- Audio CD (21 Sep 1998)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Label: Independiente
- ASIN: B00000GAK6
- Other Editions: Audio CD | MP3 Download
- Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 58,048 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
Jubilee Offer: Patriotic Classics for £2.50 |
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Roddy Frame's decision to strike out under his own name after so long using Aztec Camera as a flag of convenience seemed odd--it isn't like The North Star signals a major change in direction. This, of course, is no problem at all--from the barely adolescent prodigy who made High Land Hard Rain to the leather-trousered rock & roller of Stray, Frame has pursued a singular and compelling path.
At worst, he's better than average; at best, he is without contemporary peer as a singer, songwriter or guitarist.
The North Star is a logical progression from the final Aztec Camera album, 1995's absurdly overlooked Frestonia. The songs are more under-stated, and the redemptive sense of hope that has always characterised Frame's work makes reappearance after going missing for the startlingly bitter Frestonia. The title track and "Reason for Living" stand comparison with Frame's best. --Andrew Mueller
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I have to admit I was never a big fan of Aztec Camera, I've never owned any of their work and haven't heard much of them apart from the chart hits. And I was until recently unaware of just how incredibly talented Roddy Frame is. Now I'm kicking myself for wasted listening time!
This album is as near perfect a pop album as I think I've heard. Roddy Frame has the most incredible ability to write songs with both great lyrics and really biting hooks, the sort of songs you get stuck in your head and lead you to play an album to death. This is such an album.
10 songs in all may seem a little short, especially when the writing is as strong as it is here, but there is no weak filler on here. In fact it is almost unfair to pick out the real gems here because all the songs are of such quality. If I were to pick out my real favourites they'd have to be North Star for some really beautiful lyrics and a killer chorus, Strings for its gentle beauty and Hymn to Grace because it is such a moving and amazing song. But tomorrow I could just as easily pick another set of favourites if I'm being completely honest. This album really is that good.
If, like me, you happen to hear a Roddy Frame song on the radio and wonder how you've missed such a talent til now then buy this album. If you are just cruising round looking to discover a new talent then stop now and buy this. In fact if you just plain love good music and want to have tunes in your head all day at work then look no further. The only thing you'll regret after getting this wonderful album is that you didn't buy it sooner!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Whilst this is (unfortunately) unlikely to win Frame many new fans, this is a beautiful and powerful product, containing songs that make the more chart-friendly acts seem positively dull. Poetic in places, powerful in others, with 'Bigger Brighter Better' as the stand out track, this triggers emotions. Frame's passionate voice (a singer in this day and age!) still swoons out, but his fabulous guitar work is sadly missing in some places. However, 'Back To The One' and 'Reason For Living' shine just as well as the eternal 'Somewhere In My Heart'. This is probably the best pop/rock album of the last two years.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This is simply magnificent. From the man who fronted Aztec Camera for many years, and combined with the experience and maturity that those years give, it is one of the best pop/rock albums I have ever heard. From the opening 'back to the one' and continuing all through - some quieter songs, some just as lively - intelligent lyrics are combined with subtle but effective guitar to create a sound that is always relaxed and never strained. Put another way, it all feels so natural it seems it could and should only have been done this way.
The album is pleasantly unusual in that it is good on first hearing and then improves. This contrasts well to some which either take several listenings to grow on you slowly (and sometimes never make it!), or are so immediate that they are actually very superficial and lose any impact after the first few plays. It tells you something when the four of us in our household - aged 40, 30, 17 and 18 months - all liked it.
If you only buy one album this year, decade, century or millennium make it this one: you won't regret it. As a final thought: I often go visiting local second-hand CD shops but have never seen this - that tells you something.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Perfection
One of the finest albums of recent years without a doubt. It has so many hooks and beautifully polished songs. Read more
Published 19 months ago by D. Menashe
Great album
I got this album as a gift for someone as they loved Hymn To Grace and I must say having heard the song myself now, I love it too. Read more
Published on 26 April 2007 by Jen Hen
Sky's the limit
There's a clean crispness to this album; from the sudden strumming of "Back To The One" to the quiet melancholy of "Hymn To Grace". Read more
Published on 10 Aug 2002 by Warren Stalley
Poetry in emotion
Roddy may have been around a while now but he certainly hasn't lost his touch. Back to the One and The North Star are as good as anything has has written and tug at the... Read more
Published on 31 Oct 2000
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