Simple Math

Manchester Orchestra | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 10, 2011)
• Original Release Date: 2011
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Columbia
• ASIN: B004T8IPNS
• Also Available in: Vinyl  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,520 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Deer

2. Mighty

3. Pensacola

4. April Fool

5. Pale Black Eye

6. Virgin

7. Simple Math

8. Leave It Alone

9. Apprehension

10. Leaky Breaks

Editorial Reviews

Manchester Orchestra s third record, Simple Math, comes on the heels of 2009 s acclaimed Mean Everything to Nothing, which Alternative Press called a masterpiece of intricacy and honesty in their five-star lead review, and which yielded the Top 10 Modern Rock hit, I ve Got Friends. Dan Hannon, who produced the band s first record and co-produced the second, was once again at the helm for Simple Math.

Simple Math is a concept record. It s a story about a 23-year old who questions everything from marriage to love to religion to sex. It s chock full of monster riffs, vigorous string arrangements, deep hooks and has miles of melodies that encase a compelling coming-of-age story told in the first person, intimately written and sung by Hull.

This record is two dueling conversations between me and my wife, and me and my God, says Hull. Sometimes even for myself, it s difficult to decipher which one I m actually talking to. Everything I ve written in the past has been about those things. This album is the most realized form of my questioning.

Simple Math takes Manchester Orchestra to the next level. It is certain to be one of the landmark releases of 2011.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple Math...believe me, all is brilliant May 22, 2011

By Ian McNaught

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

Once again Manchester Orchestra have completely outdone themselves. On their third LP, some truth is finally given to their name as string arrangements are peppered throughout a dazzling and emotional ride. Where "Mean Everything To Nothing" succeeded in layering heavy guitars in an amazing straightforward rock album, "Simple Math" instead succeeds in increased complexity and darker tones leading to a broader sound. With the bands usual tight playing, Andy's strong voice and even stronger lyrics, and the orchestration, the overall sound and concept is quite grand and captivating. It baffles me that they never garnered heavy airplay and recognition before "Simple Math", and it will be even more unbelievable if this all time great album doesn't catapult them to immense popularity.

"Deer"- The opener is very subdued, immediately drawing us to Andy's gripping personal lyrics, which will remain a constant. Being much different from both "Wolves at Night", and "The Only One", M.O. fans instantly know they're in for a different ride than ever before. When Andy sings "Dear everybody that has paid to see my band..." it's really an amazing moment as he's directly addressing so many of us. 9/10

"Mighty"- A personal favorite, this one hits hard. A slow tempoed heavy rocker riding chugging, palm muted guitars until about half way, when we get our first taste of the orchestration. The heavy guitars and power drumming work brilliantly with the string arrangements. 10/10

"Pensacola"- Most upbeat song on the album. Took a few listens to grow, but ends up being extremely catchy. One of the most purely enjoyable parts of the album, especially the last 45 seconds or so. 9....5/10

"April Fool"- Another favorite, the lead single is one of their most well crafted straight rock songs. Wouldn't change a thing about it. Also, as a side note, it's a great song for a jogging playlist. 10/10

"Pale Black Eye"- Brilliantly catchy chord progression in the intro and verse leads to more strings in the chorus. When Andy screams "God Damn I'm tired of lying, I wish I loved you like I used to", it's good enough to give you chills. Possibly my favorite individual moment of the album. 9.5/10

"Virgin"- One of the centerpieces, another slower tempo song with a great palm muted riff. The only word I can think to describe this one is haunting. One of those songs you just have to hear. 9.5/10

"Simple Math"- Another centerpiece, when I first heard it I wasn't blown away. By the 5th listen or so I was almost overwhelmed. Deep lyrics about someone wrestling with the idea of an affair, and generally contemplating god and life. Another case of the strings taking an already great song to an even higher level. It crests in the second half and almost seems like the album climbing over the top of this otherworldly mountain and starting the descent back down to earth. 10/10

"Leave It Alone"- Probably my favorite, this is one of the most beautiful 4 minutes I've ever heard. Amazing quiet intro with sliding guitars gives way again to the violins. More personal heavy lyrics about holding on to or losing a relationship. The closing four lines are my favorite lyrics on the album. 10/10

"Apprehension"- One of the catchiest songs. The intro has several moving parts that fit perfectly together. Also love the drum section here. Powerful lyrics once again. 9/10

"Leaky Breaks"- A Pensive 7 minute closer that doesn't feel nearly that long. Atmospheric sort of song. The lyrics seem to be of this character, whether its Andy or not, realizing that he's been the reason the relationship is on the verge of failure. 9/10

Again this album is quite different than previous Manchester Orchestra. I absolutely love both of the first two, but I think over time "Simple Math" will probably be considered their greatest effort to this point. Truly an amazing album that works on every level, and one that will be playing through my speakers for years. Read more ›

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Evolving away from "Means Everything" September 20, 2011

By Paul Allaer TOP 100 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

When Manchester Orchestra released their second album in 2009, the excellent "Means Everything to Nothing", I really thought that Andy Hull and his band were on the cusp of breaking it big, sorta like My Morning Jacket did a over the last few years. And while Machester Orchestra certainly did attract attention with the album, the quantum leap did not happen for whatever reason. Now comes the band's third studio album.

"Simple Math" (10 tracks; 44 min.) starts off very surprisingly with "Deer", a very tentative, acoustic song, as if to signal that this album is going to be different from the previous efforts. And to boot, apparently this is a concept album, with Andy Hull looking back on his life and commiserating. Not that you would know that from simply listening to the songs (but you can follow the lyrics that are included in the art work--check out the lyrics to "Deer", downright depressing!). To state it in general terms, there are far fewer catchy "hooks" in these songs that there were on the previous albums. But when they do appear, such as on the majestic "Virgin" (track 6, my favorite song on here), it plays beautifully. Other good songs on here are "Mighty" (track 2) and "April Fool" (track 4), with great guitar licks and melodies. I wish there had been more songs like that. And while it's not a bad album per se, it's not a very memorable one either.

I've seen Machester Orchestra in concert a number of times, including several times on their seemingly never-ending tour in support of "Means Everything". Those guys are true road warriors, and live they are an amazing band.... I was at Lollapalooza last month and due to scheduling conflicts missed them there, but I'm sure it's only a matter of time before they will hit Cincinnati again, and you can count on it that I will be at that show. Read more ›

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best of the year May 25, 2011

By alexalamriki

Format:MP3 Music

This album is incredible. I enjoyed "Like a Virgin Losing a Child," and absolutely loved "Mean Everything To Nothing." In fact, I was fairly sure that "Simple Math" was going to be a disappointment as I couldn't really imagine how Manchester Orchestra could possibly outdo their last album. I was wrong. This album blew me away. Lyrically and musically, it's just an absolute masterpiece. The instrumentation is lush -- live strings, children's choirs, and crunching guitar hooks -- and the lyrical depth and brilliance on display here is truly breathtaking.

I should also say that in my opinion, "Virgin" is hands down the best song that's been released so far this year; eerie, dark, and unbelievably epic. Check out their performance of it on the David Letterman show on YouTube...stunning.

So yes, buy this. You'll thank me.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic May 6, 2013

By Diana

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

I've always loved Manchester Orchestra and this album might be my favorite of theirs! I would highly recommend it to anyone

5.0 out of 5 stars Quality! February 24, 2013

By Kersten

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

Manchester Orchestra have done it again. I really enjoy this album. The lead singer has a killer voice. Many great songs on this album, especially the title track "Simple Math"

5.0 out of 5 stars good stuff February 13, 2013

By Bmcinnis

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

5 stars. Its hard to find actual talent these days. Guys lime these still leave hope in a digenerating generation.. Another masterpiece by MHO. Highly recommended. Good stuff!!!

4.0 out of 5 stars Amazing January 12, 2013

By Gabe

Format:Vinyl|Amazon Verified Purchase

I just bought the album because I heard 2 of their songs and liked them. But after getting it and listening through it I couldn't stop. Now they're one of my top favorite bands

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Vinyl December 30, 2012

By Pen Name

Format:Vinyl|Amazon Verified Purchase

Love this album. Love it even more now that I can play it on my record player. Great quality, one of thier best albums.