Amazon.co.uk Review
Ed Harcourt, hailed as the new Tom Waits, returns with
Strangers, his fourth long player in as many years. For the most part it's no great departure from the previous three outings, but that's no bad thing considering
Harcourt has always had the ability to write a decent tune--just like Waits or his British counterpart Nick Drake. There is a distinct up-beat feeling to this collection of songs, as opposed to the last three releases, though the darker more sinister side to Harcourt still remains. This Juxtaposition is evident on tracks such as "Born in the 70s", with its poppy rhythm and chorus hook that someone like Robbie Williams would turn into a number one. The Hammond organ of the title track, "Strangers", is reminiscent of that used by seventies bands such as Supertramp, and provides the song with an optimistic air. The simplicity of the arrangement of "The Trapdoor", reminds one of what Harcourt is best at: bittersweet melancholy. Harcourt's talent as an expressive lyricist is made abundantly evident in these 12 songs. This coupled with his ability to write fine melodies, makes him one of the many contemporary British artists who are reminding us what music is all about: having a good tune that you can whistle.
--Jamie Clark
CD Description
The follow up to 2003's 'From Every Sphere' is the East Sussex singer-songwriter's third album. Reminiscent of dark folkesque artists such as Tom Waits but also able to evoke the classic melodies of acts such as The Beatles. More polished than previous efforts, this album sees Harcourt take a softer more acoustic approach for most of the album; but a handful of the remain dark and intense.