Alexander

Alexander | Format: MP3 Music

Product Details

• Original Release Date: March 1, 2011
• Release Date: March 1, 2011
• Label: Community Music
• Copyright: (C) 2011 Community Music (US)
• Record Company Required Metadata: Music file metadata contains unique purchase identifier. Learn more.
• Total Length: 41:05
• Genres:
  • Alternative Rock
• ASIN: B004P60NJ8
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,121 Paid in MP3 Albums (See Top 100 Paid in MP3 Albums)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Alexander Channels Dylan, Paul Simon and Even Brazilian June 14, 2011

By JG

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you're reading this, chances are you already know that Alexander Ebert is the frontman for Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes. It's interesting how he creates a totally different vibe on his self titled debut than with the Zeroes. This record arguably fits best in the "freak folk" genre (on that note, maybe the Zeroes fits in that genre too, but I digress). From the beginning, there's a distinct Dylan influence, both in non sequitur yet poetic sounding lyrics to the way Alexander enunciates the words in very similar fashion to a younger Dylan. As the album progresses, however, the listener might find himself or herself thinking "....wait, now he sounds a lot like Paul Simon....there's that unmistakable Afro Brazilian undercurrent, and the diction has morphed from Dylan to Simon...".

Like one of his fellow freak folk travelers, Devendra Banhart, there's also a Brazilian element going on here. Lastly, as one reviewer has pointed out, Alexander can belt out some of the best soul crooning this side of Marvin Gaye. Great listening, and a prominent reminder and example that there's still a lot of exciting, stimulating music being made today.

15 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Alexander Rules March 16, 2011

By John B

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you are looking to be more in touch with your relaxed/Bohemian side, and suffering from road rage 9-5 disorder, then buy this album immediately. I have a CD collection, although been mostly downloading my indie favs in recent years, but felt compelled to buy the physical CD. I saw Edward Sharpe last year at Coachella and was blown away and have been into Ebert since.

11 of 15 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Album for Summer March 29, 2011

By Jon Lee Hart

Format:MP3 Music

As I listened to this album I couldn't help but be reminded of folk rock acts popular in the 1960's/70's like Donovan and Dylan...the jangly guitars, the hand claps, the storytelling. Ebert played every instrument on this album, from guitars to violins...even a clarinet. The album is perfect to listen to straight through; songs meld from one to the next.

Songs like "In The Twilight" highlight Ebert's strength as a songwriter. To skim the surface one may find a simple, knee slapping love song fit for a hootenanny. After a good soaking the story's complexity reveals itself to be a slip and slide of love, friendship, life, and death. Ebert breaks out the folk-hop on lead single, "Truth." Again, this song works on two levels. On the surface there is a song that is audibly compelling; the strolling melody, the whistle, the shaman-like whoops. Dig deeper and you find a story about coming to terms with one's past. "Glimpses" is a touchingly tender track which arouses memories of Redding's "These Arms of Mine." Although the stories are radically different, there is a feeling of bareness and fragility that is beautiful.

This stunning debut is available now. Pick it up, press play, and forget the world for a spell.