Customer Reviews

Some Friendly (Reis)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Charlatans, I feel, distinguished themselves from the flock of other bands who emerged from the UK during the same time frame. While the Stone Roses got all the critical acclaim and were hyped to the point of not being able to perform, the Charlatans quietly stole the thunder. Some Friendly was a complete, engaging album at the time of its release, and I have never tired of it. Listening to it now, ten years hence, it is still fresh, engaging, and unforgettable. Particularly the more catchy songs like "The Only One I Know" (which in the case of the much-beleagured Charlatans may be true-- most people have ONLY heard this song!), "White Shirt" (with its "she laughed and then she died" refrain), "Flowers", and the classic "Sproston Green". It is telling that the Charlatans are the only band still intact after a decade still making clever songs... and this album sounds even better and more groundbreaking in hindsight. Tim Burgess's unique vocals and the signature Hammond organ are part of what set this group apart from the others, but above all, they just had what it takes to survive. I for one will always love this album. It's just... dead,dead good.

It must have been about fifteen years ago that I heard part of a song on the radio containing this unique swirling 60's styled psychedelic sound -- including a Hammond organ. After attempting to figure out what the song could be, and the performer of it, I tried in desperation to call the station I heard it on and singing into the telephone what I could recall of the song -- to no avail (this was years before one could get this information from the internet). Anyway, eventually I heard the song again, and it, of course, was "The Only One I Know," by the Charlatans UK, so I immediately rushed out to purchase "Some Friendly." Half a dozen albums later (and one concert in a small club) and I'm still a fan.

Actually, as it turns out, the aforementioned "The Only One I Know," became my second favorite song on the album, surpassed by the even better "Then," with that amazing bass line complimented perfectly by the omnipresent organ. The shimmering nostalgic feeling of "Sproston Green" concludes the album on a high note. Other highlights for me are the opener "You're Not Very Well," and the lively "Believe You Me," but there really isn't a weak link to this very fine album.

Obviously, it's natural to compare The Charlatans to the Stone Roses and Oasis. To me, the Stone Roses debut album sets an almost impossible watermark. The music is richer and more complex, and the Roses clearly had the more talented musicians. However, as pointed out in a previous review, the Stone Roses star burned too bright too soon, whereas The Charlatans play on. As far as Oasis is concerned, I've always liked the Charlatans more, although I can see how one could argue that the Charlatans could not match Oasis at their best (certainly not in cd or ticket sales).

The unfortunate thing about the Charlatans is that I think "Some Friendly," remains their freshest and best album to date. In later albums, the band would include too many songs that were unmemorable and, at times, somewhat dull. Even so, The Charlatans really should have been better known in the U.S.A. based on their first two albums alone. Just consider how few have reviewed "Some Friendly," and you'll see my point.

Though the whole album is pretty good, "The only one I know" is definitely the high point. Most of the disc has a good groove to it, and has alot of organ throughout. Some tracks dancy, some trippy. It simultaneously sounds retro and modern, and is good thing just to put on and enjoy. They also have a "best of" called "Melting pot", you may want to try that out. Either disc should fit well between your "Happy Mondays" and "Stone Roses" cd's.

Here 60s psychedelia returns with a vengeance, combined with the manic rhythms of dancefloor grooving. A times, the sound resembles that of Pink Floyd, as on Opportunity where the persistent drum and Rob Collins' groovy organ build to a cresendo overlapped by harsh electric guitar riffs. Then there's Then, an electronic cornucopia with a raving rhythm. Best of all is Believe You Me, a glide-and-fly-with-me rhythm that showcases frontman Tim Burgess' unique, tranquil and soothing vocals. Some Friendly follows the rave-on trend but brims with originality.

This album is the one that made so many of us Charlatans fans. Seeing them on tour for this album made me a true believer. They had so many critics, but they had charisma, and could write amazing songs. The sound this CD captures is so representative of the era and brings back many great memories. This is part of what "modern rock" radio was all abour before it became so corporate. Contains "Sproston Green", the best song they have ever done as well as 2 of their best singles "The Only One I Know" and "Then".

For anyone interested in checking out the Charlatans UK, this album is a must-have. Not a perfect album, but it is one of their best. Very psychedelic Hammond organ locked in with funky bass and drums, with splashes of day-glow guitar for a cool effect. "The Only One I Know" is one of my top-10 favorite songs of all-time, and the closing "Sproston Green" one of the most underrated masterpieces of the 1990's. A terrific buy.

This album never gets old, even 18 years later. This is the true Manchester sound for that time period.

Some Friendly, the debut from the Charlatans, is actually a very good, although somewhat slightly dated, album. Released in 1990, it contains two of their best ever songs, The Only One I Know and Sproston Green. Sproston Green in particular is just wonderful, with a haunting melody line played underneath the vocals.

Other songs on the album that are really good include the opener You're Not Very Well, Believe You Me, White Shirt, Opportunity, Then, and Flower. Sonic is probably my absolute least favorite track on the album, but still one I listen to, as it's OK. This album was the first and only release with their original guitarist (who is alright, nothing special). Second and current guitarist Mark Collins, who is MUCH better, joined shortly after this album's release.

Anyway, a good debut, really great swirling British psychedelia powered especially by Rob Collins' organ and keyboard playing. Check this out...don't get it as your first Charlatans disc, but definitely add it to your Charlatans library.

I Am surprised that AMAZON only has two of the albums available. This band definately matured as they released the next four albums. This was a great debut album. They didnt do all that well in the states, but most halfway decent English bands dont fit the mainstream pap that is the US / MTV top 40. If you can, get a lyric sheet, its worth it. oh yeah and as I mentioned source out the other albums that followed, you won't be dissapointed.

The distinctive unique hammond organ sound was what ushered in The Only One I Know, one of the greatest and most memorable singles ever released. Somehow both touching and dancable despite its traditional music style. As it's sound was very comparable to The Stone Roses and various other Manchester groups of the time, they were very much the New Big Thing at the time, as this album's no1 success shows. Other tracks here like Then and You're Not Very Well are equally sprightly, and Opportunity is a glorious 7 minute ambient swirl. But two of the later tracks, Sonic and Believe You Me, are perhaps the most affecting tracks other than THAT track. A recommended CD if you can get it.