Jubilee Offer: Patriotic Classics for £2.50 |
Frequently Bought Together
Product details
|
Track Listings
| 1. A Fighting Chance |
| 2. The Sleeper |
| 3. The Last Of The Melting Snow |
| 4. A Short Weekend Begins With Longing |
| 5. We Were Wasted |
| 6. Save It For Someone Who Cares |
| 7. The Darkest Place I Know |
| 8. Are We Happy? |
| 9. Come To Your Senses |
| 10. A Matter Of Time |
| 11. Love's Enormous Wings |
Product Description
Review
Released just as the daffodils are on the wane, the confident debut album by this Brighton/London-based group suggests they've been hard at work over the winter, in spite of their moniker. The Sleeper is lush, pastoral and very English, but also peppered with wistful American influences from simpler times - most obviously the 1960s. Though occasionally twee and chocolate box pretty, it's garlanded with lovely melodies that soon anchor themselves in the memory.
Singer/multi-instrumentalist Nick Hemming (ukulele, mandolin, banjo, guitar) and keyboardist Christian Hardy form the core of the group, with impressive arrangements also featuring strings, flute, pedal steel, glockenspiel, and thumb piano among other instruments. Hemming's voice is easy on the ear,
whether unadorned or cloaked in close harmonies that sometimes echo The Beatles. The closest comparison might be The Divine Comedy's Neil Hannon - without the sardonic humour - but there are other times where both his tone and the tunes suggest influences as diverse as Squeeze, The Kinks and Teenage Fanclub.
The Leisure Society's debut single The Last Of The Melting Snow is a swooning, instantly accessible waltz and was deservedly lapped up by BBC radio at the end of last year. New single A Matter Of Time is even better - an ambitious, multi-layered song that unfolds over six minutes with the inexorable, melodic logic of all great pop music.
The album does sag significantly on its second half, beginning with The Darkest Place I Know (where style wins out over content), the lightweight ditty Are We Happy? and the pleasant but unexceptional country chug of Come To Your Senses.
But there are enough other highlights to ensure The Sleeper adds up more than two great singles and some filler. The post-apocalyptic nature imagery of the title track hints at Fleet Foxes, while A Short Weekend Begins With Longing sounds like a lost artefact from San Francisco's Summer Of Love. We Were Wasted shamelessly nicks the guitar motif from Leonard Cohen's The Stranger Song to nifty effect, and the euphoric rush of Love's Enormous Wings has a satisfying sense of resolution, which makes it a fitting closer. --Jon Lusk
Find more music at the BBC This link will take you off Amazon in a new window
Review
Midlands folk collective's disarming debut. 'America seems an awfully long way to go,' sings The Leisure Society's Christian Hardy on their sweetly turned single The Last Of The Melting Snow. Fair point, but if they'd claimed to hail from Burton, Nebraska rather than Burton-on-Trent, and recorded this beautifully pastoral debut album in a log cabin, we'd surely be falling at their feet. Despite their prosaic origins, Nick Hemming's gang will charm many an ear with the ukelele-laced musings of A Short Weekend, while the minor falls, major lifts and Cohenesque Spanish guitar of We Were Wasted are offset by unlikely references to driving home drunk froma nightclub. In short, they've created a sound steeped in the finest folk-pop traditions while retaining a very British streak of humour and individuality. America's loss; surely our gain. (Johnny Sharp) --Mojo (March 2009, 4 stars)
Their sublime, string-filled debut single, 'The Last of the Melting Snow', was chosen by Elbow's Guy Garvey as his single of the year. And this, their first LP, is full of a similar northern England charm akin to the Mercury winners. From the delicate seed of 'A Fighting Chance', this album grows to a sweet whimsy that delights in a spring time ambience. Close your eyes and you can see the flowers blossom. The lyrics offer a dark nuance though, turning both comic and sombre in a way you d expect from a collective that once counted film director Shane Meadows and actor Paddy Considine amongst its number. Nick Hardy and Christian Hemming have used a folk past to create a pop album of precious subtlety. Even the ukulele makes itself welcome, without the cringe of it sounding like a novelty. This isn t just a debut that promises big things for the future, it s one that delivers greatness already. (Thomas Meek) --The List (Issue 623, Feb 19th 2009, 5 stars)
Their sublime, string-filled debut single, 'The Last of the Melting Snow', was chosen by Elbow's Guy Garvey as his single of the year. And this, their first LP, is full of a similar northern England charm akin to the Mercury winners. From the delicate seed of 'A Fighting Chance', this album grows to a sweet whimsy that delights in a spring time ambience. Close your eyes and you can see the flowers blossom. The lyrics offer a dark nuance though, turning both comic and sombre in a way you d expect from a collective that once counted film director Shane Meadows and actor Paddy Considine amongst its number. Nick Hardy and Christian Hemming have used a folk past to create a pop album of precious subtlety. Even the ukulele makes itself welcome, without the cringe of it sounding like a novelty. This isn t just a debut that promises big things for the future, it s one that delivers greatness already. (Thomas Meek) --The List (Issue 623, Feb 19th 2009, 5 stars)
Tags Customers Associate with This Product(What's this?)Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
|
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This band have more celebrity endorsements than Red Nose day .The albums sleeve notes thank Mark Radcliffe , Stuart Maconie, Marc Riley ,Lauren Laverne , Zane Lowe ,Dermot O'Leary ( Wot...rather than Eoghan Quigg ?) Bob Harris and Guy Garvey (who cited their December single The Last of the Melting Snow his favourite song of 2008) for their support. You can add me to that salubrious list for what it,s worth ( precisely zero i would imagine). This is a great album .
Singer/multi-instrumentalist Nick Hemming (ukulele, mandolin, banjo, sitar, autoharp, guitar amongst many others) and keyboardist Christian Hardy form the core of the group, with striking arrangements also including strings, flute, pedal steel, glockenspiel, clarinet and erm...talking bowl among other instruments. Hemming used to be in a group with film maker Shane Meadows and shares his acute eye for minute detail and resonant empathy with his subject matter.
Their music has been likened to Americana with a pastoral English bent and that's a pretty good way to describe it. They do sound quintessentially English. So i hear strains of XTC circaSkylarking in the strings on the title track and the aforementioned "The Last Of The Melting Snow" reminds me of a band called Dakota SuiteThe End of Trying who also specialised in radiant but forlorn ballads. There is a real pop sensibility on a track like "Save It For Someone Who Cares" while "The Darkest Place I Know" could come off an EnoHere Come the Warm JetsTaking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy) solo album with it's lilting magnificence.
The album does throw in a few feints just to keep the listener on their metaphorical toes. The clippity clop arrangement on "Are You Happy ?", the rustic wig-out at the end of "Save It For Someone Who Cares" and the splendid new single "In A Matter Of Time" which combines the observational mien of The Kinks and Squeeze set to a tune both would be proud of.
So plenty of cracking tunes, some pithy lyrics -"Here's another name to add to your collection /She lacks in desire what I lack in direction "- pleasant easy on the ear vocals and a genuinely intriguing sound and approach - like a restrained Rockingbirds doing The Handsome Family , make The Sleeper one of the must have albums of the year so far. The title is surely an indication that this group view themselves as a band that will insidiously worm their way into the affections . They are being overly modest. One listen and you will be hooked. To keep the sleep metaphor going this is the stuff of discreet dreams.
Singer/multi-instrumentalist Nick Hemming (ukulele, mandolin, banjo, sitar, autoharp, guitar amongst many others) and keyboardist Christian Hardy form the core of the group, with striking arrangements also including strings, flute, pedal steel, glockenspiel, clarinet and erm...talking bowl among other instruments. Hemming used to be in a group with film maker Shane Meadows and shares his acute eye for minute detail and resonant empathy with his subject matter.
Their music has been likened to Americana with a pastoral English bent and that's a pretty good way to describe it. They do sound quintessentially English. So i hear strains of XTC circaSkylarking in the strings on the title track and the aforementioned "The Last Of The Melting Snow" reminds me of a band called Dakota SuiteThe End of Trying who also specialised in radiant but forlorn ballads. There is a real pop sensibility on a track like "Save It For Someone Who Cares" while "The Darkest Place I Know" could come off an EnoHere Come the Warm JetsTaking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy) solo album with it's lilting magnificence.
The album does throw in a few feints just to keep the listener on their metaphorical toes. The clippity clop arrangement on "Are You Happy ?", the rustic wig-out at the end of "Save It For Someone Who Cares" and the splendid new single "In A Matter Of Time" which combines the observational mien of The Kinks and Squeeze set to a tune both would be proud of.
So plenty of cracking tunes, some pithy lyrics -"Here's another name to add to your collection /She lacks in desire what I lack in direction "- pleasant easy on the ear vocals and a genuinely intriguing sound and approach - like a restrained Rockingbirds doing The Handsome Family , make The Sleeper one of the must have albums of the year so far. The title is surely an indication that this group view themselves as a band that will insidiously worm their way into the affections . They are being overly modest. One listen and you will be hooked. To keep the sleep metaphor going this is the stuff of discreet dreams.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This album is one of my favourites of the year so far. Each song is beautifully composed and interspersed with many different instruments. There are flute and strings to provide some orchestration, mixed with banjos, ukelele and many more. There is even a banjo whig-out at the end of 'Save It for Someone Who Cares' which recalls 'Duelling Banjos'. The singing is tight too, with close harmonies between Nick and Christian, as well as accompaniment from the rest of the band. It is some of the best Americana you will hear that didn't come from America.
Nick Hemming and Christian Hardy have created a feel good album, full of intelligent lyrics and catchy melodies. Their Ivor Novello nominated single 'Last of the Melting Snow' is a mournful tale of an ended relationship, while 'We Were Wasted' is a nostalgic tale of nights out in Hemming's native Burton-on-Trent. The rest of the album touches on death, more lost love, happiness and more. There is a gentle cohesion to the themes and sound which makes it feel like an excellent album, rather than just a collection of songs. Opening with the lazy 'Give Yourself a Fighting Chance', it is just under 40 minutes of aural bliss.
This is a fantastic debut and the band deserves recognition. It sits firmly alongside the new wave of British folk - similar in sound to Laura Marling, Mumford & Sons, Noah and the Whale, and The Boy Least Likely To - but also The Kinks in their 'Village Green Preservation Society' era, with the nostalgia, the wit and wistful lyrics. My favourite tracks are 'A Short Weekend Begins with Longing' and 'A Matter of Time', but all of the songs are brilliant and it comes highly recommended. Buy it now, you won't regret it!
Nick Hemming and Christian Hardy have created a feel good album, full of intelligent lyrics and catchy melodies. Their Ivor Novello nominated single 'Last of the Melting Snow' is a mournful tale of an ended relationship, while 'We Were Wasted' is a nostalgic tale of nights out in Hemming's native Burton-on-Trent. The rest of the album touches on death, more lost love, happiness and more. There is a gentle cohesion to the themes and sound which makes it feel like an excellent album, rather than just a collection of songs. Opening with the lazy 'Give Yourself a Fighting Chance', it is just under 40 minutes of aural bliss.
This is a fantastic debut and the band deserves recognition. It sits firmly alongside the new wave of British folk - similar in sound to Laura Marling, Mumford & Sons, Noah and the Whale, and The Boy Least Likely To - but also The Kinks in their 'Village Green Preservation Society' era, with the nostalgia, the wit and wistful lyrics. My favourite tracks are 'A Short Weekend Begins with Longing' and 'A Matter of Time', but all of the songs are brilliant and it comes highly recommended. Buy it now, you won't regret it!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
The type of person that stumbles across this band is highly likely to enjoy "good" music as a rule and will undoubtedly recognise many influences and traits throughout the album.The sound is that of THE LEISURE SOCIETY, their own unique signature, but I am not being over-zealous when I say I hear The Beatles, Teenage Fan Club, Clifford T Ward and Crosby Stills Nash and Young in the mix. Nothing is knowingly robbed or lifted it is simply that the band obviously have great taste and it comes across throughout the album.
Having owned the cd for about a week, I cannot stop playing it. It is a beautiful album and in "The Last of The Melting Snow" possesses a song which is a genuine masterpiece, one of the finest songs I have ever heard. Do believe the hype, this is without doubt a modern classic. If you like lush harmonies, pastoral sounds, great lyrics, excellent musicianship and strong melodies you'd be a fool to miss out. ESSENTIAL KIT!
Having owned the cd for about a week, I cannot stop playing it. It is a beautiful album and in "The Last of The Melting Snow" possesses a song which is a genuine masterpiece, one of the finest songs I have ever heard. Do believe the hype, this is without doubt a modern classic. If you like lush harmonies, pastoral sounds, great lyrics, excellent musicianship and strong melodies you'd be a fool to miss out. ESSENTIAL KIT!
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
Was this review helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Melody makers
This is a really great album. They can be unfairly compared to other folk/pop avatars but they stand alone in terms of melody and variety. Read more
Published 2 months ago by E. R. Hartley
Sleeper
A very prompt delivery, with very good communication. Everything fine with the product with the CD and case in new condition and playing fine.
Published 8 months ago by N. Murphy
The Slee - far from sleep inducing
We had heard this group being interviewed on Radio 2 and on that basis bought the CD. What wonderfully original sound and lyrics performed by people who can actually play their... Read more
Published on 28 Oct 2009 by S. Jenkinson
A Breath of Fresh Air......
The Leisure Society new release 'The Sleeper', is an absolute gem of an album. For a while now, after seeing them perform live and following them on Myspace and Youtube, I've been... Read more
Published on 12 Oct 2009 by S. Faulkner
It's Getting Better All The Time
I was knocked sideways when I caught them on a lovely summer's day at the The Big Chill. It was the cover version of Cars that clinched it and then I had to go and buy the album. Read more
Published on 23 Sep 2009 by T. Evans
Charming, Beautiful, Wonderful
I only discovered The Leisure Society on Saturday - two days ago. A chance mention of them in a monthly music magazine led me to looking them up on the wonderful Spotify. Read more
Published on 21 Sep 2009 by Coincidence Vs Fate
Wonderful
This is a truly beautiful album - harmonic, elegant and wistful. My favourite album so far this year.
Published on 23 July 2009 by Mr. Cameron D. Wyllie
Not one bad track
Bought on the recommendation of a cyberpal - after listening to the snippets available via amazon - and the track 'last of the melting snow' via 'other sources'. Read more
Published on 16 July 2009 by Poppy Dog
Beautiful, stirring- and thanks to Radcliffe and Maconie!
A really atmospheric, multi-layered album that I was attracted to by the track "Last of the Melting Snow" which Radcliffe and Maconie raved about on their Radio 2 show. Read more
Published on 5 Jun 2009 by M. McCann
a little gem
I was intrigued on hearing that "last of the melting snow" was up with the likes of Elbow for an Ivor Novello award. Read more
Published on 22 May 2009 by Christophe Prigent
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
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
