Simple Things

Zero 7

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 13, 2001)
• Original Release Date: June 12, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Palm Pictures (Audio
• ASIN: B00005R5M6
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (203 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,553 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #2 in	Music > Dance & Electronic > Techno
  #2 in	Music > Jazz > Acid Jazz
  #5 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. Quango.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 57 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 "David" (Maine, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

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.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	Luke Owen (Celebration, FL USA) - See all my reviews

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...

57 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This cd manages to sound classic and yet completely new, April 28, 2004

By	Joanna Daneman (Middletown, DE USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)

Zero 7 has a sound that to my ears, has strong elements of laid-back Seventies groups yet is completely rooted in today's smooth jazz genre. They combine seamless harmony and a relaxed tempo with guitar and synthesized instrumentals for a sound that is unique, but shows its origins with grace and humor. Not everyone is happy with the mix: the vocals have been compared to cloying "lite R&B" but this is a matter of taste, since folks over the decades have pretty much shown the music world that smooth vocals are what they want, and plenty of it. The vocals are hypnotic; either the fluid female duo sound of Sia Furler and Sophie Barker, or the male vocalist Mozez, whose husky ballads could get him nominated as the next Seal or even "let's get lovin'" Barry White replacement--not for his range but for the effect he has on the listener.

The prize here may be the spacey instrumentals, a clever blend of real drums and base mixed with electric keyboard and synthesizer. If you are a fan of smooth jazz such as Sade, you will probably enjoy this album. If you have't found anything you like in music since Kenny G, maybe this could find you a new groove. Sexy stuff.