Customer Reviews

Music for Tourists

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

 

 

I predict it right here, right now. Chris Garneau is the next big thing. The next James Blunt, the next Damien Rice. Tou-shay, Garneau, for simply being you.

In this not-so-indie world, it's an extremely rare occurance to buy a CD that you can actually listen to straight through. Where it doesn't get old after two listens. Where every song is... actually good! Chris Garneau has shattered that world with Music for Tourists.

Each song is like a lullaby - my favorites being "We Don't Try", "Sad Song", and "Saturday". There is a certain child-like tragedy that comes with his voice and music - when you can hear him hit the piano pedals, inhale before notes, and actually FEEL something. Each song feels exceptionally personal - you can see into him, where a piece of you lies somewhere in the very center of each amazing, heartbreakingly beautiful piece. To the point where it's unclear whether to cry, smile, or finally make something of yourself.

Music for Tourists is one of those albums that is good for any mood or setting. Listen in the car, walking around town, or just as background music, reading a book, or before bed. It relaxes you while making you feel something, how many other artists can make that kind of claim?

Included is a great cover of Elliot Smith's "Between the Bars", as well as an incredible myriad of instrumentations throughout the album.

If your ears could talk, they'd tell you to buy this album. So do it.

Who knew tourists could be so fun!

Music for tourists- Chris Garneau (whimsical pop album)
Songwriter Chris Garneau excels at creating a lullaby-esque genre, while incorporating a zealous chord-driven piano and swaying instrumentals-bass, cello, french horn, percussion. His voice is like a less convicting Damien Rice, full of whispery singing; but still while the sound is pretty, the lyrics do provide wrenching meanings. The music is soft and constant, but rocks all the same. I suggest tracks 1,8,12,13. It's kinda funny track five talks about hamburger helper. Also covers Elliot Smith's "Between the Bars", which is absolutely not comparable. His lyrics are also pretty emo-indie, a little dismal, but adds to the quality.

Cet ablum est une vrai perle, magnifique et doux sans jamais être triste. Arrangements d'une très grande classe. Un voyage à faire et à refaire.

You know, it seems that people love or hate this album. This is one of those albums that you have to be in the mood for - when you're in the right melancholy, pensive mood, he's great. If you're looking for upbeat, however, you'd best move on. The sparse production on the tracks gives the album an almost tactile feeling. It's definitely worth checking out a few tracks before committing yourself, because he doesn't mix things up very much.

This is a great album that I can totally chill out to. I listened to this album on a trip to Germany which was quite ironic because the name of the album is "Music for Tourists". I would recommend checking out Chris Garneau's myspace page to get a feel for his music before you purchase it. It may not be for everyone...but I thoroughly enjoy his music.

The subtle brilliance of this album had me hooked from the first listen. Stripped down, melodic, piano driven goodness. Oh, I forgot to mention that my first listen was 4 years ago. Still a fan.

First, I must say, Chris Garneau has a really great voice. He's very easy to listen to, and it's makes great background music. Upon further, closer listening, you realize that most of the songs really don't make much sense. It almost seems like he took random words, mashed them together and made a song out of it. But he has such a great voice, it really doesn't seem to matter. I think if you have it playing in the background, it's great, but for content, if you're looking for deep, meaningful music, you won't really find that here.

There's a nice balance in these tunes between the tinky tink piano/organ + Garneau's whispery, childlike voice versus the dignity of stringed instruments in the background. The lyrics are equally simple in phrasing. Example: one sentence begins "I would like to see" then pauses, "a little more propriety." Gentle shifts, gentle contrasts.

I certainly can understand panning this CD. It definitely would irritate many of the accomplished singers and musicians I know...musical purists. Oddly enough, many of the elements that irritate purists work to add authenticity. Example: the audible throat clearing at the end of "We Don't Try."

Overall, a worthwhile listen -- as one reviewer said: mainly "whimsical" -- yet good for someone in mourning.

Nice, easy to get in and perfect slow motion album. Love the violins, cellos AND CHRIS'S PIANO! If you like slow pop music with piano you have to buy this album! It's umbelieveble!

Listening to this album is like listening to someone eat fried chicken. The music has no production work on it, just kind of sounds like he is whispering into a tape recorder. Some of the music is interesting, but you can hear the saliva in his mouth, and it is not pleasant, and kills anything that might have been positive with the album. His voice is also quite androgenous and not in a good way.