- Audio CD (23 Feb 2004)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Label: Virgin
- ASIN: B00016W7NQ
- Other Editions: Audio CD | MP3 Download
- Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 91,634 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This is one of the best chilled-out and laid back albums I've ever had the pleasure of listening to.
The vocals are reminiscent of Alison Goldfrapp, Shirley Bassey, and Beth Gibbons. This, mixed with delicate but huge sounding orchestral, cinematic symphonies almost makes it sound more like a film score than an 'typical' album.
For fans of early Goldfrapp, Zero 7, even Portishead and any chilled out trip hop acts I would definitely recommend this album to you. Its slightly more orchestral and jazz orientated than those acts, but non the less still excellent music to have on in the background when working, at dinner parties, or just before going to bed - it really helps you to relax and drift off.
Overall 'They died for beauty' is a beautiful, orchestral, continental-sounding gem of an album and well worth a look.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
There must be something in the local produce of Bristol for once again it has delivered unto us an inspiring and dreamy group with all the little flourishes, which touch the heart and warm the soul. The debut album from vocalist Joanna Swan, writer Nick Pullen and Producer Dan Brown, gently kneads dramatic John Barry strings with sun kissed acoustics, crisp flattened beats and smoky aromatic vocals. Swan indulges in each individual tale and cinematic overture, feeling not only the pleasure but the pain, ‘Happy and Weak’. Opener ‘Belissimo’ swirls with ambient panache, crying out to be adopted by a car advert. The Mediterranean come Bristol vibe continues on the jazztastic ‘Quattra Neon’ complete with another spellbinding chorus. At times the radiance of Air’s sweet electronic melody and gentle bossa of Gilberto creep up. Certain tracks like ‘Heavenly’ adopt the characteristic big band aplomb of the Portishead canon before Swan swells into a rasping vocal. One listen to ‘Soleil Soleil’ could convince even the weatherman that all is sunny and well. ‘They Died For Beauty’ r Beauty’ closes with some beautiful key changes of the Zero 7 variety. Comparisons aside this is a sonic landscape in which to roam; dynamic sound, lush instrumentation, tender melody and emotive vocals. An enchanting debut beyond downbeat anonymity.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
How to classify this so that others have a reference point to decide whether buy this is a difficult proposition. Is it cinematic trip-hop? Well sort of... Most reminicent of Goldfrapp's "Felt Mountain" and the oft forgotten and overlooked but seminal "Formica Blues" by Mono, this album combines cinematic strings with modern beautiful vocals, up to date treatments, current beats and often a cool jazzy style. Fans of John Barry, David Arnold, Burt Bacharach, Zero 7, Blue States, Air, Telepopmusik, Snooze, Les Jumeaux, Hooverphonic, Bebel Gilberto, more orchestral Drum 'n'Bass (Goldie/LTJ Bukem) and even Portishead may find something to listen to here.
Perfect arrangements, nostalgic samples, quality production and being almost completely different from anything you will hear in the mainstream, makes this a five star purchase.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Bellissimo!
This has to be one of the best chill-out albums ever. Easily as good as Zero 7's beautiful debut, "Simple Things" (2001), Kate Bush's inspirational and delightful double-disk... Read more
Published on 29 Jan 2007 by N. Sutherland
Worth every penny!
I can't really recommend this album enough. I won't add much to what the other reviewers said, except to say that this is probably my favourite album of all time (and i don't say... Read more
Published on 6 July 2005 by Duncan Rhodes
The new beginning..
Well what can i say? This is simply THE best CD i've bought this year, and will remain in my heart and soul for years to come. Read more
Published on 27 May 2004 by "edwardknights"
a worthy cause
There must be something in the local produce of Bristol for once again it has delivered unto us an inspiring and dreamy group with all the little flourishes, which touch the heart... Read more
Published on 23 Mar 2004 by "vincenzo1uk"
Very Interesting!
This CD has a very beautiful vocal, and some really excellent dreamy lounge, although it is not your usual lounge! It is dreamy, sparse, and somewhat cinematic in parts! Read more
Published on 2 Mar 2004 by P. Chaker
Incredible - I can't stop playing it!
I buy alot of music but until this CD I've never, ever, been moved enough to write a review. It's hard to describe what genre it falls into and I feel that it does it an injustice... Read more
Published on 27 Feb 2004
future classic
resolutely un-fashionable and all the better for it.
beautiful, intellingent and very musical - the uk press probably won't admit to liking this until it's sold a million... Read more
beautiful, intellingent and very musical - the uk press probably won't admit to liking this until it's sold a million... Read more
Published on 4 Feb 2004
All I've been expecting, was make true!
I've heard their 2 ep's, which were so magic so beatiful that I couldn't hardly wait till the complete album to be released.
But there it is. Read more
But there it is. Read more
Published on 15 Jan 2004 by patxi eguiluz
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