Customer Reviews

Play Dead

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

 

 

Wow! The first Astrid album was good. This album is incredible. (Not to be confused witht he solo singer). This Scottish guitar pop band have made a spectacular second album full of pure pop songs which refuse to leave your head (in a nice way) forever! Anyone who likes simple pop tunes that don't seem to get boring even if you listen to them 1000 times must buy this album. The essential album to listen to on the bus! :) Think Teenage Fanclub mixed with The Beatles and a bit of Fountains of Wayne and you are almost there!

The second album from scottish indie popsters Astrid lacks something of the youthful exuberence of the 1999 debut "Strange Weather Lately", but what it loses in youth it gains in maturity. Tony Doogan's production brings out a more soulful and melancholic side to the band, who are known for their energetic live shows, and saccharine-fueled singles. The album's richness and depth is best illustrated by tracks 4-8. First the horn-driven stomper "Crying Boy" gives way to the beautiful, quiet ballad "Alas". Then the album's title track "Play Dead" sounds like a teenage boy's heart breaking in two, before "Fat Girl" starts up with it's impossibly silly swagger, ridiculous lyrics ("Fat girl won't you keep me safe - I'm terrified that I might break..."), howling feedback and catchy chorus.
The rest of the album showcases these talents in charming 3 minute slices of whimsy, dedicated to the transience of being, the pain of believing and the joys of loving. Equal parts silly and soulful, Astrid will warm your heart and charm your pants off.

The best way to describe "Play Dead" is that it's like a great Teenage Fanclub record sung by the guy from The Bluetones. I'm still not totally enamoured with the singer's high voice but the songs and arrangments and outstanding, so 4 stars is appropriate. This album is really hard to find in American record stores so getting a copy off Amazon is one of your only options. If you like Astrid you'll also like Belle & Sebastian, Snow Patrol, Teenage Fanclub, Fountains Of Wayne, The Reindeer Section, Mojave 3, Travis etc...

What a surprise this CD was. I was actually after the female singer Astrid but this came up and I bought it anyway. The style is not original by any means but this CD takes you through a veritable menu of entrees, main course and a cracking dessert. The music flows beautifully and each track has a story to it; the energetic style really leaps off the disc and submerges your ears in delightful, singalong-type-phonics. The lyrics are carefully poised and anyone should be able to relate to the feelings they generate. Buy this CD and play it when you're down. You'll be back up in no time. Best track - Play Dead