Customer Reviews

Envy of Angels

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've picked up a few Muttons CDs on travels to New Zealand and Australia, and while all have their charms, I have to reserve my highest accolades for Envy Of Angels, which in my book is one of the best albums of the past decade. Nearly every song is a standout, and the CD as a whole is chock-full of those inspired pop moments that make everything feel better: the crescendo of harmonies in "She's Been Talking", the perfect bridges in "Straight To Your Head" and "Like This Train", the sneaky beauty of "While You Sleep", the slow fade-in on "Envy Of Angels". Simply inspired. Kiwis and Aussies have no excuse for not picking this one up; as for my fellow Americans, especially Crowded House fans, don't be afraid to take the leap--this is a masterpiece on a par with anything the Finn Brothers have ever done.

..is the watchword of the Mutton Birds, I followed them around the UK for years watching them play flawlessly crafted pop to an audience of 10 and a dog, shared the flustration of Stephen Hedges, their manager at the unfairness of it, these guys should have been stars. Yes, they are compared to Crowded House, not unfairly, in fact I might humbly suggest that the MB`s are stronger song for song than even the mighty House! What do you get for you 10 bucks? A collections of wonderfully crafted songs, redolent of homesickness, love and longing, small town grudges, and big city loves. Its an album that commands you to really listen to it, from start to finish. For me, the title track is a masterpiece, listen to it driving in the rain late at night.

"Envy of Angels" is another work from the great New Zealand singer/songwriter Don McGlashan.

In the eighties he was in "Blam, Blam, Blam" and "The Front Lawn".
In the nineties McGlashan formed "The Muttonbirds" and they released their first self-titled album in 1992 (***1/2). Three others followed during the nineties:
"Salty", 1994, (****1/2)
"Envy of Angels", 1997 (***1/2)
"Rain, Steam, and Speed", 1999 (***1/2)

He released his first solo album "Warm Hand" (****) in 2006.

McGlashan is an intelligent artist with a knack for writing memorable melodies. Sometimes his songs can sound a bit "samey" but at his best he is well worth listening too - witness "Toy Factory Fire" from Warm Hand, which combines a strong message about globalisation with a memorable hook.

Trivia: McGlashan learnt the euphonium as a child and uses it to good effect in some of his songs.

Much-loved in New Zealand by discerning people, the world is yet to truly discover this great New Zealand artist.

It's hard to believe that this album that almost no one heard is the best album released in 1996. A masterpiece. The Mutton Birds were clicking on all cylinders when they made "Envy of Angels." It's as good a piece of melodic guitar pop as you'll find. Great melodies, great harmonies, great lyrics, and arrangements that are unusual enough to sound fresh, but still comfortable. GREAT, GREAT RECORD. "While You Sleep" is possibly my favoritest song of all time.

Superb listen from start to finish. I bought this album because I enjoyed Rain, Steam, and Speed, and was hoping this might be as good. To my delight; it's quite a bit better. One of the easiest flowing albums you will hear, with magical moments within each song. Heartfelt music by obviously talented musicians.