perfect symmetry : spiraling down : naturally
Hi All -
Recently, I mentioned the sneak preview of Keane's new album Perfect Symmetry. I listened to the available songs and although I wasn't completely sold, I purchased the new album. Well, actually, I pre-ordered it, then canceled my order, then pre-ordered it again. After listening to it several times, I like it and the songs are catchy. They are much more upbeat than Under The Iron Sea. Someone noted on Last.fm that the band sounded happy and they preferred their melancholy sound. Oh boy.
It's not all good, though. There is a 'metallic' sound to some of the tracks. I'm not sure how to describe it, but their first two albums had a warmth that I really liked. Tom's voice still reigns supreme and sometimes his singing gives me the chills. There are videos for Spiralling (strange) and The Lovers Are Losing (weird), which you can check out on You Tube.
My favorite sing-along song is Again & Again. What is a sing-along song you ask? It's a song that I imagine myself singing with the band when they discover me through their Google Alerts, of course. I just hope that a 'real' microphone has a similar feel to the curling iron I'm currently using for practice.
Have you guys heard the new album? If yes, what do you think?
[Note 10.26.08: I listen to this album everyday - I really love it.]
xo, Cindy
PS Keane's drummer, Richard, is my favorite band member. He is an avid photographer and the last time I heard he only uses film. Often, his photography is featured on their site.
I'm one of those that prefer the melancholy sound (I have been called out on this as seemingly ironic, since I am not a melancholy personality... but in music, I tend to love the fullness and discordant sounds of this genre.) The word that came to my mind was tinny. But metallic seems more accurate. It's just lacking the sensitivity and rich swirl of mood and sound for me.
ReplyDeleteyes, tinny works, too. i'll have one next week that i'm pretty sure you'll like michelle. as a hint, the band's initials are gg.
ReplyDeleteWhat I've heard so far didn't immediately jump out on me as something I had to have but it's growing on me!
ReplyDeleteI will have to check out the new album. i giggled when I read that you have a google alert for Kean, I have one for U2 :)
ReplyDeleteDo you like the Hives? My oldest daughter got to see them when they were in San Fran and she got to meet the lead singer. There is a picture on her blog of them together. I have a link to her blog on mine, the name is "Fashion Forestry."
Keane is an interesting one for me! I love their sound and their melancholiness, but I can only handle the lead singers voice for a few songs before I'm screaming "swallow!" I feel like he has a perpetual overflow of saliva in his mouth--how strange I feel just typing it out. It's my OCD coming out. I've been loving your other music picks, so I will have to give their new album a listen!
ReplyDeleterachel - there are some really lovely songs on this album, but it's not like 'under the iron sea'. few albums are though.
ReplyDeleteelizabeth - i don't have a google alert for them, they probably have one for themselves ;). the hives are a fun band. that must have been so cool for your daughter. i'll check out her blog.
julia - you are so cute. i never thought of the salvia before, but he does an inhale breath sometimes that is very loud. it's gotten better over the years though.
oops, sorry I read the post wrong on the google alert thing :)
ReplyDeleteno worries!
ReplyDeletethanks for the heads up...I need to check it out.
ReplyDeleteOooh, thanks for pointing me to Richard! Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteof course you like the band member who loves to take photos. smile! very nice post, cindy!
ReplyDeleteThank you for mailing the journal...I'll be waiting anxiously!
ReplyDeletei think richard is pretty nice, too. when 'under the iron sea' came out you could post questions to the band on their site and they would actually answer them. i asked him about his camera, some sort of nikon, and he told me about it. pretty neat.
ReplyDelete