Reviewed by: Jeff Shreve
Reviewed on: 2006-06-14



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Posted 06/14/2006 - 04:12:10 PM by Zurich:
	This is my favorite album of the year, or very close to it, and I completely disagree with your dismissal of the second half of the album, which I feel is the stronger of the two halves. From "Burnt" on, we finally hear the Futureaheads stepping out of the shadow of their first album and exploring an interesting use of space, while still keeping their trademark harmonies in place. "Burnt," "News and Tributes," "Back to the Sea," "Thursday," and "Face" are the real stand outs on this disc, because they find the band really coming into their own as songwriters. I think the opening of sonic space for them, allows a further appreciation of their very precise soundcraft. Say what you will for the lyrics, but I found the simple reflection in "Thursday" about their look and the preconceptions surrounding them quite nice, and if nothing else, painted a hole new picture of the band for me. It's obvious they knew how many would react to this album, and I first reacted to the album in a similar way, I would not have argued with another 12 songs in the vein of their self-titled. But I think this new album succeeds, because we mix the playful boyish lyrics, singing, and spastic strumming with some more thoughtful arrangement, composition, and reflection. From the clear split between the two halves you mentioned, it's clear this band is in transition, and I, for one, can't wait to hear their even more fully realized ideas on the next record. Also, "Favours for Favours" is great. Ha.
Posted 06/14/2006 - 07:15:52 PM by Zurich:
	Also, when you refer to "Easy" do you mean "Face?" And on further reading of your article, I think you're blatantly off the mark about "Back to the Sea," which showcases one of the more interesting verses and probably best chorus of the album excepting "Skip to the End." I realize I'm kind of attacking you, and I don't mean to, it's just I think at least for me, this album is a definite grower. Your review strikes me more as how I first approached the album, and my guttaral reaction is a product of how much I've fallen in love with it over the last few weeks and repeated listens. Though maybe it's one of those "if you hear it enough, you'll love it no matter what" things. So I don't mean to hate.
Posted 06/17/2006 - 07:14:29 PM by wmdavidson:
	Have to agree with everything Zurich said. This is my favorite album of the year so far. I found the Futureheads' first disc so manic and cluttered that the songs suffered; this is a huge improvement.
Posted 06/19/2006 - 12:55:55 PM by diggles:
	I have to agree with the reviewer on this one. This record is good but definitely nothing too special, just like the last one. If this is making Best of Year lists it's more an indication of a bad year than a great album.