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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Second Album Syndrome frequently gets waived for bands who never quite made it. Recently, as The Futureheads and Snow Patrol crumbled under the pressure of their new-found adoration with dull albums designed to hold on to mass appeal, TV On The Radio and Broken Social Scene made beautiful, adventurous and rewarding follow-ups. And so it is with Sweden's The Radio Dept., who won a huge amount of acclaim and places on Best Of 2004 lists (somehow finishing in the top 10 of the NME list) with the astonishing 'Lesser Matters', a hazy, dream-like album and a slow-burning gem to almost everyone who bought it. Despite the attention, The Radio Dept. hardly became a household name, although Pet Grief was anticipated highly for people lucky enough to know about their brand of shoegazy indie-pop.
'Pet Grief' is a more laid-back affair than its predecessor, with none of the loud, 'Loveless'-style bursts of nosie found on the first half of that album. Though the whole album works beautifully as a whole- best played laying down gazing at the clouds (or, I guess, shoes)- there are a few immediate standouts. They have clearly mastered the difficult art of beautiful pop songs, which were so abundant on their first album. Single 'The Worst Taste In Music' is probably their best yet, for both the tune and the hazy, gorgeous production. It's also a success lyrically- "He's got the worst taste in music," sings frontman Johan Duncanson of an ex's new boyfriend, "if I didn't know this I'd lose it". 'What Will Give' is the other highlight, a sweet lament backed by scratchy pianos. Each track is glazed with wispy synths and buried guitar, and on songs like the title track, it lends a nice '80s feel to juxtapose with the hipster-friendly indie-rock sound. Their drummer must also be a bit of a pushover because he is frequently replaced with a machine. Perhaps it's necessary to make him redundant, though, as this only adds to the electronic sheen which they have perfected on this album.
Though the similarity of a number of the tracks may be tiresome for some (if you get bored easily of soft vocals and plucked guitar, this album probably isn't for you), this gentle but gorgeous work sits alongside Jeniferever and Sambassadeur as a strong argument that the Swedish are currently the best at smooth indie-pop. While it doesn't quite reach the modern-classic status of 'Lesser Matters', it still fills the odd gap of soothing-yet-interesting indie which has opened up amidst the chaos of a lot of the current crop new bands. It's an album to soak up with a satisfied grin plastered throughout. With little hype, 'Pet Grief' may well sneak up on a whole new set of fans, and I have no doubts about their third doing exactly the same.
'Pet Grief' is a more laid-back affair than its predecessor, with none of the loud, 'Loveless'-style bursts of nosie found on the first half of that album. Though the whole album works beautifully as a whole- best played laying down gazing at the clouds (or, I guess, shoes)- there are a few immediate standouts. They have clearly mastered the difficult art of beautiful pop songs, which were so abundant on their first album. Single 'The Worst Taste In Music' is probably their best yet, for both the tune and the hazy, gorgeous production. It's also a success lyrically- "He's got the worst taste in music," sings frontman Johan Duncanson of an ex's new boyfriend, "if I didn't know this I'd lose it". 'What Will Give' is the other highlight, a sweet lament backed by scratchy pianos. Each track is glazed with wispy synths and buried guitar, and on songs like the title track, it lends a nice '80s feel to juxtapose with the hipster-friendly indie-rock sound. Their drummer must also be a bit of a pushover because he is frequently replaced with a machine. Perhaps it's necessary to make him redundant, though, as this only adds to the electronic sheen which they have perfected on this album.
Though the similarity of a number of the tracks may be tiresome for some (if you get bored easily of soft vocals and plucked guitar, this album probably isn't for you), this gentle but gorgeous work sits alongside Jeniferever and Sambassadeur as a strong argument that the Swedish are currently the best at smooth indie-pop. While it doesn't quite reach the modern-classic status of 'Lesser Matters', it still fills the odd gap of soothing-yet-interesting indie which has opened up amidst the chaos of a lot of the current crop new bands. It's an album to soak up with a satisfied grin plastered throughout. With little hype, 'Pet Grief' may well sneak up on a whole new set of fans, and I have no doubts about their third doing exactly the same.
Format:Audio CD
I stumbled across this album by accident (as one does!), and wow....what a laid back and enjoyable sound......It caused me to seek out more information about them - which is very scarce. Their previous album 'Lesser Matters' is also a treat....can't wait for their next one......Enjoy!
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
16 reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
WOW...what an awesome album
2 Jan 2007
Format:Audio CD
Pet Grief is an incredible album from beginning to end. In my opinion, it's best listened to in one sitting...this album is truly an experience. For those who learned of the Radio Dept. from Marie Antoinette, this cd doesn't have the songs from Marie Antoinette on it, but if you liked those songs, you should like this album too. Beautiful hazy guitars, driving rhythms, electronic warmth, and gorgeously hidden vocals make this an album like no other. Very reminiscent of My Bloody Valentine and similar bands. This is just an all around wonderful piece of work. Pick it up!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Incredible
27 Mar 2007
Format:Audio CD
This is seriously one of the best albums I've heard in years and years...proof that big production on a record means absolutely nothing if you have brilliant songs. Packed so full with dripping, gorgeous melody that it almost makes you sick on it..like eating too much chocolate. Truly stunning, achingly beautifull and inspiring..whatever, I'm going for another listen and to float off into space!
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Welcome the Swedish Pop Invasion
2 Jun 2006
Format:Audio CD
Shimmering melancholy guitars harken to the spirit of The Smiths but with a moody, blissed-out update. Fans of Radio Dept. won't be disappointed in what is perhaps their most ambitious album, grand and epic, almost a dozen solid songs. If you enjoy the bright, sometimes dolorous Swedish pop sound, you might want to check out Ronderlin, Wan Light, Jans Lekman, Montgolfier Brothers, and Blue Boy.
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