Customer Reviews

Lateness of the Hour

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

 

 

Let's get this straight - this is one of the best albums of the 90's from a MAJOR talent. And fans of Left Banke style melodicism will swoon to Matthews' superlative Baroque songwriting/compositional mastery and sensibility: he is the true inheritor of their worthy heritage. Vocally Matthews is reminiscent of Colin Blunstone: breathy, fey and with a subtle, sensual delivery quite unique: I would suggest widely unrecognised as one of the finest vocal stylists in contemporary pop. He is not yet another doom laden, self indulgent, brooding navel gazer: indeed the lyrical content is too enigmatic to be merely contemplative though driven by the courage of Matthews' convictions. There is a craftsmanship and maturity here all too lacking amongst what might be considered his contemporaries, though this is not to suggest any lack of vivacity or exuberance to his material. This is seriously life enhancing pop magic, if of a darker hue than the orchestrated 60's school, such as Mystery Tour Beatles, the Banke or the Zombies, which informs it. You also get to hear wonderfully clanging electric rhythm guitars and some exquisite post Richard Lloyd guitar solos. And if you want to hear the most sublime, understated trumpet [another of Matthews' talents] blown to make Miles Davis proud, look no further. Of the 2 albums this is the most consistently strong, songwriting wise, though his debut 'It's Heavy In Here' is worth buying merely for his killer pop opus 'Fanfare', a glorious 'Penny Lane' styled modern classic.

Coming out of the weakest decade of pop music ever, this record should shock anyone in search of great songwriting. Maybe after the current artistic hangover ends, Eric will be recognized as one of the most beautiful songwriters alive. Unfortunately, by the time people realize his greatness, he'll probably be old and broken. Or dead. This record is up there with Richard Davies-There's Never Been A Crowd Like This, Supergrass-In It For The Money, Tahiti 80-Puzzle, and Oasis-(What's the Story) Morning Glory?. If Eric's third record is ever released, it will be better than all of those.

The track "Everything So Real" gives me chills down my spine. For me, that's about all it really takes, but the rest of the CD is great also. One of the only CD's I've purchased after reading glowing reviews, and not been dissapointed. If you like Roxy Music, Love, The Church, XTC, or Robyn Hitchcock, Get IT!

Mike B.

If only radio stations played material of this caliber, perhaps REAL talent would have a chance of being celebrated... This disc is worth buying for the song "Morning Parade" alone. I've played that song (and the whole disc) so many times I've lost count and I still never tire of it. When is the last time anyone can say that of a contemporary artist? If only we knew when his next record would come out - We're waiting!

Worth the price alone for the original, feelgood tune, "Everything So Real." It starts out with great power pop chords and then has a long, twisting interlude with jazzy chords (e.g., maj7th) that I haven't heard since Chicago's radio hit "Beginnings" back in the 1970s. There's some indistinguishable background dialog that sounds like radio transmissions at an airport. In ten years of owning this disc, I still can't figure out what's being said, but it adds a textural effect. Check out the bass work on this tune as well. This song is an aural treat!

"Dopeyness" is one of those songs that I put in the same category as Brian Wilson's "Vegetables." Cute, light satire.

The songs beginning with acoustic guitar strummings and then build slowly are the least compelling - I don't think they're Eric's strong suit, although the bridge and trumpet solo are very good on "Since the Wheel Free", and they remind me too much of Alan Parson's Project. It's hard for most artists, except talented folkies, to come out of a "gate" like that.

This album is great. Is for sure one of the best i've heard so far. Eric has an haunting voice, fully textured with his music. In the days i bought the cd, the first three tracks haven't leaved my mind, and if i listen to my head i'm still singing those ones. If you're in this page you must listen to this album, and in a while will be one of the sharpest gems of your collection. Trust me.

I guess it's not surprising this kind of music doesn't get more airplay (or ANY airplay) on today's radio stations. Matthews makes pure baroque pop with somewhat mysterious lyrics that seem to burrow into your conciousness after awhile. I love to listen to this late at night especially when it's snowing and frigid outside. It has a quiet tension all its own, even with the harder, rockier tracks. Matthews voice probably has something to do with it - it's smooth and smoky at the same time. My favorites are "My Morning Parade", the eerie "Yes, Everyone"(contemplating Armageddon/Day of Judgement and/or the Second Coming) and the gorgeous " The Pleasant Kind" with its catchy chorus. Smart pop for people bored with the Top 40.

The Lateness of the Hour is a thirteen track album fully composed, orchestrated and conducted by Eric Matthews. Matthews also contributed vocal and production duties and plays a number of the over twenty five instuments used on the record. This is Matthews' sophmore release and proves he is a musical pioneer, bringing pop music to a new plateau. "Ideas that died that day" is the stand-out track. Jason Falkner and Spooky Ruben guest.

" The Lateness Of The Hour " is one of those records you feel like respecting but actually have a hard time finding appealing . Eric Matthews has all the talent needed to write masterpieces . " My Morning Parade " is one : smooth guitar riffs are perfectly combined with trumpet touches and cosy lyrics like " ... i've been with you for so many years / layed beside you / made smiles out of tears " . Besides this song though and " Since The Wheel Free " , the rest of the tracklist is really a tough case to handle . His lyrics are witty , his orchestrations are carefully made and his voice is so unusual , like a glove of silk messing with your face yet as a whole , his melodies just have something missing , something that would allow them to take off .

Matthews doesn't sound to care at all whether his songs will be played on the radio or not and whether his albums will sale millions or nothing . It is actually good for an artist to think that way but unlike for example Jason Falkner who does his own thing yet at the same time wins the average listener , Matthews stays locked inside his private universe not allowing anyone but a small audience to understand what he is up to . " The Latenesss of The Hour " is definetely a brave release yet at the same time an uneasy one .