Customer Reviews

Sun Is Often Out

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Longpigs first came to prominence in the U.K. in 1995, and this, their debut album showcases their incredible talents. This album does not have a single bad track. In between the opening chords of the first track and the closing drone of the hidden bonus song the Longpigs sketch out a landscape of distorted guitars, off-beat rhythms, gloriously impenetrable lyrics and impossibly high vocal lines that is uniquely their own. The first four tracks were released as singles and charted respectably in the U.K., and the rest of the ablum extends their vision and scope further while never straying too far from the Longpigs sound. The classic Longpigs sound is showcased on "She said". It builds and builds, it breaks down, it restarts, Crispin screeches lines like "As a matter of fact, i don't like to be scented so i'd like to smell myself instead", the guitars crunch and it's all over. Perfect 3 minute pop songs have never been this weird or crammed full of this many hooks. Other album highlighs include the plaintive sort-of-love song, "On and On", the crazy time signatures and speed changes on "Elvis" and the revivial of the quiet/loud dynamic on "All Hype".

The record still sounds fresh today, and if you like intelligent rock music, and if you agree that "The Bends" is the only Radiohead album worth worrying about, you'll love this.

Sadly the Longpigs were dealt a cruel hand by fate. The Britpop bubble burst in 1997, moving on to the po-faced mournings of the Verve and later Radiohead, and the Longpigs changed to a more sober, synth-laced sound, showcased on their second album, "Mobile Home"(1999). Gone were the 3 minute pop songs, gone were the hooks, gone was the off-kilter weirdness, and sadly gone were the tunes. It bombed. "The Sun is often out" is a poignant legacy to what might have been, but also a beautiful celebration of what was.

I first saw the longpigs in my hometowm in 1996, from then on they have been one of my favourite bands. I have had a copy of the sun is often out for nearly 6 years now and it still blows me away every time i hear it. If you like music fro the heart you will love this album. Although the longpigs are now split up both albums are still worth buying as thier music does not seem to age.

I'm not sure why The Longpigs died, since this is a wonderful, wonderful album. It leaves one with I slight sense of 'what might have been', since the opening track is one of the finest I know. 'Lost' myself and 'On and on' still choke me up and if the album loses its way after this, it is still worth buying for these alone.

I echo the same thoughts of those who consider this a shining diamond in an the too brief life of a band. 'The Sun Is Often Out' combines the bravado of the Stone Roses, the emotion of Coldplay and Radiohead, and the Britpop epics of Mansun and Embrace. It's unfortunate because this album showed so much promise, potential and talent. But that's the great thing about music, the Longpigs are no longer with us...but the music will forever be documented for others to enjoy.

First of all, I can see where people would think they sound a bit like Radiohead, but when one actually listens to it, there is much more. Also this cd is one of the harder CDs to find in the states, and I also heard the song 'On and On' for the first time on the Mission:Impossible Soundtrack, and it got me hooked. I knew instantly that if this one song was so good, than the others must be as well. I wasn't wrong. I bought this cd in 1997 and five years later, it still gets put in my 12 cds that I must have with me wherever I go. On and On, She Said, and Jesus Christ have got to be my favorites on this cd, and On and On has been my favorite song since the Mission:Impossible Soundtrack...hopefully this sheds light on how much I LOVE THIS ALBUM

Everyone says they sound like Radiohead. And as much as I love Thom Yorke and Co. I have to disagree. Radiohead have descended into a computer -advanced state in their music, using beeps and gliches. Longpigs went back to the basics -a bottle of booze and a microphone, to record "The Sun is Often Out". It in no way makes them a worse band, or alcoholics (though in some songs it is really obvious they had a couple) but this just helps accentuate what they are trying to express. These boys know what they're doing. They bounce back quickly and easily between heartbreak and in your face rock, which makes this all the more appealling. A very beautiful record.

The opening track of The Sun Is Often Out, Lost Myself, is one of the most spectacular songs ever recorded. It's easily one of my top ten favorite songs, and I'd definitely say I'm more than just a casual music fan. That song alone has compelled me to write this review. The rest of the album is pretty good, but none of the other material even comes close to the volcanic opener. As soon as I listened to the above sample, I knew I had to own this immediately. Sometimes samples on Amazon can be deceiving in that they may only play the best or worst parts of songs, but the sample of Lost Myself on this site is well done. If you're at all moved by the rocking desperation heard in those 30 teasing seconds, then you must get a copy of this. The track is actually five minutes and four seconds long, surprisingly lengthy for such an unbelievable song, and absolutely breathtaking from start to finish. The only other song I can compare it to is Don't Hold Your Breath by Calla. Forgive me for investing all these words in one song alone, but it really is worth more typing than I could ever do. Generally, I wouldn't buy a cd for one song, but that's exactly what I did with this cd, and I don't have a single regret about it. The rest of the album is certainly good too, but again, I just have a hard time moving on after number one. Sample that track, and if you like it, don't hesitate to purchase The Sun Is Often Out.

This album screams "expression for the masses". There is nothing better than listening to "somber-esque" or, on the flip side, equally intense verses that throw soul-felt melodic chorus lines at you with an almost over-abundance. They've enhanced "three chord rock" with slightly more complex arrangements that are easily assimilated. Bands like this come around very rarely. Get out of the mainstream. These guys are for real. Such a complete work of both lyrical genius as well as musical composition. If you're like me, be careful! This album has the potential of becoming one you can't get enough of. Don't get sick of it!

The Longpigs debut album is the best album to come out of England since Pablo Honey from Radiohead. Every track draws you to thier mysterious aura of greatness. The entire album builds into a pinnacle of music genius. This album is a must for any serious music fan. A good listen everytime. They just get better and better.

I bought this over 18 months ago now, but it is still one of my most listened to albums. Highlights are definitely Dozen Wicked Words and the singles, although the cd single version of Far is much better than the album version. If you're reading Lina, cheers for telling me to come and look at this website. Yes I'm one of the quiet english ones subscribed to longpigs@onelist.com!