Customer Reviews

28 Plastic Blue Versions of Endings Without You

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Ok, so this is their second record. The first one, 40 on a Fall Day, was amazing. 16 songs of guitar driven alt-pop, superbly produced(not over-produced), and performed. The trademarks of this band are warm, upfront vocals with great harmonies, catchy melodies, and songs that are put together so well. 28 is another shining example of this band's talent. While they stay true to their sound for the most part, 28 IS a different record. So often with a sophmore release, bands either play it safe and release a record just like their last one, or, in an attempt to avoid that stigma, stray too far from what made their first record successful in the first place. Francine strikes the perfect balance on 28 by staying true to their sound, but taking it to a different level. Relying heavier on analog keyboards and acoustic guitars, they show us they have alot of sonic space left to explore within their own refreshingly-skewed musical universe. I can't wait to see what's next.

There's so much to process on this record, you can listen to it over and over and find new things you like about each time. All the tracks are like that, so it's hard to pick a standout track. My favorites are probably "Fake Fireplace Things", "Ratmobile", and "Novelty"

Buy this record!!

I heard this CD a couple of weeks ago at a release party at a bar in Cambridge. Usually the music in a noisy bar just blends into the din, but this music captured my attention.

"28 Plastic Blue Versions of Ending Without You" is the fourth release for Boston-based band Francine. It's a dreamy, sweet album, full of catchy intros, addictive choruses and weird sounds. The lyrics are lovely and the band is ridiculously talented. It has an Elliott Smith/Yo La Tengo feel to it. It can serve as that album you have on in the background while you're puttering around the house, or the one that keeps you rapt at attention in front of your stereo.

Pay particular attention to "Fake Fireplace Things", "This Sunday's Revival", "13 Years" and "NASCAR".

this is quite a sharp turn from francine's previous album (40 on a fall day)... whereas the last album was closer sonically to frontman clayton scoble's work in poundcake, this time around it's quieter, subtler, sweeter and sadder. make no mistake, this is a break-up album. even those songs that make no mention of breaking up leave you with that cold, lonely, hug-craving feeling only the best break-up albums can.

the mood will draw you in and keep you listening, but after a few listens it's the songs you'll fall in love with. ahh, the songs. they're densely packed with chord changes, odd but appealing lyrics, and unexpected instrumentation. they're hooky without being obvious (a francine specialty). this was my favourite album of 2003, and i still listen to it pretty often these days.

best tracks: this sunday's revival, silver plated 606, novelty, 13 years.
best lyric: "read a year old mail / now you should've told me / i've been repeating myself / only far less convincingly"