Haven't been here for years... all new and shiny these days.
Haven't been here for years... all new and shiny these days.
Member since:31.10.2000
Reviews:148
Members who trust:101
I suppose that almost everyone has heard of David Gray’s recent album, White Ladder. I first became aware of it after the release of the second single, Babylon, a superb stadium anthem if ever I’ve heard one. It was still with some trepidation that I decided to buy the album as I assume I’m not alone as someone who has never learnt from the oft repeated mistake of buying an album on the strength of one single… never a great idea!
What eased by considerable angst at repeating my folly was reading the comments on the front of the case…
“It’s a record that makes your life feel better by its mere existence” Times
“A remarkable piece of work… literate, heartfelt, bittersweet…”Daily Telegraph
Now any album that can make your life better by it’s mere existence has to have something going for it… and I’m happy to say it does.
As a bit of background this is actually David Gray’s fourth album and is a remarkable achievement in the face of adversity. He has been in legal dispute with his previous two major record labels and had to record White Ladder in a London flat on his own label IHT. Apparently the album was recorded with the ‘windows open and the trucks rumbling past…’
So to the music… the songs are generally simple in composition relying on all, or a combination of sampler, guitar, and piano and of course Gray’s inimitable voice. It is true that some have drawn comparisons to Dylan and as a singer songwriter there are similarities but with whilst lyrically Dylan is in front there is no doubt in my mind that Gray’s vocal ability is far superior. His voice is both distinctive and very friendly on the ear.
The interesting combination of ‘folksy’ guitar with the background electronic sampling works superbly and provides an excellent background to the vocals. The album also includes some glorious melodies that seem to perfectly complement the songs rather than dominate them. The real strength of the songs, however, lies in the lyrics that are evocative and captivating with more than a hint of melancholy.
The songs can not be described as uplifting but do not have the same ‘depressing’ quality of, say, the Counting Crows… they are, to steal a quote, ‘literate, heartfelt, bittersweet…’ This is an album that is both, ideal as background music in the evening being mellow and easy-going but it can, and indeed should, also receive more intent listening on the strength of the stunning lyrics.
The album doesn’t have a weak song but as with any album has highlights. Many will see Babylon as a favourite and it does make a great anthem but the piano centred This Year’s Love is a fantastic show case for the great voice, moving lyrics and sublime melodies that Gray is capable of. Final mention must go to his adapted cover version of Soft Cell’s Say Hello Wave Goodbye, which is the last track on the album and arguably the finest.
In conclusion I’m still yet to meet someone who doesn’t really like this album. Since I’ve bought it I’ve listened to it more than all my other CD’s combined and I’m still not bored of it – it really is that good. Hopefully David Gray’s next album continues in this highly impressive vein. Oh yeah and theres a secret track... rewind to -2:00 and you'll find it.
SB.
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A major artist in Ireland, David Gray has a loyal but somewhat smaller following ... more
throughout the rest of the world. Since his 1994 debut albumA Century Ends, he has consistently produced quality, folk-tinged songs that showcase his one major talent--a r...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
A major artist in Ireland, David Gray has a loyal but somewhat smaller following ... more
throughout the rest of the world. Since his 1994 debut album A Century Ends, he has consistently produced quality, folk-tinged songs that showcase his one major talent--a ...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
A major artist in his native Ireland, David Gray has a loyal but somewhat smaller ... more
following throughout the rest of the world. Since his 1994 debut albumA Century Ends, he has consistently produced quality, folk-tinged songs which showcase his one major...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: Wide range of music; some truly great tracks; consistently high quality Disadvantages: Very few, perhaps only that it is very slighty shorter than previous albums
Feb 7th, 2001
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somewhat helpful by (6%):
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