I am very much into clever-clogs `Post Rock' and electronica at the moment, so I was primed to sneer at `Twelve Stops From Home' when my mate insisted I give it a listen. Just goes to show how wrong you can be.
This CD is a joyous, upbeat, feel-good riot. I believe the opening trio may be the strongest since `Teen Spirit', `Come As You Are' and `In Bloom' on Nirvana's `Nevermind', not that there is any similarity in sound.
The opener ` I Want You Now' is a cock-sure statement of intent; the breakthrough single `Fill My Little World' is instantly catchy, driven by piano and `Never Be Lonely' is a fantastic 70s MOR throwback - surely the best song Supertramp never wrote.
The rest of the album is just as strong: loads of harmonising and sing-a-long backing vocals, all held together with a wonderful British spirit (`Kettle's On). The closer `Blue Piccadilly' is a real lighter-waving anthem with the most rousing `la la las' I have heard since `Olsen Olsen' on Sigur Ros's `Agaetis Byrjun' (there - managed to squeeze a Post-Rock reference in!)
It is no surprise to me that there have been so many singles released from this CD as the album is genuinely packed with hits. It is a sheer joy to listed to from beginning to end and is recommended to all music fans without hesitation. Absolutely love it!