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Track Listings
| 1. Broke Window |
| 2. No Poetry |
| 3. DTLA |
| 4. Lucky |
| 5. Something Else |
| 6. Pills |
| 7. Boat Song |
| 8. Umbilical Town |
| 9. The Princess Of Hollywood Way |
| 10. Patchwork G. |
| 11. Bar Stool |
| 12. Mad World (Michael Andrews featuring Gary Jules) |
Product Description
Amazon.co.uk
San Diego based singer-songwriter Gary Jules was brought to the world's attention with his haunting cover of Tears for Fears' "Mad World", but Trading Snakeoil for Wolf Tickets may surprise fans expecting more of the same. There is a strong sense of West Coast country-tinged folk, with pop influences drawn from the Byrds, intelligent prose from Simon & Garfunkel and a velvety drawl from somewhere between James Taylor and JJ Cale. The plucked guitar of "No Poetry" is as beautiful as anything Taylor has produced; it could be perceived as derivative but Jules is expressing his song in the most appropriate way, and it fits the melody perfectly. The abbreviated "DTLA" ("Down Town Los Angeles") is more of an up-tempo number introduced by an analogue drum machine that swaggers in a country fashion befitting the fond imagery in the lyrics. The rest of the album follows a similar path except for the Michael Andrews collaboration "Mad World", which sits awkwardly at the end. Having the big single so far removed from the rest of the songs may seem risky but Trading Snakeoil for Wolftickets has enough merit without "Mad World" to show Jules is no one-hit wonder. --David Trueman
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
113 of 115 people found the following review helpful
By "whandley"
Format:Audio CD
Like most people outside of San Diego I became aware of Gary Jules through his haunting cover of Mad World on the soundtrack to Donnie Darko. Eager to hear more I hunted high and low and finally found somewhere that would sell me a copy of Trading Snakeoil for Wolftickets. (Shame on you, Amazon, for not stocking this sooner...)
I was expecting to hear a collection of moody piano-based music, but apart from Mad World this is a guitar-based folk rock album. Don't let this put you off though, this is very good indeed. Jules is influenced by a variety of artists, from Bob Dylan (pretty much throughout) to Jethro Tull (the short, but very sweet 'Lucky') by way of Simon & Garfunkel (Broke Window and the stand-out 'Pills').
So, not what I was expecting, but if you like the Mad World cover it's probably because you appreciate good music and, if so, you'll definitely appreciate this. Buy it - it would be a crime if Gary Jules was forever known as 'the bloke off the Donnie Darko soundtrack'.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Audio CD
I have been listening to this CD since June when I managed to track one down in the US. Sorry Amazon was not you!
If you are expecting more music like Mad World you might be disapointed. However what you will get is a great selection of song with a tale from this singer song writer. I hope Gary goes far and am hoping that he will do a tour in the UK soon.
If you are expecting more music like Mad World you might be disapointed. However what you will get is a great selection of song with a tale from this singer song writer. I hope Gary goes far and am hoping that he will do a tour in the UK soon.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Star_Sea
Format:Audio CD
Most, if not all, listeners will know Gary Jules from his haunting rendition of "Mad World", which was a Christmas No. 1. It should be said immediately that the other songs on this album are not at all like that record, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. If you like mellow songs with guitar and piano that bring the feeling of autumn sunshine or windy afternoons... songs that capture a particular moment, or feeling... this album is for you. My personal favourites are "Broken Window" and "The Princess of Hollywood Way", a bittersweet tribute to that person who blows in and out of your life, bringing a special kind of magic whenever they arrive.
One of the best things about this album is that it stands up as album on its own, and as background music. If you're a person who likes to have music in the background while you're working or you're engaged in some activity, this is ideal, because the songs are easy enough to slip by you. You will find yourself humming snatches, which is probably the best recommendation a song can have.
My only criticism is that Jules could vary the pace a little. All the songs seem to swing to the same rhythm - sad and easy, happy and easy. A bit of rock wouldn't go amiss.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent album with great songs
So much more than just the brilliant Mad World. A real listen to over and over one. I bought it just for Mad World and it's now one of my favourite albums.
Published 3 months ago by Mrs. Elizabeth A. Stanley
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good quality songs
Have to say I bought this album on the strength of the reviews and of listening to the Donnie Darko single. Read more
Published on 30 July 2004
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb
Sometimes a person comes along who can make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, Gary Jules does this.
Published on 13 Jun 2004 by "stephent295"
2.0 out of 5 stars
Good but derivative
It's a shame that Gary Jules is either unable or unwilling to find his own sound. The first track is like listening to a Paul Simon song. Read more
Published on 4 May 2004 by "jon_clough"
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic album!!
Well what can I say - I bought this album a couple of weeks ago, purely on the strength of Gary Jules christmas No 1. Read more
Published on 13 April 2004 by Kez247
5.0 out of 5 stars
A song for every mood
I have been transfixed with Gary Jules' work since he did the cover of Mad world for the Film Donnie Darko over two years ago. Read more
Published on 5 Mar 2004 by Ms. C. E. Masters
5.0 out of 5 stars
One word.......AWESOME
I heard Gary jules was performing live at a venue near to where I live and decided to go along (The Cockpit, Leeds, England, 18th Feb 2004)......I was not disappointed. Read more
Published on 19 Feb 2004
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing Album
This album is the best one I have ever bought. I love his music, and I was so glad when he became christmas number 1. Anyone who buys this album will enjoy it a lot!
Published on 24 Jan 2004
5.0 out of 5 stars
Songs with feeling - Thought inducing material
Wow, this is absolutely fantastic…………..
I had never heard of Gary Jules up until Christmas 2003. Read more
Published on 23 Jan 2004
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