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Track Listings
| Disc: 1 |
|---|
| 1. Superhuman Touch |
| 2. The Getaway |
| 3. Black Swan Song |
| 4. Don't Hold Your Breath |
| 5. Love Come Rescue |
| 6. Light The Way |
| 7. The Unknown |
| 8. Awkward Goodbye |
| 9. Magical Mistakes |
| 10. Rubik's Cube |
| Disc: 2 |
| 1. Lucky As Hell |
| 2. Animation |
| 3. Wild Wolves |
| 4. Sky Diver |
| 5. Ordinary Angel |
| 6. Black Swan Song (Acoustic Album Version) |
| 7. Needle On A Record |
Product Description
Amazon.co.uk
Why Snow Patrol? Why not Athlete? It’s one for pre-eminent pop historians of the future to chew over, for while Gary Lightbody and his fey troupe have malformed somewhat improbably into arena-filling behemoths, Athlete and their similarly pitched indie melancholy keep getting unfairly pushed to the back of the queue. And each time they do, as proven all over again by Black Swan, they refine their output yet further. This, their fourth album, is about as lean as they can get without dropping the instruments and going a capella. One notable difference between them and that other lot is that Athlete are really a lot less needy; there’s heartbreak and solace sought on most tracks (take "Love Come Rescue", "The Awkward Goodbye" and "Don’t Hold Your Breath" for typical mid-pace meanders through that territory), but they never really overdo the melodrama, they just put their heads down and get on with it. What this results in is honest, efficient reflections, down to earth turns of phrase that don’t disappoint because they’re articulated so appropriately, with such a stately sense of understatement, rolled forwards on swelling banks of melody. It can be all to easy to forget that Athlete have a pulse sometimes as the comfort blanket side of their character beds down so easily, but with the bouncy 80s pop of "Superhuman Touch" harking back to their debut and "The Unknown" evoking James at their most soaring, Black Swan really sinks its talons in. --James Berry
Product Description
Fourth album from the successful London indie band, the follow-up to 2007's Beyond The Neighbourhood and their debut for Fiction. A poppier, more immediate album than anything they have ever done before, Black Swan comes from a desire for "getting the songs across as much as we could" and the band seem to have succeeded. A distinct '80s influence is alsoprevalent, with a heavy use of synths. Includes the single "Superhuman Touch".
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
When I first listened to Athlete's previous album 'Beyond the Neighbourhood', I was fooled into thinking that every song sounded pretty much like the last.....but how wrong was I? 'Beyond' has become one of my favourite albums of all time and seems to get better with each listen, even after two years!
It was with caution then that I approached 'Black Swan', and when it failed to grab me on first play I decided to listen again, and again and then I simply fell in love with it. I must have listened to it 15 times in the last two days and each song leaves me with a smile on my face, a tear in my eye, a shiver up my spine, a light heart or some combination of the aformentioned. To say this is a masterpiece would do it an injustice as that would imply a finely polished and over-worked album. This is raw, childlike, yet with a maturity, honesty and passion rarely seen in music these days.
There are stand out tracks on this album, and I have my favourites, but I expect that every listener will find their own as they identify with the songs for themselves. Buy this and don't make my mistake by judging it on one or two plays. This album will be with you for a lifetime.
It was with caution then that I approached 'Black Swan', and when it failed to grab me on first play I decided to listen again, and again and then I simply fell in love with it. I must have listened to it 15 times in the last two days and each song leaves me with a smile on my face, a tear in my eye, a shiver up my spine, a light heart or some combination of the aformentioned. To say this is a masterpiece would do it an injustice as that would imply a finely polished and over-worked album. This is raw, childlike, yet with a maturity, honesty and passion rarely seen in music these days.
There are stand out tracks on this album, and I have my favourites, but I expect that every listener will find their own as they identify with the songs for themselves. Buy this and don't make my mistake by judging it on one or two plays. This album will be with you for a lifetime.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This album is uplifting and relaxing, it may sound like these two feeling should not go together, but listen to this album and you will see what I mean. 'Black Swan' builds on the best aspect of all three previous albums. It has the rare quality of being instantly likeable, I normally find I need to cycle an album a few times before it grows on me.
Superhuman Touch & The Getaway both have the uplifting beat which won Athlete many fans with their first album Vehicles & Animals. Whilst fans of Tourist will prefer Light The Way & Awkward Goodbye.
Black Swan Song has more of a Beyond the Neighbourhood feel, that melodic, relaxing yet uplifting tune which is typical of Athlete. Rubik's Cube is a great tune which could easily have drifted on for longer than 4m.
In summary, Athlete fans will be very happy with this return to their best, whilst the non-commercial and understated nature of the album should keep athlete from becoming snapped-up by the kiddies. My only criticism would be that the album could last a bit longer.
Superhuman Touch & The Getaway both have the uplifting beat which won Athlete many fans with their first album Vehicles & Animals. Whilst fans of Tourist will prefer Light The Way & Awkward Goodbye.
Black Swan Song has more of a Beyond the Neighbourhood feel, that melodic, relaxing yet uplifting tune which is typical of Athlete. Rubik's Cube is a great tune which could easily have drifted on for longer than 4m.
In summary, Athlete fans will be very happy with this return to their best, whilst the non-commercial and understated nature of the album should keep athlete from becoming snapped-up by the kiddies. My only criticism would be that the album could last a bit longer.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By George Smith
Format:Audio CD
This is the most beautiful album of 2009! and of the last few years definitley! Every song is amazing! beautiful and uplifting lyrics! i have it on repeate every day! i cant stop listening to it! i love it more and more every day! i cant praise it enough! if you want to know what im talkin about buy the album and find out for yourselfs! you wont regret it!
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Michael31
Format:Audio CD
Wow!! I think this album was well worth the wait. So many strong songs on here it's hard to pick out which are my favourites. At this point in time I would have to go with Rubik's Cube, Black Swan Song and Superhuman Touch but Magical Mistakes is also brilliant.
I think Athlete are one of the most underrated bands of the past few years. Each album seems to get stronger and stronger.
They may not be flavour of the month but this album is well worth investing in and will stay on your CD player / iPod for years to come.
I think Athlete are one of the most underrated bands of the past few years. Each album seems to get stronger and stronger.
They may not be flavour of the month but this album is well worth investing in and will stay on your CD player / iPod for years to come.
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Been waiting a long time for this album and it hasn't disappointed...can't stop listening to it. Particularly love Rubiks Cube, Black Swan Song and The Getaway. Nice artwork too. Thank God they are back!
By J. Oxford
Format:Audio CD
Another fantastic album from Athlete - very catchy songs, as good as the last album and well worth adding to your CD collection - just GREAT!
Format:Audio CD
I actually dismissed it the first time I listened to it. Didn't think it was up to their previous standards... then I went back to it a couple of days later and gave it another go... wow... I haven't stopped listening to it since. Its immaculate. An instant classic. Some of their best work for sure. Its definitely going to rate in my top 5 albums of 2009 list.
By J. Smith
Format:Audio CD
Athlete for some reason remain one of them quiet often overlooked bands, always in the shadow of their big brothers Coldplay and Snow Patrol. I think this is unfairly so, as Athlete have tracks that can match if not beat both bands recent output.
I've enjoyed every album they've put out, from the cheesy electronic pop of their first album, to the more mature sound they have developed from their second album onwards. Black Swan continues where Beyond the Neighbourhood, their third album left off. This collection of songs though is much more consistent then their previous offering.
It's difficult to pick specific stand out tracks because the whole album is thoroughly enjoyable the whole way through. The tracks that connected with me on a more personal level were the swooning The Getaway, electronic mid tempo rocker Don't Hold Your Breath and stripped down acoustic tracks Love Come Rescue and Rubik's Cube. I agree with one other reviewer that says the album has a raw, laid back vibe with intimate almost fragile vocals provided by singer Joel Pott.
Athlete have raised their game with Black Swan, a slow burning but at the same time fiery third album from a band destined for bigger things.
* P.S I love the artwork of Black Swan but why is the case larger than a conventional plastic case? I can't fit the damn thing in my CD rack!!!
I've enjoyed every album they've put out, from the cheesy electronic pop of their first album, to the more mature sound they have developed from their second album onwards. Black Swan continues where Beyond the Neighbourhood, their third album left off. This collection of songs though is much more consistent then their previous offering.
It's difficult to pick specific stand out tracks because the whole album is thoroughly enjoyable the whole way through. The tracks that connected with me on a more personal level were the swooning The Getaway, electronic mid tempo rocker Don't Hold Your Breath and stripped down acoustic tracks Love Come Rescue and Rubik's Cube. I agree with one other reviewer that says the album has a raw, laid back vibe with intimate almost fragile vocals provided by singer Joel Pott.
Athlete have raised their game with Black Swan, a slow burning but at the same time fiery third album from a band destined for bigger things.
* P.S I love the artwork of Black Swan but why is the case larger than a conventional plastic case? I can't fit the damn thing in my CD rack!!!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Guitar-pop perfection!
Only a quick to the point review from me. Buy this album. It's great. Maybe not as quirky and punchy as the genius Vehicles and Animals, but thankfully not as melancholy and... Read more
Published on 4 Sep 2009 by M. Squibbs
4.0 out of 5 stars
An album that will grow on you
Look, I like Athlete and feel they do deserve more praise for the music they've delivered so far and should be up there with Snow Patrol. Read more
Published on 26 Aug 2009 by Mr. C. J. Ramstedt
4.0 out of 5 stars
Athlete back on form
This is Athlete's best album since Vehicles & Animals, following the awful second album Tourist and the marked improvement of the sadly overlooked Beyond The Neighbourhood. Read more
Published on 25 Aug 2009 by GP
5.0 out of 5 stars
king of the anthems athlete deliver once again
just bought the album and am loving it! quite an epic album which flows well from one song to the next. found it really uplifting, you'll enjoy it i've no doubt! nice work lads!
Published on 25 Aug 2009 by S. A. Osborne
5.0 out of 5 stars
BRILLIANT
This album is just so uplifting and poetic. I love it. My fav Athlete album so far. Black Swan song... it will move you!
Published on 24 Aug 2009 by Wolfgang
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