Customer Reviews

Simpatico

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

In my opionion, the first track, Blackend Blue Eyes should have been on a James Bond soundtrack. It is HUGE sounding with a backing string section, er so it sounds. NYC is dancy and funky and all around a good time. In short the rest of the album is something entirely different than the first two tracks. Something different but still very good (though not typically Charlatans). It is steeped in 1980's reggaefied new wave/punk of that era (Police, Clash, Specials, Elvis Costello etc.) Some tracks echo roots-rock from that decade as well. A very good "collecton" of music but not as much an "album" as was Up At The Lake. Recommended.

Simpatico is the Charlatans' most recent album (as of 2006) and while it isn't their best album, it is still an excellent document of their later period (and current) sound. The album opens up with a classic Charlatans track, Blackened Blue Eyes, which ranks up there with their best singles. It's followed by NYC, which is pretty lightweight but fun, although the lyrical cliches are a little cheesy. It seems that the Charlatans are determined to have a song that harkens back to 2001's Wonderland on each subsequent album (NYC and Feel the Pressure off of 2003's Up at the Lake). Anyway, this album does contain some great songs, like Dead Man's Eye, The Architect, For Your Entertainment, City of the Dead, and Road to Paradise. There are also some weak tracks, like Glory Glory, which is rather plodding, and the weak album closer, instrumental Sunset and Vine.

Overall the current Charlatans sound seems to incorporate a lot of dub and reggae, which is not a bad thing since they seem to be able to incorporate it with their traditional British Rock style so well.

All in all, while this isn't their best album, it is a solid and worthy addiiton to their catalog and one worth checking out.

Nice return for the Charlatans. I've been a fan since Indian Rope and Some Friendly, but this is one of the better albums - have been playing it every day for a few weeks now. Great stuff.

I must be honest, the constant reinvention the Charlatans has gone through has been somewhat annoying and usually disappointing. That being said, I find this album quite listenable and actually enjoyable. "Blackened Blue Eyes", their first single, is their finest moment since, "Weido" back in 1992...that's saying a lot. There are some other fine moments on this album including: "Muddy Ground" and "Architect", as well as "NYC" and "For Your Entertainment". I don't mind the reggae dabblings, although it can annoy on a couple of tracks. All-in-all a good effort and a welcome return.

The music from The Charlatans is appropriate for any age. I enjoy the music, the beat and the whole Simpatico CD.

Simply put, this album is great through and through. The Charlatans UK have really put together an album that is worthy of praise. It is one of those albums you want to listen to over and over again. I am a fan from back in the day of Some Friendly and I am glad to see they are peak form again.

Although darker and moodier than most of their other albums, I've liked it from the first time I heard it. The strong, driving piano keeps it moving and interesting.

On the individual level, the songs have the same eclectic appeal the Charlatans always have just with a more modern rock sound. It might not be everybody's taste, but for those of us who can't get enough Charlatans, it's a must-have.