Cd Review
Publisher: Source/Virgin
Sat, 13 November 2004
by: Madame Hooplah
According to their website (www.wearephoenix.com), French group Phoenix wanted to make a more personal and intimate album than their 2000 debut ‘United’.
Fair enough, I guess that is what’s required for artistic growth and maturation. The lyrical content certainly displays some introspection and inspiration. The thing is-you’re too busy tapping your feet to pay much attention to any of that soul searching.
You might remember Phoenix’s single ‘Too Young’, an aptly youthful sounding sweet pop tune. Remember the gang at the wharf dancing around in their yellow fishing trousers â€" this may not be the correct term- while a rainbow burst forth from the guitar? Happy Days indeed.
The singles released from Alphabetical have more in common with that sound than the rest of the album. ‘Everything is everything’ starts us off in a similar vein with a catchy, poppy, nonsensical chorus and grooving bass line. Unfortunately the line “can’t understand a word, half of the stuff I’m saying...�serves as a bit of a warning for some unintelligible moments. This doesn’t really detract from Thomas Mars’ charm as a vocalist though; he has a sweet, slightly aloof quality that generally compensates well for a lack of warmth in tone.
‘Run, run, run’ is a hugely enjoyable track. Impossible not to move at least a little while listening to its’ reedy, melodic guitar and infectious beat. The video is a winner too, all dark, angled shots of the band punctuated by coloured beams of light.
‘Love for granted’ brings a change in mood with soft, sensitive acoustic guitar and subtle, bassy keyboards. The vocal melody is the main feature here as he sings “don’t tell me about your lies, don’t tell me about your secrets…� making it sound resigned and poignant.
‘Victim of the crime’ is a bit of a weak track, lacking interest but redeemed by some jazzy percussion at the end provided by Alex Locasso.
‘(You can’t blame it on) Anybody’ has a bleak mood (probably that damned introspection again) and opens with some nasty synthesised vocals, but the chorus has some sing-along value. I’m still wondering if there’s a bit of glockenspiel going on here and whether that would be a good thing or not.
One of the standout tracks is the title track, sounding a bit like a 70’s country tinged ballad delivered without the American macho twang. There’s something to be said for a bit of restraint.
This is a slick, smooth album that I really enjoyed. If Phoenix set out to make a mature, thoughtful album they certainly succeeded. Even the weaker moments are so stylish they’re forgivable. Get your yellow fishing trousers on and have a dance.
by: Madame Hooplah
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