MarkG69
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Registered: 11-2004
Location: Wyld Wyrral
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 NEW YEH YEH ALBUM !!!!
Following on from 2004’s ‘Then & Us’, Yeh Yeh’s upcoming new album provisionally titled ‘Beatitude’ is certainly something to look forward to. Those of you that can remember my review of, or the subsequent praise I heaped on ‘Then & Us’ will know that I thought it was a great album, and in turn a step forward from their 80’s output. But it doesn’t compare to this new collection. To say I was taken aback on first play was an understatement, and without being detrimental to what’s preceded this album it's a major step up in song writing, musicianship and production.
The song writing in particular is exceptional. Lyrically it's deeper, a little darker and more cynical, but the music balances it perfectly - not letting the subject matter weigh too heavy, but maybe instilling a little levity and optimism. There's a very strong overall 'feel' to the whole album, commenting on the state of the nation, it's establishment and it’s inhabitants - narratives, vignettes and observations as sharp and to the point as any kitchen sink drama or fly on the wall documentary. Although it can be scathing at times, it never loses a fondness for the little man who just wants to get along and have a decent life. Cribbing one of the song titles, this is a quintessentially English album. It’s classic English writing with echoes of Davies, Difford / Tilbrook and Weller' but made all the more relevant by it’s subject matter.
It’s impossible to single out tunes, there genuinely isn’t a bad one on the album. My only gripe is that the album's only cover version disrupts the flow and feel of the original songs. That said, it's a cracking version that deserves a place, but maybe at the end of the tracklist?
I suppose the closest thing to it recently has been the Pope album, but I think ‘Beatitude’ just shades that. In my opinion it outshines ‘Grace Of God’ melodically, sharing it’s gravitas but somehow having a more overwhelming feeling of positivity. Hopefully to have an early 2007 release, it’s certainly one you’ll be wanting to add to your wants list.
Congratulations to Andy, Simon and Dean for creating a bona fide future classic. Now I wonder when they'll be gigging???
Tracklisting…
1. What The Papers Say
2. Dead Man Walking
3. Work It Out
4. Demolition Ball
5. Watching
6. Quintessentially English
7. The Pit
8. We Should Be Grateful
9. Cap In Hand
10. Creepin' Jean
11. How Could I Know?
12. North & South Divide
13. Where Have All The Smiles' Gone?
--- I love things, I do my best, I eat, sleep and laugh and cry just like the rest, what becomes of me is meant to be, so I'll just groove along quite naturally....
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8/Dec/06, 9:14 pm
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