Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Please sir, I want some more, 17 Dec 2006
Sometimes you take a chance on an album. People make recommendations and you think "Maybe they're right, I'll give it a try" and you listen and you either don't agree or you absolutely love it. The Changes' album, "Today Is Tonight", is one of those that you (or at least I), instantly fall for.
After I'd heard the album I read a description on a blog that said that they sound like Prefab Sprout crossed with Haircut 100 and that person was reading my mind. The comparison with Prefab Sprout is vary apt on particular tracks, such as the jazzy "In The Dark", which is just about the only slow track on the album, where they manage to sound like Paddy's band at their best. But they're also a lot more than sound-alikes.
Yes, it has a very 80s sound to it, but it doesn't sound at all dated. In fact it sounds timeless. Smooth without being slow and tedious, funky when it needs to be, with a hint of drum 'n' bass here and there. Lead singer Darren Spitzer has a sweet voice and the musicianship is faultless, as is the evenness of the production with crisp guitars, rolling bass, subtle keyboards, great harmonies and stunning, expert drumming - all sparklingly clear. These guys sound like session musicians, which is not a criticism, it's a compliment - they sound like they've been working at their art for 30 years, there's nothing they can't do and as if they are incapable of putting a foot wrong. It's great to hear a band that are so accomplished.
The lyrics are nothing special. Not that there's anything wrong with them, they're just sweet love songs that are not going to change the world. But that's not what they're about, either. The lyrics are simply a small part of the whole entertaining package of great tunes, great musicianship and excellent production. The music's the thing here, and it's just about the freshest thing I've heard in a long time, with a myriad of styles all delivered expertly.
I hope this album is a success for them. If they get the airplay that other new pop bands (eg the similarly Brit-influenced Killers and Scissor Sisters) have received then the sky's the limit. From what I read they've been supporting lots of big names, so they're getting plenty of exposure. I'm already looking forward to the next album, because "Today Is Tonight" is wonderful and I'm greedy, I can't wait for more.
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