A review of the new Elbow Album - The Seldom Seen Kid
Elbow are one of those bands that seem to have been around for years, plodding along churning out an album every couple of years, achieving critical acclaim from seemingly everyone yet their sales seem modest and the term 'cult' has ... Read review
There are few things in life quite so liberating as the opening track on an Elbow ... more
album--they're like airlocks between the plainness of the outside world and the elaborate melancholic heave-ho that you are likely about to submerge yourself in. Followin...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
There are few things in life quite so liberating as the opening track on an Elbow ... more
album--they're like airlocks between the plainness of the outside world and the elaborate melancholic heave-ho that you are likely about to submerge yourself in. Following predecessors "Any Day Now", "Ribcage" and "Station Approach", "Starlings" opens their fourth album The Seldom Seen Kid rising from a bed of tumbling electronic subtlety like a depressed Atari game loading up, adding bare touches of piano, glimpses of ambient guitar, out of body background vocals, an understated pulse and a wisp of strings, before--EXCELSIS!--a fanfare avalanche of horns crashes the gate and elevates things to gasping palatial heights, before Guy Garvey's inimitable gravel tone and wrenchingly poetic reinterpretations of the everyday announce their arrival proper. It's astonishing, by far the most progressive moment on the album and if anything it sets the bar too high. But even when the pace dips, and songs like "Mirrorball" and "Weather to Fly" don't distinguish themselves quite enough, their textural peerlessness remains. This is a beautiful sounding record. Their collaboration with Richard Hawley may be more of a curiosity than a thing of beauty, but the highs, the riffing cross-stitch of "Ground for Divorce", the desolate grandeur of "The Loneliness of a Tower Crane Driver" and the enlightened string-laden anthem "On a Day Like This" (like their own Sound of Music--only substitute the Alpine peaks for a Manchester high-rise) number amongst the best of their career. --James Berry
Postage & Packaging:Free! Availability:Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
From theirdebut Asleep At The Back to 2005's Leaders Of The Free World,each Elbow album ... more
has shown more depth and emotion than the last,The Seldom Seen Kid keeps the band on this upward trajectory.Recorded by the band at their own facility within Salfords Blueprint Studios, The Elbow Room, and for the first timeproduced by keyboard player, Craig Potter, there's a new feelingabout the album that sounds instantly appealing. The album alsosees the band start a new relationship with Fiction Records. As ever withElbow albums The Seldom Seen Kid sees Guy Garvey address the keyquestions of life, love, loss and relationships, but severalmembers of the band have recently become fathers and this is agrown up record, as befits any bands fourth effort, and is designedto be listened to as a whole. The album is dedicated to their closefriend Bryan Glancy, a Mancunian singer/songwriter who died in2006. Starlingssets the tone of the album from the off, big noise followed by atale of a would be lover, this is followed by The Bones Of Youwith an almost Spanish feel to it, and Mirrorball a softly sungballad about a new arrival to the family is in more traditionalElbow mood. Grounds For Divorce is a song about just that,believe it or not! There is a jazzy mid-paced feel to An AudienceWith The Pope, The Loneliness of a Tower Crane Driver meldsElbows musical ability to create epic heartfelt soundtracks. Thenthere is a moment of musical departure when, for the first timeever on an Elbow album there is a duet on The Fix with RichardHawley, and fans of the big 'stadium' moment won't be disappointedeither by One Day Like This, a soaring, uplifting 6 minutes plusof rock that will capture you, and finally the string saturatedclosing tribute to their pal Bryan Friend Of Ours which seesGlancy whisper Love You Mate at the end. Guy Garveyhas said This record is the one of which we are most proud formany reasons but to put it very simply we did it all on our own.Craig has taken the helm and we have recorded produced and mixedthe whole thing without any outside help. He sounds very proud ofit, and so he should be.
There are few things in life quite so liberating as the opening track on an Elbow ... more
album--they're like airlocks between the plainness of the outside world and the elaborate melancholic heave-ho that you are likely about to submerge yourself in. Following predecessors "Any Day Now", "Ribcage" and "Station Approach", "Starlings" opens their fourth albumThe Seldom Seen Kidrising from a bed of tumbling electronic subtlety like a depressed Atari game loading up, adding bare touches of piano, glimpses of ambient guitar, out of body background vocals, an understated pulse and a wisp of strings, before--EXCELSIS!--a fanfare avalanche of horns crashes the gate and elevates things to gasping palatial heights, before Guy Garvey's inimitable gravel tone and wrenchingly poetic reinterpretations of the everyday announce their arrival proper. It's astonishing, by far the most progressive moment on the album and if anything it sets the bar too high. But even when the pace dips, and songs like "Mirrorball" and "Weather to Fly" don't distinguish themselves quite enough, their textural peerlessness remains. This is a beautiful sounding record. Their collaboration with Richard Hawley may be more of a curiosity than a thing of beauty, but the highs, the riffing cross-stitch of "Ground for Divorce", the desolate grandeur of "The Loneliness of a Tower Crane Driver" and the enlightened string-laden anthem "On a Day Like This" (like their ownSound of Music--only substitute the Alpine peaks for a Manchester high-rise) number amongst the best of their career.--James Berry
Postage & Packaging:£1.21 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
There are few things in life quite so liberating as the opening track on an Elbow ... more
album--they're like airlocks between the plainness of the outside world and the elaborate melancholic heave-ho that you are likely about to submerge yourself in. Following predecessors "Any Day Now", "Ribcage" and "Station Approach", "Starlings" opens their fourth albumThe Seldom Seen Kidrising from a bed of tumbling electronic subtlety like a depressed Atari game loading up, adding bare touches of piano, glimpses of ambient guitar, out of body background vocals, an understated pulse and a wisp of strings, before--EXCELSIS!--a fanfare avalanche of horns crashes the gate and elevates things to gasping palatial heights, before Guy Garvey's inimitable gravel tone and wrenchingly poetic reinterpretations of the everyday announce their arrival proper. It's astonishing, by far the most progressive moment on the album and if anything it sets the bar too high. But even when the pace dips, and songs like "Mirrorball" and "Weather to Fly" don't distinguish themselves quite enough, their textural peerlessness remains. This is a beautiful sounding record. Their collaboration with Richard Hawley may be more of a curiosity than a thing of beauty, but the highs, the riffing cross-stitch of "Ground for Divorce", the desolate grandeur of "The Loneliness of a Tower Crane Driver" and the enlightened string-laden anthem "On a Day Like This" (like their ownSound of Music--only substitute the Alpine peaks for a Manchester high-rise) number amongst the best of their career.--James Berry
Postage & Packaging:£1.21 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
There are few things in life quite so liberating as the opening track on an Elbow ... more
album--they're like airlocks between the plainness of the outside world and the elaborate melancholic heave-ho that you are likely about to submerge yourself in. Following predecessors "Any Day Now", "Ribcage" and "Station Approach", "Starlings" opens their fourth albumThe Seldom Seen Kidrising from a bed of tumbling electronic subtlety like a depressed Atari game loading up, adding bare touches of piano, glimpses of ambient guitar, out of body background vocals, an understated pulse and a wisp of strings, before--EXCELSIS!--a fanfare avalanche of horns crashes the gate and elevates things to gasping palatial heights, before Guy Garvey's inimitable gravel tone and wrenchingly poetic reinterpretations of the everyday announce their arrival proper. It's astonishing, by far the most progressive moment on the album and if anything it sets the bar too high. But even when the pace dips, and songs like "Mirrorball" and "Weather to Fly" don't distinguish themselves quite enough, their textural peerlessness remains. This is a beautiful sounding record. Their collaboration with Richard Hawley may be more of a curiosity than a thing of beauty, but the highs, the riffing cross-stitch of "Ground for Divorce", the desolate grandeur of "The Loneliness of a Tower Crane Driver" and the enlightened string-laden anthem "On a Day Like This" (like their ownSound of Music--only substitute the Alpine peaks for a Manchester high-rise) number amongst the best of their career.--James Berry
Postage & Packaging:£1.21 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: Some of their best work yet Disadvantages: couple of weak links
...new Elbow Album - The Seldom Seen Kid==
Elbow are one of those bands that seem to have been around for years, plodding along churning out an album every couple of years, achieving critical acclaim from seemingly everyone yet their sales seem modest and the term 'cult' has never been more apparent. I have personally been a fan of the band since their first album 'Asleep in the back' but must admit that despite owning all their ... ...of strength. So would 'The Seldom seen kid' change my mind?
Known for their evocative lyrics and working class like style Elbow have been around since the late 90s and this, 'The Seldom Seen Kid' is their forth long player and having peaked at #5 in the recent album charts its their highest chart position to date. Dedicated and based in many placed to close friend Brian Glancy (The seldom seen kid) this album is arguably the Manchester ... more
A review of the new Elbow Album - The Seldom Seen Kid
Elbow are one of those bands that seem to have been around for years, plodding along churning out an album every couple of years, achieving critical acclaim from seemingly everyone yet their sales seem modest and the term 'cult' has never been more apparent. I have personally been a fan of the band since their first album 'Asleep in the back' but must admit that despite owning all their material I have found that I tend to really have strong affections with certain tracks and not always whole albums from this band, especially the last album 'leaders of the free world' which I felt, personally represented a gradual decline from the first record in terms of strength. So would 'The Seldom seen kid' change my mind?
Known for their evocative lyrics and working class like style Elbow have been around since the late 90s and this, 'The Seldom Seen Kid' is their forth long player and having peaked at #5 in the recent album charts its their highest chart position to date. Dedicated and based in many placed to close friend Brian Glancy (The seldom seen kid) this album is arguably the Manchester five pieces best work yet. Here is my review of each track: -
Starlings
One of the reasons I lost love for Elbow in the last few albums was the amount of mundane, downcast tracks that didn't really seem to get going. Admittedly, this is the very style that Elbow are famous for, but often there are songs that I feel just go a little bit too much the other way. I thought this could be the case for this album, judging by this opener, which struggles to pick up speed despite various gusts of orchestral noises throughout the track. Slow but steady start 7/10
The Bones of You
This is more like it, gentle but uplifting acoustic guitars alongside simple drums before the track really kicks in with a thumping bass and the inevitable breathy vocals of Guy Garvey. In fact as the track reaches half way there is an influx of almost thrash like guitar solos as well as several backing vocal tracks that add substance and give an extension to the existing Elbow sound. Guy sings lines like "_and I cant move my arm for fear that you will wake_" as you begin to appreciate this song as a standout 9/10
Mirrorball
A return back to the downbeat style (well couldn't expect a full albums worth of the previous track could we?) yet this gives much more than starlings with a delicate chorus coupled with strings "_we made the moon our mirrorball, the streets an empty stage_" illustrates that all the previous Elbow qualities are in here and more. Impressive 9/10
Grounds for Divorce
Lead single, and arguably their best ever. Fantastic country style guitar riff, which holds the track together alongside Guys, once more, incredible lyrics and vocals. The song is something I never thought I would hear from Elbow, very direct yet still sticking to their strengths. A reference to the album title is heard in the first line "_Monday is for drinking to the seldom seen kid_" 10/10
An Audience with the pope
The album just gets better and better. By this point it is beginning to form a steady flow due to the albums well thought out track listing. "_I have an audience with the pope and Im saving the world at eight" is sung to do justice to Guy's poetic-like lyrics. The guitars in the song are fairly minimal, only played as background to Guy as the focal point. This track is another accessible track that feature heavily on the album though its not the sound of selling out, far from it. Just the sound of a band finding some consistency with their sound and writing 9/10
Weather to Fly
Simple piano and Guy hitting the high notes gently in the minute before the track gathers pace. It starts as if it is going to be a downcast one from the past but it breaks into life and becomes another strong track from this, fast becoming, great album. The vocals at the start of "_are we having the time of our lives_" is looped over and over to give a great sound of guys vocals lapsing over one another. The song also features a crescendo of brass at the end, and the realisation of another triumph 9/10
The Loneliness of a tower crane driver
Typical Elbow-esque title and the track pans out how you would imagine, the inevitable melancholy shinning through. The track begins with slow drums alongside the tale of the tower crane driver, who is obviously lonely with occasional choruses that almost stop the music completely as it breaks down. The highlight is towards the end of the song where Guys vocals just go through the roof with regards to passion and commitment. The album is obviously very personal and this comes through almost every track 8/10
The Fix
As far as I am aware this is the first duet Elbow have ever done, though Guy has produced a couple of I am Kloot albums. This one is done with Sheffield singer songwriter legend Richard Hawley who lends vocals, guitars and writing credits singing alongside an effective keyboard backing track. The duet works well and is a good match of styles and vocals 8/10
Some Riot
This was one that initially didn't grab me but now has grown to become one of my favourites. Of their mellow sound this is all the best bits rolled into one. Starting with a near minute of piano playing, almost with little purpose like a jam to becoming a piano chord sequence looping over to accommodate Guy's vocals. "and its breaking my heart to pour like the rain_" is the cry, again from Guys passionate vocals. Its one of those tracks that you can imagine mid set in a live setting would be one of the standout songs due to the intensity of the way it has been written 9/10
One Day like This
This song is the lead single for the U.S and although 'Grounds for Divorce' is fantastic this could have easily been the one over here in the UK. Soaked in strings, this is arguably the most uplifting thing Elbow has ever released. Although tucked away towards the end of the album it is worth the wait. The track builds up and up, both musically and then the vocals and backing vocals from the Elbow Choir (as written in the cover) singing "_throw those curtains wide, one day like this a year would see me right_"; emphasising the brightness of the sound. By the end your left thinking the reason it isn't at the start of the album is because anything that follows would undoubtedly be a disappointment. 10/10
Friend of Ours
It's fitting that the album should officially end with the most obvious tribute to their friend Bryan. Few lyrics but all fitting such as "_never very good at goodbyes_" you get the picture of this emotional send off. Not one of the strongest on the album but few could argue of its conclusion and message 7/10
Were Away
Exclusive bonus track carries on where 'Friend of Ours' left off, more in the style of the early Elbow. Again, not one of the stronger ones, in fact a bit of a damp squid to end what for me is a highly enjoyable album 6/10
Good Points
The album has some of their best work on it. Not renowned for their blazing guitar riffs 'Grounds for Divorce' has to be one of the singles of the year as it encapsulates everything fantastic about the band whilst demonstrating a new dimension. In reference to consistency I think this is their best yet as there are few songs where you are reaching for the I-Pod/CD player/Remote to skip tracks and in actual fact as an album it flows really well and each track is clearly carefully thought out for the listener.
The album cover and inlay include the lyrics, hence my small quotes from, which few bands still do (the ones I buy anyway) and a run down of all the musical input. The whole package is here and makes you feel bit better that you have been bothered to buy it than download.
Bad Points
Little to criticise other than one or two tracks are slightly poorer than others. Part of that is because the tracks that are good would make anyone else sound pretty useless though a couple on here are weak links but that shouldn't put anyone off.
Price
As it is a new album most places are charging around the standard £10 mark though I would be tempted to look for online outlets that give free delivery (such as play.com) to get cheaper offers. It is well worth playing the £10 for, there is much to listen to over and over.
Individual tracks to listen to
For those who aren't convinced the single 'Grounds for Divorce' and 'One day like this' are the standouts here and are worth downloading as a taster to see if you would like the rest of the album. For their early material tracks such as 'Red', 'Powder Blue', 'Fallen Angel' and 'Fugitive Motel' are all well worth searching for on i-tunes or even for free via music videos on Youtube.
Overall
Though a concept album about a friend and from a band known for being on the more miserable side, you would be right in thinking the album would shape up to be a 'same old, same old'; far from it! The album is uplifting in many places and represents their best work yet. NME have given them an impressive 9/10 for now each of their four albums but for me this by far surpasses certainly the previous album, which for me represented a run out of ideas. If anyone has not got anything by Elbow then this is probably a good album to start a collection. Produced by themselves perhaps this album was always going to represent the real Elbow. If that's the case then roll on album number five!
Advantages: Fantastic music and songs Disadvantages: None
Elbow is one of Britain's best bands. The times discribed it like that.
I strongly agree.
I got this cd from my friend as chrismas gift of 2008. My friend told me, many people talked aobut Elbow today, I suppose you would like it too.
He' s right. I really LOVE Elbow. Not only the music, also the songs that when you hear you would never forget. I like the vocals Guy Garvey.He's a great genius.
This CD has 11 singles. My favorite three ones are ... ...The name of cd is from the single song Grounds for divorce.
By the way, this cd was a winner of Nationwide mercury prize of 2008, album of the year. I think they really deserved the title.
It would be my favorite collection and I will keep my eyes open on theri new CD . I think in near future Elbow would reach a higher lever of their carrer. At last Elbow would be one of the greatest rock groups in history around the world. ...
happysh2009 01.04.2009
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Seldom Seen Kid, The - Elbow
Advantages: absolute delight to listen to. Disadvantages: none
This was a eagerly awaited album for me i expected perfection from elbow on this album and i think i got more than i expected. this album is bliss, i think everyone could love this album if you have heard of elbow or not, every song has real meaning very rare in bands at the moment, its pure perfection. i could never choose a favorite song on this album because they are so unique in every way but one day like this is marvelous. i have fallen in love ... ...good 2 year ago, i just been to see then the other week and they where amazing. the song 'the fix' is really good on this album too, all about fixing a horse race, Guy Garvey sings this song with Richard Hawley believe it or not and its excellent. the only thing wrong with this album is that its addictive and you can get enough of it. I have only owned this album for 2 weeks now and i have must have listened to it over 20 times, its a very 'moreish' ...
liam0o0o0 13.04.2008
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Seldom Seen Kid, The - Elbow
Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency...
How does it compare to ...
Value for Money
Similar reviews »
Reviews which might be of interest for "Seldom Seen Kid, The - Elbow"
Advantages: Vocals, Lyrics, folksy brilliance Disadvantages: A little hard to get into, a grower rather than an initial lover
was beaten by Elbow and their album "The SeldomSeenKid"), but this added publicity should help her show what she's really able to do.
The album the first 2 times I tried to listen to it managed to get to the third track before I wisely declared "She's a one trick pony, Ghosts is brilliant the rest seems to be pretty crap", but after finally sticking it on my phone and giving it a listen properly I've got to admit I've totally fallen in love with the album
The album opens with the wonderful song "Ghosts" (or "Ghosts (that broke my heart")) which is personally my favourite track from the album, and the song that got me into Miss Marling after it was played on Colin Murray's Radio 1 show. The song is high tempo'd catchy and yet simple folk, that paints brilliant pictures. Lyrically is't one of those smart but easy songs, vocally Luara ...
Product Information for "Seldom Seen Kid, The - Elbow" »
Product details
Title
Seldom Seen Kid, The
Performer
Elbow
Genre
Rock & Pop
Sub Genre
Alternative
Release Date
17/03/2008
Original Release Year
2008
Label / Distributor
Fiction / Universal Music
Pieces in Set
1
Studio / Live
Studio
Format
Performer
EAN
602517640986
Catalogue Number
1764098
Additional notes
Album Notes
Epic post-rock tinged emotional indie stalwarts Elbow release their fourth album 'The Seldom Seen Kid', another staunch and anthemic collection of songs. The tense and emotional sound of previous records remains, but with a distinctly more commercial riff-based template, particularly on lead single 'Grounds For Divorce'. The band produced the record themselves, as with previous outings, lending it a homespun quality that would be out of synch with any external influence. Revered by their peers as a reliably independent act, Elbow have created a subtly innovative extension of their sound and scope with 'The Seldom Seen Kid'.
Titles on disc 1
1.
Starlings
2.
Bones Of You
3.
Mirrorball
4.
Grounds For Divorce
5.
Audience With The Pope
6.
Weather To Fly
7.
Loneliness Of A Tower Crane Driver
8.
Fix
9.
Some Riot
10.
One Day Like This
11.
Friend Of Ours
12.
We're Away (bonus track)
Ciao
Listed on Ciao since
06/03/2008
Compare Seldom Seen Kid, The - Elbow to other similar Rock & Pop »
Similar products and search queries by other users »
Seldom Elbow, Seldom Seen Elbow, Seldom Kid Elbow, Seldom The Elbow, Seldom Seen Kid Elbow, Seldom Seen The Elbow, Seldom Kid The Elbow, Seldom Seen Kid The Elbow
Are you the manufacturer / provider of Seldom Seen Kid, The - Elbow? Click here
![The Seldom Seen Kid [VINYL] - Elbow](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/91186094.jpg "The Seldom Seen Kid [VINYL] - Elbow")
![I'm Not Dead [PA] - Pink](http://imagesa.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/small/580/prod_small-6397580.jpg)
![River Is Wide, The [Remastered] - Forum (The)](http://imagesb.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/small/251/prod_small-6006251.jpg)
