King of Cards [Import]

Tom McRae | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 21, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: V2 Int'l
• ASIN: B000MTOSQ6
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #108,491 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Set the Story Straight

2. Bright Lights

3. Got a Suitcase, Got Regrets

4. Keep Your Picture Clear

5. Houdini and the Girl

6. Sound of the City

7. On and On

8. Deliver Me

9. One Mississippi

10. The Ballad of Amelia Earhart

11. Lord, How Long?

Editorial Reviews

2007 release, the fourth from this Mercury Prize-nominated British singer/songwriter whose sensitive style has drawn comparisons to Nick Drake, David Gray and Colplay (amongst others). With King Of Cards, McRae continues down the same emotional path, but with a rich, undeniable warmth in the production that may help introduce him to a wider audience. 11 tracks including 'Set The Story Straight' and 'Bright Lights'. V2.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Album of 2007 So Far, June 17, 2007

By 

Rocky "Raquel" (Iowa, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: King of Cards (Audio CD)

I don't know how many other albums this year will impress me as much as Tom McRae's newest effort King of Cards has. I did worry a bit where Tom was going musically when I finally got his third album All Maps Welcome and realized it wasn't as strong as his first two amazing albums were. I mean Maps wasn't terrible at all and had a few exciting songs on there- but it did drag at certain times with some pretty so- so songs as well.

King of Cards though makes up for it. Tom has come back with an album full of addictive hooks and impressively written lyrics all sung in his haunting, alluring voice. His fourth album makes you see that even though his sound continues to change (for some of his songs such as Bright Lights seem a little more radio- friendly than his older material) he still is the same authentic musician he was from the beginning and for that I am relieved.

Here's a brief summary of the tracks:

1- Ballad of Amelia Earhart: (A+) Beautiful start- Tom's vocals are heavenly as he plays this one very slow with a lovely chorus.
2- Bright Lights: (A+) Fast- paced, and one of the most exciting tracks here. Tom does an excellent job with the beat especially.
3- Deliver Me: (A+) Tom calms down again with another beautiful softie. Everything about this song reminds me of his debut album and that is why it is amazing.
4- Got a Suitcase Got Regrets: (A+) Some of my favorite lyrics by him are in this song. This song picks up a little compared to Deliver but nonetheless it is another more quiet, reflective song by Tom. The ending is especially just gorgeous.
5- Houdini and the Girl: (A) This song at first I wasn't too into. Due to my love for the lyrics though I continued to give it a chance till it really did grow on me. It is still not the strongest song on the album but a very likeable softie.
6- Keep Your Picture Clear: (A+) Hands down the best song on here. I think it's because Tom has never done a song quite like this before. It stands out with some rather powerful lyrics you will just love singing along to. The ending is explosive.
7- Lord, How Long: (A+) Just a gorgeous, gorgeous song. The chorus is stunning. Definitely my favorite after Picture.
8- On and On: (B) This is one song that I do like but have yet to love. The hook can get stuck in your head (Tom singing -on and on and on- repeatedly in a song can do that to you) but definitely isn't the most impressive song on here.
9- One Mississippi: (A) Tom picks back up with a fast song again that saves the ending of the album being dragged down from On and On. This song will have anyone singing along in no time.
10- Set the Story Straight: (B+) A lot of fans really enjoy this song but honestly I think it's just all right. It's pretty slow, and not much saves it from being a bit of a sleeper track. Tom's beautiful voice as always can keep a song enjoyable though- but I don't listen to this song as much as the others.
11- Sound of the City: (A+) What a great way to end the album with this fast but beautifully sung song. Love, love it!

Overall Tom has really done a great job with King of Cards; he will attract new fans and keep the older fans content altogether. A true success of an album- pat yourself on the back there Tom.

5/5

5.0 out of 5 stars KING OF MY HEART, January 11, 2010

By 

Lili J. Mcgovern (Seattle WA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: King of Cards (Audio CD)

I've been following Tom McRae since I picked up his first release (Tom McRae) at 90.3 KNBA in Anchorage. McRae is a sculptor of music through words and instruments (guitar, piano); an artist dedicated to the art of songwriting. Every album of his is genius; his music expresses a sweet, vulnerable quality but with a sophisticated edge lending every song greater depth. Some of his songs may seem depressing at first but I find a thread of hope running through all his music that gives it that something special. This album, at first, was so upbeat I had a hard time getting into it BUT after the initial couple spins it started working its way into my consciousness and there it lodges. I'm not ashamed to say that it's still being played almost every day in my car (over a year now)and as I go through my daily grind, I'm trying to uncover the magic of the production, the lyrics, and all the 1000 nuances that go into making a great album. Every song is a work of art and some just send me to a special place where it's just he & I & all the dreams of humankind wrapped together into one seraphic moment. My favorite song has to be "Lord, How Long"-it's a suckerpunch every single time I hear it. "The Balled of Amelia Earhart" brings her spirit to life with a fresh perspective. And, of course, "One Mississippi" is brilliant in both the concept and production. I also really enjoy, "Keep Your Picture Clear"; it's a very hip vibe. Apparently, the NY Times says Tom is too edgy for mainstream and too mainstream for the fringes but I think he's carved himself a beautiful niche that I feel proud to be able to share if only for a few moments. His intellect can be daunting (check out his blog) but it helps explain his attention to detail and just makes him all that more attactive as an artist. Support this songwriter, he deserves it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing voice, amazing lyrics, March 1, 2008

By 

K Montana - See all my reviews

This review is from: King of Cards (Audio CD)

I first heard this album in France and thought at the time maybe it was just that I was enjoying hearing a voice sing in English, but have since gotten the album and love it more than ever. I would highly recommend it and love how his voice can bring me right back to my trip in an instant. It's that distinctive and the songs are that unforgettable.