most part is looking to the future, utilising many samples, as well as computerised clicks and beeps, which gives the disc a very futuristic feel. Also, for many tracks, the musical aspect has been pared down somewhat, allowing Brown's still-emotive vocals to do the work over simple backings and melodies. And, while moving ever forward, there are signs that the monkeyman can still ressurect his Roses glory days, particularly on tracks "Bubbles" (which also seems, at the start at least, to owe quite a debt to the Chemical Brothers) and "Whispers."

Then of course there are the quirky little tunes which no album is complete without. After going all instrumental on the ambient"Hear No See No," it's time for a real relaxation trip with the absolutely gorgeous "Northern Lights." For some reason, we are also treated to the surreal sound of Brown's Mancunian drawl taking on Spanish in "El Mundo Pequeno." More surprising than that though, is the fact that it comes off tremendously well.

Overall, it would appear that Ian Brown is back - finally - on form. It may have taken nearly ten years for him to produce an album of consistent quality, but it has been worth the wait. After the disappointment of his previous solo outings, those indie kids finally have something worth being happy about. It's just a shame that it will never get anything like the credit or chart position it deserves, thanks to the simultaneous release of Victoria Beckham's "music," and this nation's populace's predeliction for anything with a repetetive beat, crap lyrics and/or an attractive singer/band pouting behind the microphone. Still, this album, and the re-emergence of Ian Brown, gives us all something to be optimistic about, and the fact that his new material is of such quality makes me hope that maybe, just maybe, radio stations might take a risk and actually play something that is worthy of a chart position. Probably not, but we can hope.

Yes, the Indie heyday may be dead and gone, but at least one of it's bastions carries on. The Stone Roses are dead; Long live King Ian. 

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