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The Magic Position [Enhanced]

Patrick Wolf | Format: Audio CD

4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)

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Product details

Audio CD (26 Feb 2007)
Number of Discs: 1
Format: Enhanced
Label: Universal
ASIN: B000LRY9WM
Other Editions: Audio CD | MP3 Download

Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)

Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 68,177 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

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1. Overture

2. The Magic Position

3. Accident & Emergency

4. The Bluebell

5. Bluebells

6. Magpie

7. The Kiss

8. Augustine

9. Secret Garden

10. Get Lost

11. Enchanted

12. The Stars

13. Finale

14. Bluebells

Product Description

Amazon.co.uk

Standing at 6 feet 4" tall with a shock of bright red hair, 23 year old Patrick Wolf is something of a statement even before he opens his mouth. His two albums to date – 2003's Lycanthropy and 2005's Wind in the Wires – have showed him to be more than a pretty face, however, with songs that strike an attractive balance between the imaginative and the indulgent. His third album, The Magic Position, is undoubtedly Wolf's 'pop' moment. The rollicking romp of "Get Lost", the upbeat "Accident and Emergency," and the celebratory title track all underline new levels of accessibility and – dare we say it - optimism. There are hints of the old Wolf too of course, especially in the eclectic choice of instrumentation and the off-kilter song arrangements; for every pop-perfect track there's a slice of raw darkness ("Bluebell,") casual introspection ("Augustine") or sidereal rock-tronica ("The Stars"). Less a dramatic re-invention than a sideways turn into the world of adult emotions and mainstream accessibility, The Magic Position is nonetheless Patrick Wolf's most accomplished work to date. --Paul Sullivan

Review

23 year-old Patrick Wolf carved quite a niche for himself with his first two albums (2003's Lycanthropy and 2005's Wind In The Wires), his unique sound influenced by practically everything from Atari Teenage Riot to Gustav Mahler (via folk music and everything else in between). With The Magic Position Wolf releases his major label debut, and enters the notoriously 'difficult' territory of the third album. So how does he fare?

Well, from the very first listen it becomes apparent that Wolf is having a ball. Whilst it would be grossly unfair to dismiss this as his 'pop' album - there are several moments of glorious, foot-stomping, handclapping, shameless pop music. That's not to say that there aren't several brooding, dark orchestral moments (''Finale''), or mad, Aphex Twin-style interludes (''The Secret Garden'') but overall the mood of the album is one of joy.

The Magic Position sounds like Wolf is constantly evolving and improving as both a writer and a producer (yes, he produced this album, too - is there anything this boy can't do?!). ''Augustine'' twinkles with romantic piano and serenades with gentle strings; ''Get Lost'' sounds like The Cure's Robert Smith singing a camp love song, backed by swells of brass and bubbling synths; and 'Bluebells' ingeniously incorporates the sound of fireworks alongside tribal drums and a kantale.

Yes, it's more polished than his previous albums, and it's true - it is poppier than them, but so what? Wolf may be young, but he's clearly not naive. The fact that this album had to be mastered three times before he was happy with it shows that this is how it's supposed to sound. This isn't 'selling out' or deliberately making a more radio-friendly album - it's Wolf's vision; and you know what? It's magnificent! --Simon Fernand

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wolf delivers once more 20 Feb 2007

By Mr. J. Milton VINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

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. Read more ›

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15 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Weird and wonderful British music at its very best! 5 Mar 2007

By Mr. C. J. Waldron

Format:Audio CD

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???

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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars To live, to love in the major key 17 May 2007

By E. A Solinas HALL OF FAME TOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:Audio CD

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.... Read more ›

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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Patrick Wolf - The Magic Position 5 Mar 2007

By RachelWalker TOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:Audio CD

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. I certainly wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did, but even as the punchy beats and glorious strings of the first track, Overture, crashed over my head on first listening, I was sold. From Overture the album moves to the title track, probably the most joyously exuberant on the album. A wonderful happy song, full of the obvious love which bred it. I could listen to it for hours.

And the rest of the album follows pretty much in a similar brilliant vein, from the darker "Magpie" to the brooding "Augustine". Listening to The Magic Position, with its colourful carousel cover, is much like a sonic fairground: every ride is different, and has its different tone and emotions, but every one is exciting in its own particular way. Wolf is a truly wonderful musician, and this is one of the best albums of the year so far. It's hard to believe that, at 23 (ish?), indie darling Wolf has already released 3 absolutely fantastic albums. Honestly, buy this. It's different and original, but wonderful enough to appeal to a wide audience.

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› See all 12 customer reviews (newest first) on Amazon.co.uk

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Poppier but I like it

This of Patrick Wolf is more pop but still has his quirky energy. It's a fun album and I enjoy listening to it.

Published 6 days ago by *

5.0 out of 5 stars The Magic Position

The most colorful and funniest album of Patrick Wolf. Again you should buy this album cherish it love it and listen to it everyday!

Published 6 months ago by glylay

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'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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