Amazon.co.uk Review
Clarkesville is a flag of convenience for a young Midlands-based singer-songwriter called Michael Clarke. However, judging by the music on The Half Chapter, his debut album, Clarke's affinity for the works of the Monkees starts and ends with the name of his group. Clarke's inspiration, rather, is the lineage of literate, thoughtful, male singer-songwriters: the heads on Clarke's personal Mount Rushmore would be those of Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Bono, Roddy Frame and, during his more tremulous and confessional moments, Counting Crows' Adam Duritz.

The sum of these influences is an album that, while unlikely to make any listener feel like they've just discovered a new comet, is polished, assured and wearily wise beyond Clarke's meagre total of years: it certainly stands comparison with anything produced by his contemporary spiritual kin, Coldplay and Travis. Clarke occasionally over-reaches himself--a stab at the big Oasis-style all-join-hands ballad, "Everyone Should Have Their Day" should have been left on the studio floor--but his more contemplative moments, such as "Heavy Soul" and "Last Man Standing", just about justify the price of admission. --Andrew Mueller

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6 Reviews

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4.8 out of 5 stars (6 customer reviews)

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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One to Watch, a Tremendous British Talent, 1 Aug 2003

By	"abbyhalon" - See all my reviews

This time, almost a week ago to the minute, I first camer into contact with the music of Michael Clarke, aka Clarkesville. Now, a week later, I have seen them live twice, including a 400 mile round trip for one gig, own the album and have just started to run the street team. This is how passionate I am about this album and the talent behind it.
Clarkesville were supporting a favourite band of mine and although I had heard one track before, I didn't know much about them. However the performance of 7 of the tracks from the album plus an Elvis Costello Cover (man out of time) got me hooked.
The album suceeds because it does not try to be anything it isn't. It is catchy and it is pop, but it is more than credible with a strong base in meaningful lyrics and clever riffs. The poetic writing seems so developed for someone of 22 and no one could discredit Michael for his musical abilities, he is able to play electric and acoustic guitar, bass and piano, all of which he does on the album and live (apart from bass). Standout tracks for me include evergreen, the build up on which has the ability to really touch the listener, reprise, showing the softer and more intricate side of Michael's writing and Just Kills Me, a powerful song that rounds off the album in considerable style.
I advise any true music fan to keep an eye on Clarkesville and catch them live if they're near you (of even 200 miles away...). If this is his debut release he will certainly shine for a long time coming.

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding!!!, 13 Aug 2003

By	"drummaboy" - See all my reviews

I've owned the album, "The Half Chapter", for only 12 days, but I'm already hooked! From the in-your-face pop of the first single, "Secret File", to the reflective style of "Reprise", this album has worked its way inside my head. My favourite is probably "Just Kills Me", though I am spoilt for choice! Comparisons with other bands are favourable, though the sound is already becoming established as his own rather than copying what's gone before. I can't wait to see the live show!

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Buy it - you won't be disappointed, 25 Jul 2003

By	Robin H (Surrey, UK) - See all my reviews

I bought this album having heard 'Moonflowers' on a free compilation cd and this alone was the reason for my buying his debut album, despite not knowing anything of the guy before. Although only having one track to judge it on, I wasn't at all disappointed with this effort; very happy with it infact. Every single track is absolutely great, notably 'Evergreen', 'Heavy Soul' and Moonflowers'. In summary, I would describe him as a louder(better?)version of Ryan(not Bryan!)Adams and not dissimilar from David Gray, in that there are brilliant loud songs with a great melody and still a few quieter, subtle tracks which are equally excellent. If u like Travis/David Gray/Ryan Adam's or anything vaguely as brilliant then I'd undoubtedly recommend it to u. You won't be disappointed.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Why have you not purchased this?
The breeziest heartwarming music you will hear for a long time.
Think Pete Yorn Matthew Jay and Pernice Bros
A Real Gem

Published on 24 Mar 2006 by Deanie

5.0 out of 5 stars Beyond comprehension
I've owned 'The Half Chapter' for just over a month but it still remains firmly in my CD player. The lyric talent and the melodic voice combine perfectly to produce a poignant... Read more

Published on 14 Nov 2003 by L. Sandell

5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing debut album!!!!!!!!!!
This is one of those debut albums that just knocks you off your feet!! well written/structured/delivered. a real all-rounder. Read more

Published on 11 Jul 2003 by Richie Mills

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