Customer Reviews

Familial

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

It's interesting to hear the solo projects of members of the UK-based band Radiohead. Jonny Greenwood has tended go produce classical, non-vocal music, whilst Thom Yorke has put out an album of electronica.

Drummer Phil Selway has released "Familial," which is less of a departure from Radiohead than the other solo projects. That said, it bears little resemblance to the better known Radiohead material.

The album clocks in at just over half an hour of songs driven by acoustic guitar. Selway's vocals, accompanied by female vocals in some songs, show decent range - sort of a toned down Thom Yorke. The songs feature a variety of quiet instrumentation in addition to the acoustic guitar. In my limited listens thus far, there's no drumset to be heard anywhere - certainly a statement, considering Selway's best known as a drummer.

In comparison to other artists, I would compare this album to Nick Drake, the quieter Sigur Ros, and the lesser known 1990s Radiohead B-Sides. In terms of modern Radiohead, some songs feel like quieter versions of In Rainbows' "House of Cards."

While my opinion may change as I listen to the album in the coming weeks and months, I think this may be my favorite solo album released by any of the members of Radiohead thus far.

Would Philip Selway's debut solo folk album be getting as much exposure as it is, if Philip Selway wasn't also the drummer of one of the most important bands of the last 20 years? Short answer, no.

I by no means mean that as an insult. 'Familial' is a deliciously simple, quiet, soothing album with just enough interesting song constructions and lyrics to keep it from becoming middle-of-the-road folk music you'd find someone playing in your local coffeehouse. The fact that it's made by Radiohead's drummer both elevates Phil's album and Radiohead's collection itself. After listening to 'Familial' you will gain a new respect for Phil's drumming in Radiohead, particularly his knack for restraint. There is a pulling tension in these songs that you can also hear in his drumming style, and it adds to the pleasant, pillowy uneasiness (I don't know how else to describe it) that you experience both here and in Radiohead.

Philip's voice is whispery and soothing. The entire album also reminds me of James Iha's solo album (former guitarist in Smashing Pumpkins), except that Phil's songwriting is far superior. I'm glad that Phil had the opportunity to make this album, and that I chose to listen to it.

Those were the words Phil used himself when describing the story behind his album. More specifically, he was alluding to his career as Radiohead's (phenomenal) drummer and eventual leap to a "solo album." After listening to the entire album four times, I think it's safe to venture and say it was a very good call for Selway.
No. It is not Perfect... ...it is Beautiful.

But as a serious Radiohead fan and music enthusiast, I want to warn all Radiohead fans:
This. Is. Not. Radiohead.
But it Is Philip Selway.
That said, listen accordingly.

So...if you're into music that doesn't suck, (Good Music, in layman terms [For all you Lady Gaga fans, sorry]) buy this album. Buy it now.
Each and every track retains it's own individual identity and expression. My favorite thus far is "By Some Miracle."
Find your own...
...enjoi.

*Four and one-half Stars*

I'm a huge Radiohead fan so I was naturally curious to hear Phil Selway's solo album. A lot of people look askance at drummers who put out solo albums but I am pleased to say that this one is definitely worth listening to. If you go into it expecting it to sound like Radiohead or be on the same level as their albums then of course you are going to be disappointed. This album doesn't even attempt to reach the epic grandeur of Kid A or OK Computer. However if you go into it with an open mind then you will find it to be a beautiful, soothing, engaging folk album. It's very gentle, intimate and tender, the kind of music that's nice to listen to in the Autumn as the year grows old and the leaves turn. I also must mention that Mr. Selway has a very nice, soothing voice that fits the nature of these songs perfectly. I would recommend this album not only to Radiohead fans but also to anyone who loves beautiful, gentle folk music.

This album may not be as mind blowing as the previous work of the band Phil is in (Radiohead) or even as unique/different as his other bandmates solo ventures. But it is definitely a solid enjoyable album. This is just a humble folk album nothing more, nothing less. But I for one am grateful that Phil let us hear it. It's possible that it could appeal to people who aren't hardcore Radiohead fans, but probably not. However, if you forget that this is the drummer of one of the greatest bands of all time (at least in my opinion) and just take this album at face value...you realize it's a pretty good mellow folk album that aspires to little more than that. In fact, by seperating Selway from his famous band there may people who don't like Radiohead who could enjoy this album immensely.

All Radiohead ties aside, and just looking at this album by itself...If you like Elliot Smith or Nick Drake this album might be of some interest to you.

This product was exactly as advertised. i recommend wholly. A++++. It is all good for me. (more words to appease Amazon.com, though nothing more to say).

Being that you hardly ever hear Phil talk I was pleasantly surprised to find out he is quite good at playing the main role in an album. The first thing I found interesting is that there is hardly any drums throughout the album. The second thing, the album has its own unique sound. I couldn't help but expect it to sound like a Radiohead album. Don't get me wrong, there are hints of it but he really has his own personal touch. I highly recommend this album.

i brought this album purely because he was a member of one of my all time faviourite bands radiohead.
and i am glad i did. i hadnt herd any songs of the album before i brought it so i didnt even know what type of music it was.
As soon as i herd the first note from the first song i knew that i would enjoy this album.every song is great but there is nothing amazing about this album
just good acoustic sonsg acompanied by a great voice and great melodys and lyrics. I couldnt really ask more of an acoustic album. the only reason im not giving it
5 out of 5 is because of the length its just to short i believe that if an album is under 35 minutes it should be classed as an EP. but at least you get a cool poster.
anyways enjoy this great record
thanks

I really wanted to like this CD. Reviews were promising, his interviews were delightful. And I really tried. I wasn't expecting Radiohead music at all. But I just found the Cd pleasant but somewhat less than riveting. Just my taste. I like quiet,
sensitive, intelligent music, but this just didn't grab me.

I was astonished that Philip Segway had this hidden talent. Love his guitar "beat". His vocals are very good. Only just the slightest of hints as to his association with Radiohead. If I had to say one negative thing it would be that the tempo and mood of this CD are very sleepy. This is a mature CD laced with mid-life provocation, it seems, but be prepared to relax and enjoy!