Simpatico

The Charlatans UK | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 2, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sanctuary Records
• ASIN: B000F2CC68
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #149,942 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

For those complaining about the lack of longevity from modern rock bands, we point you to The Charlatans UK. Sixteen years and nine studio albums into their career, Simpatico finds these Northwich baggy veterans not quite at the top of their game, but endeavouring to drag their groove-led Hammond rock sound into intriguing new territories. Most interesting is an apparent influence of dub reggae on the traditional Charlatans sound, an influence that crops up on the coolly cynical "For Your Entertainment" and again on "City Of The Dead", a ska-tinged harmonica lament accompanied by haunted backing vocals that harks back to the urban decay of The Specials’ "Ghost Town". Less successful is "NYC (There’s No Need To Stop)"--an apparent stab at the voguish Big Apple punk-disco as practised by LCD Soundsystem, but one that suffers from clumsy execution, and isn’t helped along by frontman Tim Burgess’ rather clichéd lyrics: "Underground counterculture/Eat you up like a hungry vulture". Newcomers will find The Charlatans’ back catalogue a more rewarding place to start, but fans will be delighted there’s more to Simpatico than simple organ-riffing retread.--Louis Pattison

Product Description

The first U.S release in five years from the Charlatans U.K finds the band reestablishing itself as one of the legendary Brit Pop bands. By combining the swirling guitar psychedelica that has influenced everyone from The Stone Roses to Oasis and updating their sound to incorporate hints of dub and reggae, SIMPATICO. is an album that finds the Charlatans UK dancing with brilliance on a most welcome comeback.

This Enhanced CD contains the video for "Blackened Blue Eyes"

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simpatico says it......., May 5, 2006

By 

Bill Ferry "tune geek" (Holland MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Simpatico (Audio CD)

Ok, so maybe I lived in Britain during the "baggy" era, and didn't wear baggy's. What i DID wear was a permanent grin the first time I heard Indian Rope, the first single by the Charlatans. Since, this band has gone through more chameleon like changes than Boy Georges coif but in them all they have never lost touch with a certain core sound. That core sound being sustained and nurtured on this one, showing a band who is willing to remain true to form while putting their own distinctive mark on everything they touch. This effort captures Tim Burgess at his vocal best, displaying maturity and a willingness to step out of the frame with musical styles that run the gamut of NYC Beatbox, to flat out rock, reggae and some of the finest modern blues available. The arrangements are tight, but not in a "gotta lay down to pull them on" kind of way, but tight in the way that lets the essence of each melody shine through and revel in the execution. The vocals compliment without leading, and the music itself leads you down that sartorial british hedgerow to summer bliss.......in all Simpatico, just in time for the season.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars hooked after 3 listens, June 8, 2006

By 

D. Wardzinski "Mook Flaben" (So. Ca.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Simpatico (Audio CD)

On first listen I was a little taken back with the reggae vibe that seems to permeate every other song on this album. But the songs themselves are as always, fantastic. And after a few listens I've grown to love the reggae influence. They definitely do it their own way. There are, as always, a few new classics here such as "Dead Man's Eyes", "NYC", "blackened blue eyes", and "Muddy Ground". If it sounds a little odd to you at first....do yourself a favour and give it a few spins before making up your mind.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars YES, June 10, 2006

By 

alexander laurence (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Simpatico (Audio CD)

I never really got into the Charlatans back in the day. But I started to see Tim Burgess walking around town and hanging out at gigs. I attended this exclusive gig at Little Radio and they shot a video. They played some new songs and some old songs. I thought "Oh yeah, I heard that stuff. That was these guys?" I am now a fan. "Blackened Blue Eyes" is a massive track. Many songs are the life of Tim Burgess. He has a little about NYC and Los Angeles. I love it all. I look forward to seeing them live again. They are going to play some shows with the Rolling Stones this summer. That will be a great achievement for this band. I watched a collection of their videos recently. That was great. They deserve a second look no doubt.