Tea & Sympathy [Import]

Bernard Fanning | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 6, 2009)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Universal Uk/Zoom
• ASIN: B000IAZ3H2
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,498,523 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

If Bernard Fanning's identity weren't so well documented as frontman for Powderfinger (a hard-rocking band popular in its native Australia for more than a decade), one might suspect it was a pseudonym allowing Ryan Adams to release even more albums on Lost Highway. Like the prolific Adams, Fanning combines a yearning vocal reediness with a penchant for country-tinged, acoustic-electric arrangements steeped in the influence of the 1970s. Fiddle, mandolin, piano, lap steel, and harmonica frame his bittersweet balladry, with much of the midtempo material built around the strum of an acoustic guitar. Yet the strength of Fanning's songs and suppleness of his vocals distinguish him from the run of the alt-country mill, and Tchad Blake's coproduction gives the sound a homespun shimmer. Among the highlights, the gentle harmonies of "Down to the River" build to a stirring, electric crescendo, the harder edge of "Which Way Home?" evokes his days in a rock band, and the reflective intimacy of "Watch Over Me" provides a fitting finale. --Don McLeese

Product Description

Powderfinger main man, Bernard Fanning unveils his debut solo album, Tea & Sympathy. Produced by Bernard and Tchad Blake (Crowded House, Gomez, Pearl Jam, Tom Waits), the album was recorded at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios and features 14 tracks including the single 'Wish You Well'. Dew Process. 2005. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kiwi Review, March 14, 2006

By 

Mitchell Howard ""the People's Friend"" (Havelock North, NZ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tea & Sympathy (Audio CD)

After reading all Aussie reviews of Bernard Fanning's Tea and Sympathy, I thought I would offer an unbiased and balanced, non parochial view of the album. So here goes. Its FANTASTIC, its so good that I actually thought that Fanning was some sort of American Indie/Alt Country artist that was the next best thing, then found out that he is actually the Powderfinger lead man. Fanning succesfully in parts sounds like a modern day Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Lowell George. He's sort of in the same genre as Counting Crows/Train except NO FILLER on the album at all. This is a class act from an exceptional talent. America wake up! this guy is all you ever dreamt of. Wish You Well is the bouncy, melodic, catchy but fulfilling and tough, single. But if you think that is the highlight think again, its almost the low light as everything else just grows on you. The perfect album for the Indian Summer that is upon us. Enjoy

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite of 2006, October 15, 2006

By 

Jeffrey Larsen "Tspelczech" (Grand Rapids, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tea & Sympathy (Audio CD)

Bernard Fanning's solo CD is the happiest surprise of the year. After hearing a track on Paste Magazine's CD sampler, I picked this up, hoping the rest would sound as good. They didn't. They sound better. Tchad Blake's production provides a warmth reminiscent of 1970s vinyl, and Fanning's songs, while similar to songs of 30 years ago, have a timeless quality all their own. "Sleeping Rough" would be a hit on AOR radio today, if only there were stations gutsy enough to play new artists. Every song is great. Easily my favorite CD of the year.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars onya!, April 20, 2006

By 

vedder dog (seattle wa usa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tea & Sympathy (Audio CD)

I got this album about ten days ago and have listened to it probably 25 times already. I already was a Powderfinger fan so I had some familiarity with Fanning's voice (I love it) but it really comes through on this solo disc. sadly, this disc will fly right under the radar of 99.99% of the US music-listening/buying population. however, I will do what I can to spread the love for these tunes throughout the northern hemisphere...