Tom McRae-Just Like Blood
Posted by: Bruce Woodhouse on 06 February 2003
How reviewers differ. Bought this yesterday on reccomendation of my record shop, then checked the reviews.
'The Independent'- Pompous bedsit-miserablist rubbish (or something like that).
'Q' May not be a better record all year.
Well my view is in the middle of course. Some very interesting and atmospheric tracks, and some very artful but ultimately rather meaningless lyrics. I think it will be a grower though.
Anyone had the original eponymous album?
Bruce
'The Independent'- Pompous bedsit-miserablist rubbish (or something like that).
'Q' May not be a better record all year.
Well my view is in the middle of course. Some very interesting and atmospheric tracks, and some very artful but ultimately rather meaningless lyrics. I think it will be a grower though.
Anyone had the original eponymous album?
Bruce
Posted on: 06 February 2003 by matthewr
Both Jawed (if you remember him) and I are big fans of the original so "popmpus bedsit miserabilist bullshit" is about right. Not heard the new one yet and don't know how it compares but the first is an exceptionally fine album if a little over-wrought. There's a review at http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/m/mcrae_tom/tom-mcrae.shtml
Saw him in concert and at the time and I think Jawed and I were the only blokes in the audience. His audience appears to be young female art students with a sort of "Oh Tom you dreamboat" look about them and, somwhat oddly, a healthy number of women with sensible shoes.
Matthew
Saw him in concert and at the time and I think Jawed and I were the only blokes in the audience. His audience appears to be young female art students with a sort of "Oh Tom you dreamboat" look about them and, somwhat oddly, a healthy number of women with sensible shoes.
Matthew
Posted on: 06 February 2003 by the other nickc
Bruce
I bought the first album off the back of the mercury prize nomination. Quite fond of it. 'You cut her hair' is the obvious stand-out but the whole album seems to hang together quite nicely. How does the new one compare?
Nick
I bought the first album off the back of the mercury prize nomination. Quite fond of it. 'You cut her hair' is the obvious stand-out but the whole album seems to hang together quite nicely. How does the new one compare?
Nick
Posted on: 06 February 2003 by Matthew T
I have the first album and I really like it.
Hadn't relised he'd released another one.
Matthew
Hadn't relised he'd released another one.
Matthew
Posted on: 06 February 2003 by Bruce Woodhouse
We all seem to have one album! The new one was released this Monday only.
I was wondering about buying the first.
Bruce
I was wondering about buying the first.
Bruce
Posted on: 06 February 2003 by Matthew T
Solved that one.
A quick trip to HMV (9.99 just now) saw me with both albums. It's on the portable but definitely growing on me (3rd time through). Lot of acoustic, precussion... should sound good at home.
It very similiar to the first album, if you like one, recommend you get the other.
Matthew
A quick trip to HMV (9.99 just now) saw me with both albums. It's on the portable but definitely growing on me (3rd time through). Lot of acoustic, precussion... should sound good at home.
It very similiar to the first album, if you like one, recommend you get the other.
Matthew
Posted on: 06 February 2003 by Matthew T
PS If you like Tom McRae you will probably enjoy Turin Brakes as well, the Optimist LP is good.
Posted on: 06 February 2003 by Bruce Woodhouse
Thanks, I have it and agree completely. New album from them due in next week or so too!
Bruce
Bruce
Posted on: 06 February 2003 by the other nickc
Love the Turin Brakes too.
Will be first in the queue for the new one.
Will be first in the queue for the new one.
Posted on: 06 February 2003 by matthewr
I'm surprised anyone would find a similarity between Turin Brakes and Tom McRae. They strike me as completely different.
Matthew
Matthew
Posted on: 06 February 2003 by Gavin B
Last Sunday's Observer (2nd Feb) also slated the Tom McRae. New Turin Brakes was reviewed as 'average' - 3 stars in Q, although the new single is pretty catchy!!
Gavin
Gavin
Posted on: 06 February 2003 by Matthew T
Matthew,
Do you enjoy Turin Brake though?
Matthew T
Do you enjoy Turin Brake though?
Matthew T
Posted on: 06 February 2003 by matthewr
"Turin Brakes" is ok but in entirely an unremarkable and anodyne adult alt.contempoary (if you will) sort of way. I kind of liked it for three or four listens and then rather forgot about it. A third rate version of Wilco IMHO.
Tom McRae is in a different class altogether but my point was more about how they are very different records and I don't see the 'if you like that you'll like this' connection at all. I know one person who loves the Tom McRae and gave away his copy of Optimist and I know several Turin Brakes admirers who I cannot imagine ever liking Tom Mcrae.
Turin Brakes I would associate with other bands like Coldplay, Travis, etc. Sort of like the musical equivalent of Anne Tyler novels.
Matthew
Tom McRae is in a different class altogether but my point was more about how they are very different records and I don't see the 'if you like that you'll like this' connection at all. I know one person who loves the Tom McRae and gave away his copy of Optimist and I know several Turin Brakes admirers who I cannot imagine ever liking Tom Mcrae.
Turin Brakes I would associate with other bands like Coldplay, Travis, etc. Sort of like the musical equivalent of Anne Tyler novels.
Matthew
Posted on: 24 February 2003 by Matthew T
Alex,
I will try and burn a copy (HMV), if it works I can send you a copy.
Matthew
PS I can noticed some problems on copied disks playing on my car stereo and on my CDX, unclear as to why though.
I will try and burn a copy (HMV), if it works I can send you a copy.
Matthew
PS I can noticed some problems on copied disks playing on my car stereo and on my CDX, unclear as to why though.
Posted on: 25 February 2003 by Matthew T
Strange.
The disc will play on my CD, I can get the files onto Windows Media player, but it appears W2K won't let me browse an Audio CD though in Windows 98 explorer can happily browse the disk. unfortunately the Media Player wont recognise my CD writer.
I think this whole protection thing is very dubious. THere is no use of the compact disc symbol though.
Matthew
The disc will play on my CD, I can get the files onto Windows Media player, but it appears W2K won't let me browse an Audio CD though in Windows 98 explorer can happily browse the disk. unfortunately the Media Player wont recognise my CD writer.
I think this whole protection thing is very dubious. THere is no use of the compact disc symbol though.
Matthew