Simple Things

Zero 7 | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 13, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Palm Pictures (Audio
• ASIN: B00005R5M6
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (259 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,278 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #9 in Music > Jazz > Acid Jazz
  • #20 in Music > Indie Music > Dance & DJ > General
  • #33 in Music > Dance & Electronic > Trip-Hop

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Zero 7's ability to conjure beautiful lullabies with all the romance of 1960s French pop (as found on their debut LP, Simple Things) would have made them the toast of soundtrack composers and chill-out connoisseurs the world over. Unfortunately, two Frenchmen beat Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker to the title of "masters of comedown cool," leaving the London duo to be forever called "the British Air." And this is fair; the similarities between Zero 7's lush cinematic soundscapes and those of Air's Moon Safari and the Virgin Suicides score are so strong as to sound almost intentional. Nonetheless, their debut is a truly gorgeous album. It has all the tried and tested atmospheric tricks--bleeps and whooshes layered over plodding Fender Rhodes chords, swathes of strings and tender trumpet parps--but it's Binns and Hardaker's languid grooves and the soft melancholy of their melodies that make dream-state instrumentals "Give It Away" and "Polaris" utterly enchanting. The real power of Simple Things, however, is in its songs. As beautiful as the ambient strains are, when laid beneath the seductive vocals of Australian diva Sia on the ethereal "Destiny" or the heart-breaking "Distractions," their potency becomes apparent. --Dan Gennoe

Product Description

2001 debut full length for dance act described as, 'the British Air', the follow-up to two limited, critically acclaimed EPs. Highlights include the awesome African influenced instrumental passage 'Likufanele', the velvety 'I Have Seen' feat. Mozez & the quiet storm of 'Destiny' feat. Sia.

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 43 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Tragic Angels & A Moon Safari February 12, 2002

By Luke Owen

Format:Audio CD

Simple Things is quite simply one of the best debuts I've ever heard. The vocals are soft yet purposeful, and the lyrics are often quite inspired. Sia's beautiful voice is ethereal on the simply beautiful "Distractions" & "Destiny". It brought her fantastic Healing Is Difficult out of the doldrums of my CD collection.

It's easy to see where Zero 7 has taken much of their inspiration. There are definite similarities to Air (although it remains easy to tell the two apart) as well as Groove Armada and Fatboy Slim. Don't let the Fatboy Slim confuse you - this is by no means a dance album. This is almost an anti-dance album - the kind of thing you put on when you're very tired / drunk / stressed / angry (delete as appropriate).

It would be impossible to pick out any personal favorites (I love every track), but the real stand out tracks are "In The Waiting Line", "Destiny", "Distractions" and the largely underrated "End Theme".

If you're in a party mood, by all means, don't put this CD on. It will definitely not help build the atmosphere, but makes a perfect comedown disc. It's difficult, however, not to try and vigorously enforce this great new band on all your friends. I can't wait for the next chapter of the story.

Easily addictive, this is my first must-have of 2002. Can't say fairer than that, really...

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Chill Out February 19, 2003

By J. M. Zuurbier

Format:Audio CD

This is a great album to put on when you just need to unwind and relax. That being said, it is not just a chill out album. Listen closely to the lyrics, and the excellent vocals, the way everything molds together, it's definately one of the more unique albums I have heard lately. 14 tracks in total, 2 of which are bonus tracks, it runs just over 70 minutes, of pure musical bliss. Of course comparisons will be drawn to Air, but don't let that stop you from giving Zero 7's debut SIMPLE THINGS a try, comparisons can be drawn between this and Air's MOON SAFARI, but this has its own unique flair and flavor, they have found their own style. Sia provides seductive and passionate vocals on "Destiny" and "Distractions", two of the best tracks on the set. I also quite enjoy "Red Dust", "End Theme", "Polaris" and "In The Waiting Line". Every track is enjoyable, definately an underrated album. Everyone should take a listen to this.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Starts slow, builds to awesome finale November 28, 2001

By J. Thomas

Format:Audio CD

An immediate entry into my Top 10 of 2001. It didn't seem that way at first -- the opener, "I Have Seen," sounds like an outtake from Cousteau. But the songs build upon each other in perfect logical order, leading up to a powerful climax.

What would happen if your favorite electronica station collided with a smooth-jazz station and careened into a sultry piano lounge on the corner? "Simple Things" might well be the result, but that's hardly doing it justice.

By the time track 11 arrives, the stage has been set. "Likufanele," a remix of South African gospel music, moves the soul in a truly captivating manner. For whatever reason, the song just reached out and grabbed me, even while driving at 60mph, almost to the point of bringing tears to my eyes. Back home with the headphones on, it was even more powerful. An absolute masterpiece.

The proper closer (not counting the two "bonus tracks"), "End Theme," is an appropriate denouement to the climax of "Likufanele," bringing me back to earth after a truly astral journey.

Advice: Don't try to listen to individual songs. Play the whole thing in sequence, and let it take you wherever it wants to take you. A magical record.

68 of 80 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars No great musicianship, but an interesting voyage. August 6, 2002

By Maine Writer VINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

Simple Things is exactly that. You won't find instrumental virtuousity here. As a musician friend of mine commented after hearing it, there is a lot of very simple "noodling" going on. So, if you're looking for complex jazz or performances for the ages, don't look here. What you will find, however, are interesting aural subtleties, well-crafted pop songs, and some nice vocals. It's better than background music, but not quite the kind of album that holds up terribly well beyond the very simple pleasures it provides. Sometimes, you need just that. Plus, there is an honesty to the lyrics that is refreshing. I find myself going back to this album time and time again, and that may be the biggest reason for the four star rating.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Like Air, But Not Really July 16, 2002

By Matthew Gladney

Format:Audio CD

I heard "Simple Things" on a listening station at my local music store. I was immediately reminded of "Moon Safari" by Air. As I consider that a classic 90s album, I was pretty much hooked into getting this particular release by Zero 7.

"Simple Things" is really good chill-out music. I've listened to it several times since its purchase a few days ago, and it continues to stay fresh and enjoyable. The tracks are all pretty much low-key, trip-beat relaxing songs, some with vocals, some without. My favorite songs are "Polaris", "Red Dust", and "This World", though I think all of the songs, with the possible exception of track 11, are quite good.

In comparing this album to Air's "Moon Safari", I found a distinct difference. While the basic sound of the two albums is similar, "Moon Safari" was a landscape of actual songs. "Simple Things" derives its pleasure from tracks that are elongated chill-out sessions. There isn't a superior album in my comparison, just different artistic approaches and production styles.

So, Zero 7 has succeeded in creating its own sound, and what a pleasing sound it is.