Customer Reviews

Last Night We Were the Delicious Wolves

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Now this is the production of a mind of pure genious. This man must be one of the most abstract artists out there right now (check out his book). This is most certainly not something that will hit the mainstream. It's too . . . well odd for that. This is beautifully crafted, sinfully edgy. This man is so talented that he played every instrument in this, as he did in his previous album. How many of those bands out there can claim to that?

I'll keep this short so that people will read it: I am a teenager stuck in a world of pop: where image is more important than message. I saw the video for no beginning no end and was intrigued...bought the cd and am so much more creatively satisfied. UNIQUE music and sound and lyrics to die for...topping it up there with my personal favourite Cat Stevens. Proud he's Canadian, extatic he's around. Go Hawksley!

Yes, it sounds awkward, but Hawksley Workman manages to create simplicity within his complex compositions. There are definite catchy hooks and childlike songplay, but by no means is this a three-chord wonder type of songwriter. It's powerful pop (do not read powerpop) with witty lyrics, the kind of music that makes most other wanna-be songwriters think "I wish I would have thought of this idea first" and then realize that it's all not quite as simple as it appears. Although there are some strong single type material, I doubt Hawksley Workman will break through to the mainstream kids with albums like this. It's too intelligent for that. But you who feel that thick-brimmed glasses wearing artsy-fartsy types are annoying and have cramped the "smart pop" scene, might find some salvation in Hawksley Workman. I've seen the guy live once, opening for Morrissey, and it's the only time I've thoroughly enjoyed a show that was just one man and a guitar. Even though the album has full instrumentation, the songs and Hawksley's charisma are strong enough on its own.

I bought this CD over a year ago and I went to his concert last September. He's a true entertainer in every way and should be a star. It's too bad Hawksley doesn't get more recognition. It means so many people who've never heard of him are missing out on his strange but beautiful music. His songs are so non-mainstream, and they're the kinds of songs you only love more the more you hear them. Even if you don't like his style of music (which is hard to define!) you'll appreciate the work and his artistic brilliance. If you haven't given him a try, go out and buy the CD! And his other CD too!

This is a perfect cd, wicked clever, and in the listening some of the brilliance is sucked into your own soul and you sparkle and snap when you've reached the end. Every song is sly and smart, oh so singable and buried deep with complex emotion. This man is a genuine genius, and I am so excited to see what he comes up with next. There is nothing else in the world that sounds like Hawksley.

With the marvels of modern technology, I stumbled across the music of Hawksley Workman, and this album is no exception to his amazing poetic stylings. From the up-front, to the point aim of "Striptease", to the upbeat tune "Little Tragedies", and to the suggestive and creative lyrics and tune of "Jealous of Your Cigarette", the entire album goes from constructed melodies and delightful lyrics, to piano-driven, lyrically heavy music typical of a jazz genre. Hawksley's at a musical best during this album, spotlighting a varying range of emotions, to be interpreted by the listener in their own way. A+.

i was in toronto for a festival a few years back,and while watching a theatrical performance on the street,but right on the middle stage,i kept hearing a band on the main stage playing hard.my girlfriend and i are great bowie and freddie mercury fans,and through a solo break i could hear both influences in the music,i took her by the hand and trotted towards the main stage,asking who was playing.i was told hawksley workman,a name i was unfamiliar with.we stood there stupified by this headliners performance.the influences were clear but done workman style.we had missed half of the show but the remainder kicked our tails.
when he was finally done,he announced that this cd was available stage side.we grabbed a copy,and were blown away by his musical genious.his straight rock style was mixed with avant garde stylings,and just well composed ,brilliant mixes of enigmatic instrumental arrangements throughout every song bridge.
he has clear vision and performs it with perfection.
his lyrics are absolutely well spoken and shines with truth.he has an amazing sense of humor,especially on tracks like "jealous of your cigarette","your beauty must be rubbing off",and "old bloody orange".
he has now become very popular the world over,and doesn't get to buffalo as often as he used to.
we have seen all his buffalo shows,and gets better each time.
if you are the type of music lover that seeks out the odd,and beautiful,you should have this in your collection.
it is not often that after just one play song parts stick in your head,this is one of those rarities.

We saw him perform at the Vancouver (Folk) Festival, in '07. Wow. REALLY good. He had a pianist with him that was also astonishing (I am bummed that I have forgotten his name); and the two of them seemed to feed off eachother in a really good way. I bought the DVD of him performing in France, but it didn't catch the thing that was happening. This CD from '01 gets some of it, but just not the free expression he has now. The cuts "Your Beauty Must Be Rubbing Off", "You Me and the Weather"...actually the last 6 pieces on this CD are really good. But if you ever get the chance to see him live, go for it.

I saw Hawksley live here in Calgary and found the whole thing very entertaining. He's very mobile on stage and keeps the crowd going on and on and on! Regarding his music, I found "Last Night We Were the Delicious Wolves" his best. It was more focused than his other CDs. On his other CDs I found him more sounding like Radiohead's Thom York from the "Kid A" CD (crooning his way through songs). Did you also know that Hawksley plays all the instruments we hear on the CD? Quite talented wouldn't you say? Anyways give this guy a listen, and keep your mind open as you do.

If you have stopped listening to the radio because of boring lyrics and mindless monkey melodies, please, please do yourself a favor and buy this CD. It is hard to describe Workman easily beyond saying what eMusic said about his first CD; it's kind of like if David Bowie/Harry Nillson/Jeff Buckley/Rufus Wainwright all mixed together, but I think he's better, because he stays true to himself while changing up styles from song to song, so that some songs will definitely feel a bit like Bowie, while others will not even remotely remind you of him at all. But it will always sound like Hawksley Workman. If you have stumbled upon this page, take a chance. This is music that you will still be listening to ten years from now.