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CD Description
After a year spent chiefly on the road and less than 12 months since his last major release, David Gray brings us his ninth album, Foundling, an extract from a period of intense creativity and labour.
Born as a side project during the sessions for its predecessor Draw The Line, Foundling quickly burst into bloom and commanded the full attention of its creator - an experiment left in the lab overnight that you wake to find taking over your world. “It’s the record I’ve been wanting to make for a long time, and it’s as strong a statement as White Ladder in its way - a jumping off point for what might happen next.”
Invoking the spirit of its multi-million selling ancestor is no idle comparison since this too was composed aside from commercial expectations and schedules, entirely on its creator’s terms. “I felt like this was my private record, I didn’t get too picky, I threw out a lot of the everyday concerns of record making, and it’s actually a wonderfully liberating feeling. I’ve done so much recording lately, I think you eventually get braver, and go further, sometimes by doing less. We just made it the way we wanted to.”
David’s collaborators here include White Ladder producer and long term colleague Iestyn Polson, Caroline Dale and her octet, the Kick Horns as well as the regular members of the band rearranged into different roles. The result offers contradictions - minimalist and dramatic, understated and mature - and has yielded early comparisons to Tom Waits, Randy Newman and The Band. Like the orphan from whom its name is taken, Foundling has a special place in the hearts of its assorted parents, “We just love it,” says David. They trust that it will find affection out in the wider world, now that it stands alone.
Born as a side project during the sessions for its predecessor Draw The Line, Foundling quickly burst into bloom and commanded the full attention of its creator - an experiment left in the lab overnight that you wake to find taking over your world. “It’s the record I’ve been wanting to make for a long time, and it’s as strong a statement as White Ladder in its way - a jumping off point for what might happen next.”
Invoking the spirit of its multi-million selling ancestor is no idle comparison since this too was composed aside from commercial expectations and schedules, entirely on its creator’s terms. “I felt like this was my private record, I didn’t get too picky, I threw out a lot of the everyday concerns of record making, and it’s actually a wonderfully liberating feeling. I’ve done so much recording lately, I think you eventually get braver, and go further, sometimes by doing less. We just made it the way we wanted to.”
David’s collaborators here include White Ladder producer and long term colleague Iestyn Polson, Caroline Dale and her octet, the Kick Horns as well as the regular members of the band rearranged into different roles. The result offers contradictions - minimalist and dramatic, understated and mature - and has yielded early comparisons to Tom Waits, Randy Newman and The Band. Like the orphan from whom its name is taken, Foundling has a special place in the hearts of its assorted parents, “We just love it,” says David. They trust that it will find affection out in the wider world, now that it stands alone.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Brian Hill
Format:MP3 Download
David Gray is so prolific I'll forgive people for feeling bemused. Having said that, I nearly didn't buy this album on the strength of comments which said it wasn't a bit like various earlier efforts, or even not up to earlier standards. As I say, being so prolific, Gray covers a lot of ground and I'll admit in that he repeats himself and throws in the occasional howler. I won't suggest names, because, for me, it is a matter of taste. One commentator slated several songs and put "Forgetting' down as the most interesting and innoivative. It's my least favourite track. I can see what it's doing but it just doesn't grab me. Of course, maybe it'll grow.
What I like about the album isn't what everyone likes. I do appreciate the melancholy. I like well-wrought lyrics and I will let those carry the song for me. For that reason, Foundling is introspective and moody but that's what it's about.
DG is a consumate singer-songwriter (witness the several covers of songs he's written in his career) and I'm sure that more of what he has written will be picked by others who will produce their own magic with his particular gold.
Anyway, if you like David Gray, appreciate the introspective and melacncholic in a song or two, buy it.
What I like about the album isn't what everyone likes. I do appreciate the melancholy. I like well-wrought lyrics and I will let those carry the song for me. For that reason, Foundling is introspective and moody but that's what it's about.
DG is a consumate singer-songwriter (witness the several covers of songs he's written in his career) and I'm sure that more of what he has written will be picked by others who will produce their own magic with his particular gold.
Anyway, if you like David Gray, appreciate the introspective and melacncholic in a song or two, buy it.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is an understated little gem. Both previous two albums had some superb songs, but were often let down by big production ('Life in Slow Motion') or an oddly unlovable mix ('Draw the Line'), as though DG was conscious that this was the next DAVID GRAY Album and so had to be an EVENT. Both seemed to be trying a little too hard. Shorn of those expectations, and coming out only a year since his last so as to slip below the radar, the attitude here seems to be less of 'This is my NEW ALBUM' and more of 'These are a few songs I've recorded', which may have thrown a few people. The difference is palpable: there's an organic, meditative, rainy Thursday afternoon feel about this record; the sound of an artist at work, at home. Production and mixing are (thankfully) minimal, which lets the songs and the performances breath. Only trying to please himself, he's made his most comfortable-sounding, honest record since the great 'New Day at Midnight', with much of the same airy 'vibe' that made White Ladder such a classic. He should do it more often. A slow burner, for sure, but it'll get under your skin.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By J. Rixon
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Finally I have got round to buying and listening to this album and, as always, the beautiful music sent me to another world. With traits of "Life in Slow Motion" and "A Century Ends" it reflects on and conjures all the accomplished writing of this great singer songwriter. An absolute must for any fan of David Gray or any music lover for that matter.
By Samuel Cox
Format:Audio CD
If you found Draw the Line to be too glossy, commercial and polished so much you were left choking on the fumes then chances are you will find this album a return to form. Much more stripped back with the spotlight firmly back on the lyrical web that David Gray spins whilst Plucking his acoustic with minimal but powerful production.
By Jeri23
Format:Audio CD
Bought this as was going to see David Gray in concert. Great buy! very happy with purhase and condition happy!! :)
By Dirk 4000
Format:Audio CD
Shear genius, I really hope his fan base does not get any bigger, he is crystal clear live. The best of his generation, the complexity of his music and clarity of his vocals is outstanding.
Format:MP3 Download
Not as good as the last one. As a fan it's taking a little time to grow on me and not sure it will convert many to the delights of David Gray
By paul
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
is it unfair to criticise David Gray for creating an album that sounds just like - well - David Gray?
It's a perfectly nice album to listen to but it just - to me at least - sounds too much like the rest of his work.
Whereas KT Tunstall's latest release is obviously still her but you can hear her music developing and moving on (to some mixed reviews admittedly) here DG seems to be standing still.
It's a perfectly nice album but nothing "new" from a musician who you feel is capable of doing more.
It's a perfectly nice album to listen to but it just - to me at least - sounds too much like the rest of his work.
Whereas KT Tunstall's latest release is obviously still her but you can hear her music developing and moving on (to some mixed reviews admittedly) here DG seems to be standing still.
It's a perfectly nice album but nothing "new" from a musician who you feel is capable of doing more.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
David Gray
Not so keen (yet) on this latest offering.
Usually there is at least one song you just want to keep on repeat, but hasn't happened with this one
Usually there is at least one song you just want to keep on repeat, but hasn't happened with this one
Published on 17 Jan 2011 by Mr. Ian M. Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars
Yet another superb album!!
As with many albums, one has to listen a number of times to appreciate it's true value. This is yet another priceless collection of David's work and one which I recommend to... Read more
Published on 26 Oct 2010 by Dedicated Amazonian
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mellow album may not please everybody, but it pleases me
Prior to buying and subsequently listening to this album, I had never heard any of David Gray's music. Read more
Published on 3 Oct 2010 by Peter Durward Harris
1.0 out of 5 stars
Oh dear Oh dear Oh dear
Now look.. Im a fan of David Gray. Ive seen concerts in UK n Spain. I have all his albums. But dear oh dear . . . Time to re-evaluate. Read more
Published on 1 Oct 2010 by BazzaK
5.0 out of 5 stars
SHOCKING SERVICE FROM AMAZON!!!
I'm sure this album will be as good as his others. I just wish I would receive it!! I ordered it early September and it is now the 22nd and it has still not arrived from Amazon... Read more
Published on 22 Sep 2010 by Matt
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