Third Twin, The - Eoin Dillon

Advantages: Classic Album by a Canadian Indie Rock Supergroup
Disadvantages: Not Enough Rousing Songs

...The new Pornographers are a very special band, made up of members of a few canadian indie groups. This, their third release, is easily my favourite album of 2005. Not brash, striking, or glamorous, this record is barely an indie album, but with every listen the supreme sense of calm and cheerfulness. In a word, I'd describe the record as "Nice". It's nice in the way that a warm day on a pleasant beach is nice, or a summer evening, or being cuddled up next to the fire on a winters day. But don't get the wrong idea - this is not a downbeat record. Even when things slow down it is still bright and clear, with a casual vide that rocks you through the tracks like a boat on water. The twin voices of Carl Newman (male lead vocals) and Neko case (Female lead vocals) intertwine perfectly and their harminies are close to perfect in the way... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: First new LP in over a decade
Disadvantages: Terrible lyrics

...Portishead - Third (Island Records) The release of Third by Portishead has been imbued with a heavy cultural significance. It has been reviewed on the Late Review, generated acres of coverage in the music press and broadsheet newspapers and there is a growing online buzz. It feels less like a release more an event. In a music scene so deprived of anything approaching sonic innovation, there is a desperate desire for Third to be an audio panacea. That it will push the envelope, blur boundaries, feed our imaginations and extend out expectations. Relight the fire of experimental wonder at the crossroads of dance music and indie. It's been ten years since the misfiring second LP Portishead. Ten years? Is that too much of a wait or even a weight.? Has it been worth it? Frankly, no! Back in 1994 it seemed that Portishead had... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Adventurous fusion of styles
Disadvantages: The old dull track or two

...ELO's third album, released early in 1974, was the first on which leader Jeff Lynne successfully honed his songwriting and arranging skills down to shorter, more commercial numbers. The first two had been far more experimental, one being a collection of nine separate tracks (almost separate projects) split between Jeff and original co-leader Roy Wood, and one a set of five pretty lengthy pieces. This was closer to the mark. Although Jeff hadn't yet mastered the knack of writing commercial songs that were potential hit singles in his sleep, here he came up with a more cohesive programme of songs and instrumentals, with a better, less self-indulgent balance between the main instruments of violin, cellos and synth. The record has a vague concept theme. On the third day, we are told, the land and seas were formed, and some... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful