Frequently Bought Together
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Listen to Samples and Buy MP3s
Songs from this album are available to purchase as MP3s. Click on "Buy MP3" or
view the MP3 Album.
|
Product Description
Review
Familiar to a faithful following as the most recognisable voice in Mercury Prize-winning Southport five-piece Gomez, Ben Ottewell has ventured far further than Manchester’s Piccadilly station – the subject of a right ol’ whipping, you may recall – to record his debut solo album. All the way to Los Angeles, in fact, where he worked alongside co-producer Will Golden and, subsequently, Liars and Warpaint mixer Tom Biller to shape these nine tracks into their final forms. Not exactly touched by the Californian rays in terms of tone, there’s a definite difference between the mischievousness of Gomez, particularly on their first two LPs, and this rather more mature and heartfelt set.
Ottewell swiftly imposes himself on proceedings, showcasing a voice with greater depth than some fair-weather fans of past ventures may have given him credit for. There’s a real richness to his words on the album’s lead single, Lightbulbs – a richness that’s roughed-up at the edges, for sure, but its core is warm and sincere. Come the next track, All Brand New, his gentle sighs are burdened by a tangible emotional weight. He may be referring to "a hot summer breeze dancing on warm skin", but the song’s delicate design is a million compositional miles away from the rollicking West Coast rock purveyed by so many since the 1960s.
Typically sparse, these acoustic arrangements – co-written with Sam Genders, formerly of Tunng – allow plenty of space for Ottewell’s voice to dominate. But when they grow busier, the mood changes – No Obstacles is a simple, but effective, song about overcoming odds and aiming for whatever prize illuminates the spaces behind one’s eyes. It ensures that Shapes and Shadows isn’t quite the singularly paced affair that so many man-and-guitar discs prove to be. Step Right Back is a pretty waltz of a folk-rocker that seems to touch upon the topic of separation from a loved one – though studied metaphors convey some ambiguity – and gentle finger-picked closer Take This Beach is a haunting curtain-down that lingers in the memory. A comparison to Nick Drake, an artist regularly misplaced in critiques, fits comfortably here.
With Gomez still a going concern, this solo effort – five years in the making – is very much a side project finally realised. But Ottewell should consider a follow-up, as there’s much more to recommend here than on recent releases by other indie band singers turned so-so solo artists.
--Mike Diver
Find more music at the BBC This link will take you off Amazon in a new window
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
The temptation to start this review with the question "whatever happened to Gomez" is irresistible and despite the fact that die hard fans will point towards 2009s "A new tide" as a return to form they are primarily seared on the consciousness of music fans with the production of their 1998 Mercury Prize winning debut "Bring it on" when the gravel blues voice of the young 18 year old lead singer Ben Ottewell came as a blinding revelation on songs such as the epic "Get Miles" and plaintive "Tijuana lady". It was as if a youthful Tom Waits or Rod Stewart circa the Faces had been reborn and relocated to Southport. Now over a decade later the band have decided to branch out into the production of solo albums and this is Ottewell's first lone offering. His recent cover of Jimmy Webbs "Wichita linesman" was a model of its kind and this reviewer offered a little prayer that the songs on "Shapes and shadows" would fall into this broad ambience. Thankfully these have been answered and in these generally excellent songs such as "Blackbird" he has reclaimed some of the territory lost since "Bring it on". The same is true of the excellent title track which builds into a fine construct and a powerful rolling ballad.
True like many solo singers nowadays the ghost of Nick Drake seems to haunt their efforts and the echoes can be heard loud and clearly on the lovely lament "Take this beach" but reaches its height on "All brand new" which has Bryter Layter stamped all over it. . Nonetheless this is a primarily an album located in the genre of Americana which is fitting since it was recorded in Los Angeles in partnership with former Tunng member Sam Genders. Thus it is songs like the more harder "Chicago" with its echoes of Ryan Adams and the excellent single "Lightbulbs" which impress the most.... Read more ›
True like many solo singers nowadays the ghost of Nick Drake seems to haunt their efforts and the echoes can be heard loud and clearly on the lovely lament "Take this beach" but reaches its height on "All brand new" which has Bryter Layter stamped all over it. . Nonetheless this is a primarily an album located in the genre of Americana which is fitting since it was recorded in Los Angeles in partnership with former Tunng member Sam Genders. Thus it is songs like the more harder "Chicago" with its echoes of Ryan Adams and the excellent single "Lightbulbs" which impress the most.... Read more ›
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By pete clack
TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:Audio CD
I was being asked to take a listen to this release,told I would like it...wrong I absolutely love this CD.If White Ladder sold millions then this one is at least it's equal.First of all Ben Ottowell has an amazing voice really bluesy yet very melodic, here on his first solo album outside of being a member of Gomez one of the best bands around.Taking a little time out has produced this set, although some of Gomez are used in a backing role on this album it's very much his own work, and proves what an awesome songwriter he is.From the opening 'Shapes And Shadows' we see Ben acoustically lead some pretty hot musicians in a set that will certainly rank among my releases of the year come December. The title track's like a class wine gets better as it goes along and with each successive playing.This goes for an album that justs gets more enjoyable every time you play it.This maybe a sleeper album but it deserves massive success by a very fine solo artist from a great band,who writes plays and sings his way through what is to me a very,nay hugely enjoyable release that should not be missed.
By S. Broom
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I have every album and most singles of Gomez but to be honest by the end it became more of a habit than genuine love for the later music. After hearing a couple of tracks I thought I would give the whole of the solo album a try. Fantastic album and not a bad track on it. His voice is so distinctive it has really found a home in these slower more acoustic tracks which perhaps we might have expected more of after the initial euphoria generated by tracks like "Tijuana Lady" and "Get Miles" in "Bring It On". Get's better with every listen and hope he sells enough to encourage him to do some more.
By Penguin_army
Format:Audio CD
This is very average. Nothing like what I was expecting. The one thing I thought would be a redeeming feature is Ben's voice. Not so. He seems to have adapted a strange slightly camp nasal singing for his solo effort. Must do better. Oh and if you were wondering, this sounds nothing like Gomez.
Format:Audio CD
Ben is THE voice of Gomez. The band turns from a "pop" band with pleasant light tunes to a "rock" band with depth and emotion when he takes over the vocal reigns. Having seen him solo live at the Borderline in London a while back, then again at Bush Hall last month, I can only encourage anyone to get this superb album. I confess, he could probably sing the national anthem and I'd still be in awe, but the range of his voice and the power he brings to his songs on this album is captivating and, in my opinion, this is a more consistent album start to finish than perhaps any Gomez album to date.
The opening track, Shapes and Shadows, I was lucky enough to hear him sing without any instrument accompaniment at Bush Hall (he confessed to having forgotten the chords!)and it was one of those spine-tingling "I was there" moments that come by all too rarely. His simple arrangements on this album leave his voice to showcase it's extra-ordinary qualities without unnecessary distraction, and it just gets better and better with each play. A genuinely nice guy; a genuinely unique voice; a genuinely must-have album. Treat yourself!
The opening track, Shapes and Shadows, I was lucky enough to hear him sing without any instrument accompaniment at Bush Hall (he confessed to having forgotten the chords!)and it was one of those spine-tingling "I was there" moments that come by all too rarely. His simple arrangements on this album leave his voice to showcase it's extra-ordinary qualities without unnecessary distraction, and it just gets better and better with each play. A genuinely nice guy; a genuinely unique voice; a genuinely must-have album. Treat yourself!
By Jojo Allen
Format:Audio CD
When I first put this CD on I was already a fan of BW's voice through his fine work with Gomez.
I liked what I heard right away, but over time I've found myself coming back to this album a lot.
Regrettably, that happens less and less with new purchases these days.
Shapes and Shadows is one of those albums that get inside you slowly.
You put it on a few times and, then, that one day comes where it's playing and, as each song begins, you think 'Oh I really like this one...' and you do that with every song.
A truly unique voice and a solid and lovely first solo album.
One can only hope it's the first of many more.
A point of interest - Gomez bandmate, Ian Ball, has recently released a CD called Who Goes There that is definitely worth checking out too.
Not sure if I like it as much as this one, but, honestly, I haven't given it the same chance yet.
Might be time to put it on again.
Right after S&S finishes.
I liked what I heard right away, but over time I've found myself coming back to this album a lot.
Regrettably, that happens less and less with new purchases these days.
Shapes and Shadows is one of those albums that get inside you slowly.
You put it on a few times and, then, that one day comes where it's playing and, as each song begins, you think 'Oh I really like this one...' and you do that with every song.
A truly unique voice and a solid and lovely first solo album.
One can only hope it's the first of many more.
A point of interest - Gomez bandmate, Ian Ball, has recently released a CD called Who Goes There that is definitely worth checking out too.
Not sure if I like it as much as this one, but, honestly, I haven't given it the same chance yet.
Might be time to put it on again.
Right after S&S finishes.
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 3 reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
A different angle
My interest in this album stemmed from enjoying Ben's unique voice on several tracks by Gomez.
A very bluesy voice with plenty of power. Read more
A very bluesy voice with plenty of power. Read more
Published on 22 Mar 2011 by noisemaker blue
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fine first solo album
Its impossible to hear Bens' voice and not associate it with Gomez, but this is a fine first solo effort from Mr. Ottewell. Read more
Published on 22 Mar 2011 by Mr. P. Di Matteo
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
