Customer Reviews

These Were the Earlies

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

 

 

After hearing a few songs on the BBC, I decided to take a gamble on this "hotly tipped" band from Texas and London, and boy howdy- what an album it is! The Earlies defy easy classification, though "folktronica" seems most relevent. After a few years of so-so product from some of my favorite bands (Spiritualized, Mercury Rev, Chemical Bros.), this album represents a welcome addition to my catalogue. Absolutely stunning- think "Pure Phase" meets "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" and you're half-way there. I wouldn't even wait for a domestic release (which I've heard nothing about BTW)if I were you... buy it on import- you won't be disappointed!

I have to admit. I never heard of them before reading a review on some music magazine. and I was nicely surprised. they are great. psychedelic music has always been one of my things and they are certainly psychedelic. they remind me of Sun Dial, a band I have once seen live in Italy and loved since. can't tell you much else. I learned to trust reviews a bit more.The music industry is at times behind all of them but still...

This is a psychedelic band that is from both Texas and Manchester. The Earlies released a bunch of far out singles and LSD-inspired EPs. They had a love for the Beatles and Brian Wilson and anything trippy. There are four core members but sometimes they have a lot more people playing with them. It often reminds me of how Mercury Rev's Deserters Songs hit me eight years ago. These songs are just simple ballads and blues that spiral out of control. Hopefully the Psychedelic/Prog Rock revolution takes hold of the imagination this year. I thought that since Mars Volta and Secret Machines had some success that we were experiencing a full-fledged movement. While there are a few of these bands on the margins, it is still an underground movement, with the exception of Mars Volta, who seem to attracted a bunch of emo punks and casual drug takers, who have chosen them erroneously. The Earlies are a step in the right direction.

After a few listens the album will hook you in. I would suggest popping this album in for a road trip then lighting up a cig, stoag, swigging a brew, slurping a coke or whatever you do. Sit back and relax and let the album guide you through the landscapes. Nonetheless, I believe the ablum is best listened through desert landscapes, ie West Texas, East Cali, New Mex, etc. The album is a great concoction of many different sounds layered together. It is an american version of the scottish band Mogwai or English Spiritualized with more singing, less guitar and more synth sounds layered. I highly suggest this difficult to categorize album. Wonderful debut.

The Earlies, These Were The Earlies, Released Oct 25 2005

The Doves, Franz Ferdinand, Arcade Fire...if these names do not ring a bell, get in the loop and buy These Were The Earlies. The Earlies deliver the goods in their 2nd Album; with multi instrumentation, effected samples, breaking beats, and catchy vocals. It is the epitome of emo retro rock with a Beatilesque sound. Perfect album to listen to on a long walk or drive...

everything about this is stunning..the songs,the arrangements,the melodies and even the cd cover/book.

i honestly think people will still be talking about this in 20 years time

it's the bomb

Bought this while waiting on the release of SMiLE. I have found this release to be both fascinating and oddly compelling, a bit like the music of Sean O'Hagan's High Llamas with a surprising dash of brother Dennis Wilson's Pacific Ocean Blue on the keyboard. Well worth a listen.

A remarkable album. First listen I wasn't sold, as it was a little heavy for my tastes. But listen to it a few times. Firstly, the album is as wall of sound and the production is first rate. Secondly, the psychadelia takes the edge off the album. Thirdly, the earlies bass/drums are awesome (ala Dave Mathews Band). If Matt Pond PA defines pop, these guys are defining rock. I can't believe that they aren't the next big thing... maybe I'm early.