I've liked Alex Turner's songwriting and playing since the first Arctic Monkeys album came out, but wasn't certain if he'd be a flash in the pan or not. The Last Shadow Puppets' album The Age of the Understatement blows away any shadow of a doubt for me. This is his 'side' project with another young English vocalist and guitarist, Miles Kane.
I love this album because it sounds like it was recorded in 1968 in all the right ways. However, rather than go for psychadelia or garage, this is an elegant, tuneful, chamber pop album with fantastic echoey vocals and lush strings all over the place. It sounds like an album that Scott Walker and David Bowie would have made together, or if the Moody Blues had ever made a decent record. There are traces of Love as well. Still, it sounds timeless instead of dated; original instead of a pastiche. Bonus points for being recorded in France and having an excellent cover.
The songs are catchy and complex. The album was performed by Turner, Kane, and producer James Ford, with strings and arrangements added later. Wrist-slitting factoid: Turner and Kane are each only 22. Best thing I've heard in ages. Fantastic Trip, People.
4 comments:
Thank you, sir.
Excellent, thanks!
Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaave! Thanks, man! I saw a lot of reviews on this and they ranged from not seeming to get it (it doesn't sound like the Arctic Monkeys!) to liking it as much as you did.
Huge kudos to the production by Ford. The mix, the instrumentation, and especially the vocals are just a spot on recreation of a very specific type of pop music from the late 60s. Jay, your recent love of Gainsbourg will probably bridge you into this stuff.
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