Customer Reviews

Dot Of Black In The Blue Of Your Bliss

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Magne Furuholmen is a genuinely gifted songwriter; this we knew. I loved his previous disk, Past Perfect Future Tense, and only lamented that his voice sounded somewhat thin in spots. Well, on this album, I am happy to say that the songwriting is just as good, or perhaps even better than that previous album. What is also better is Mags' voice--he has confined himself to a range that is more appropriate to his voice in this music, and I think that it was a good decision. He also has excellent production, guitar based but not afraid to use a little synthesizer for flare. They have double or triple tracked his vocals in spots, and this was an excellent decision, giving him fullness and an improved timbre. But even more than this, I think that Magne has really improved as a singer since his last disk.

Lyrically, this is as strong as ever. Mutliple songs stick in your head after one listen, and further listens open up mutliple meanings and new depth. The design of the album is also typical Mags, very arty and well layed out.

If you enjoyed Past Perfect Future Tense, then this is a simple decision--buy this album. It is even better, and you won't regret it. If you are an a-ha fan looking for a new fix, then this is also a great idea. No, you don't get Morten singing, but you do get great songs buy the guy that writes some of a-ha's best stuff. If you are a fan of belle and sebastian, then surprisingly, I would say that this would be right up your alley--ok, the guitars are a little heavier than in some of B/S's stuff, but the underlying fragility to the composition is very similar, and if you like Stuart's voice, you'll like Magne's voice as well. If you enjoy well produced, well written indie pop, then give this a chance. It could change your life.

Besides being only the keyboard player for the band A-ha, Mags has shown in this work that he can be also a wonderful composer and a very nice singer. I deeply recomend this CD.

I really love this album!!! I would recommend it to anyone who liked the first album.