The Magic Position

 

 

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Most musicians would have given up the day job by now if they were Patrick Wolf. He has conjured up two of the greatest records of the 21st century (Lycanthropy,Wind In The Wires), yet still receives a lack of credit and recognition from the UK and elsewhere. Despite building up an immensely loyal fanbase, he is unheard of to many, many who once they've heard him, regret not knowing of him before. But despite the situation, this guy loves his music. And his new record, "The Magic Position" shows that he's got plenty left to give those that adore him.
Possibly, in an effort to get more popularity, his direction of music has gone more, "poppy". Yet the songs on this album could still bring any human being to a standstill and make them understand how beautiful music is.

"This magical place that we've found/No one here but us and the sound"

Everything that surrounds you in every song is staggering stuff, truly jaw-dropping moments, how one man can construct 13 fascinating, bewildering, bewitching tracks is beyond many, but he does it. And he does it with such confidence and swagger. Title track, "The Magic Position" is an affair which truly suits its title, it's magical, and very, very happy. No music today is similar to this, his fusion of violins and ukulele's are bar-none perfect and are constructed flawlessly. "Overture" is a tearful opener, stunning violins are supported by the deep, darling vocals of Wolf, and it's an opener to get anyone interested. "Accident & Emergency" sums up the change in direction, some like it, some don't, but it's a joyous chant of independence, prosperity and fun.

"Wake me up when the bluebells are ringing"

Things take a more heavy-hearted route after the first single, and the supreme second single "Bluebells", with the most haunting track of the album, "Magpie". Simple piano harmonics build up into a saddening tale of sorrow, supported by the most distressing of female voices, making this story darker and more extraordinary than it already was. Creepy is not the word to describe this, let it capture you, and grab you by your neck and truly let you experience the feeling of this song, the fact that this is beauty in music, and you should keep it close to your heart, it's a song that makes the record life-changing, and on par with his first two.
"The Stars" is almost as beautiful an affair. Excluding the 2 minute closer, "Finale", it's the real closer of the album. Saddening it is, but it's as mentioned before, gloriously beautiful. "Mama, the stars are burning bright" declares Wolf in his stunningly confident stature, his talents are never more put to use. Let his music be poppy, because he does it well. Don't be stubborn about this record, let it overwhelm you, let it embrace you, because not many other records can do it as well as this one.

"When it shines/You've got to let it shine"

"Get Lost" is another gorgeous pop anthem, it's style is merry, lively and ferocious, capturing the spirit of those that want to like this record, and won't be disappointed. "Augustine" cannot be ignored either, lyrically it's a step above everything else on the record. It's more an adventure than anything, and it takes the listener on this adventure, wise and ready, Wolf beckons the words like Roald Dahl telling his stories to enchanted children. The tale is however dark and secretive. Displaying more flexibility in Wolf's songwriting.
This album isn't a personal one as much as it was on his two previous record. Maybe it's for those that have stood by him all this time, and have realized how incredibly talented he is. Or it could mean that he's in love, that he's happy. Because happiness surrounds this record, even in the saddest of songs. You still get a sense of good spirit. Some might think that it being a non-personal record could damage the whole thing. But they can let their fears rest. There aren't tales of child catchers and evil humans, it's more about the listener, and how they can be taken away into a euphoric world of satisfaction and joy. It will happen to you if you want it to.

I walked into a record store last week and was paralysed by the music playing. The manager of the store was enthusiastic to say the least when I enquired and raved about Patrick Wolf - The Magic Position being his 3rd album. Dumbfounded that my head had been in the sand about this rare talent for so long, I promptly purchased the cd. What a revelation!!! If you can imagine the styles and creativity of Kate Bush, Bjork and Lloyd Cole all rolled into one, then you are somewhere near Patrick Wolf. "Magpie" is the most sublime song since the Blue Nile's "Family Life". The whole cd flows like a sweet rollercoaster of emotions starting with the magnificent "Overture", the upbeat "The Magic Position" right through to the beauty of "The Stars" and "Finale". I cant fault this cd. If you want the safety of the standard indie pop everyone is bleating out at the moment, go elsewhere. If you are after an innovative, challenging and timeless adventure, Patrick Wolf is your man. He will still be around for years to come as I am sure, as I have now become, once bitten, you will be hooked for life. How long will it take for the masses to discover Britains greatest modern day singer songwriter???

I admit it openly -- after hearing that Patrick Wolf was going poppy, I was prepared to hate "The Magic Position." I really was.

But I can't. Instead, his third album managed to sweep me away with his colourful chamberpop, and ever-changing palette of musical sounds. In fact, he masters most varieties of pop -- bluesy, peppy, soothing strings, and even some electropop -- and weave them into some accomplished melodies.

It opens with some taut drums, and a slowly rising violin leads in a sweep of strings, guitar and electronica. Wolf croons over it, "It's wonderful what a smile can hide/If the teeth shine bright and it's nice and wide/It's so magical all you can keep inside/And if you bury it deep no one can find a thing, no..." He follows it with the xylophone-churchbell-violinpop of the title song, a bouncy love song that is so infectious and joyful, it deserves to be on the radio.

But having hooked listeners with those two songs, he sallies out into all sorts of music -- dark electropop with horns, bluesy ballads, passionate piano pop, happy robot dance music, and a strong piano-strings ballad, "Magpie," a duet with the smoky-voiced Marianne Faithfull. And the album ends as it began -- with a twinkly, joyous little song, and a bittersweet string outro.

If I had to compare Patrick Wolf in this album, it would be to call him a male version of Feist -- talented vocalist and songwriter, musically versatile, and poppy without being a slave to the MTV sound. "The Magic Position" shows that off beautifully, albeit with a few dark spots that could have been left out.

The music is one of those rare blends of fun catchiness and clever musicianship -- mostly because Wolf crams it with adept musicianship. Aside from the basic guitar, he weaves in instruments like the weeping violin, accordion, ukelele, piano, drums and harp, as well as stuff like the colorful blips from an autoharp, horns, tinkly little bells, and the kitchen sink.

The results can be lushly effusive pop, sweeping ballads, or a spare ballad woven from flickers of piano and strings. It could have used a tiny bit of trimming, though -- "Kiss" sounds like a violin tuneup, and "Secret Garden" is an awkward mishmash of various sounds. However, they're the only real weak spots on this album.

Wolf's voice is as pleasant as his music -- smooth, strong, and able to convey fun and joy as easily as yearning and love. And his songs are pretty passionate stuff, whether it's the childlike joy of seeing the stars ("Mama, I saw the stars tonight/Orion, the plow, are burning bright"), or a painful confession to a lover ("And that's why, love, you shouldn't stay/Still you will and love me...").

Patrick Wolf goes pop in "Magic Position," but doesn't sacrifice any of his talents. A few songs could have been snipped, but you can forget about those in the shadow of his lovely ballads and dancy pop tunes.

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5.0 out of 5 stars The Magic Position Review
Not as good as its predecessor, 'Wind In The Wires' or Wolf's debut, 'Lycanthropy', but still well worth the money if you enjoy superbly crafted and heartfelt music from a... Read more

Published on 25 Aug 2009 by Jamie Blake

5.0 out of 5 stars why isnt he showered with awards?
i can't believe patrick wolf isnt known by many people considering hes one of the most creative musicians of our times . . . Read more

Published on 24 Feb 2009 by FUTURESTARdelux

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant, but still a diamond on the rough
I don't know how I came across this album, but I must admit that at first I kept it to myself. It was a bit of a guilty pleasure. Read more

Published on 28 July 2008 by Mr. J. M. Ginebra Serrabou

5.0 out of 5 stars Boy Genius
Following in the footsteps of David Sylvian, Billy MacKenzie, Marc Almond, Bjork, Scott Walker, Perry Blake, et al. Read more

Published on 5 April 2007 by Camp David

2.0 out of 5 stars Not enough substance...
I bought this having heard the title track on the radio. Sounded really promising. There are 4 great tracks on this album and then at least 3 which are less than 2 minutes long... Read more

Published on 31 Mar 2007 by JJB

5.0 out of 5 stars Patrick Wolf - The Magic Position
Oh, so fabulous. Patrick wolf's third album, a much happier affair than his previous two (though even this one still has it's moments!) is full of musical glory. Read more

Published on 5 Mar 2007 by RachelWalker

5.0 out of 5 stars Patrick's spectacular third album
Some might say this is Patrick going POP, but it's not that simple. Piano, ukulele, violin, beats, trumpets, his astonishing voice, fireworks, Marianne Faithful, static noise and... Read more

Published on 5 Jan 2007 by Sick Mouthy

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