Together We're Stranger

No Man | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 2, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Madfish Records UK
• ASIN: B00008KCOS
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #546,539 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Together Were Stranger

2. All The Blue Changes

3. The City In A Hundred Ways

4. Things I Want To Tell You

5. Photographs In Black And White

6. Back When You Were Beautiful

7. The Break Up For Real

Editorial Reviews

A further extension of the band's panoramic & emotive soundscapes - a quiet yet powerful meditation on the emotional fallout of loss. A deeper adventure into the realms of epic orchestral textures, slowcore songwriting & sonic experiment, featuring the band's sparsest & most directly emotional work to date, comparable in parts to the 'exposed' feeling of 'Carolina Skeletons', or to the work of bands like Lambchop or Low. 7 tracks. Packaged in Digipak format in a slipcase. K-Scope/Snapper. 2003.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly moving experience..., January 23, 2008

By 

M. Traks (State College, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Together Were Strangers: 5.1 Mix (Wdva) (Audio CD)

The first time I sat down and listened to this album was on a trip to work. By the end of the first song I was mesmerized in a trance.. about 2 minutes into the 2nd song my eyes started to water.

The music on this album is so incredibly beautiful--and heartbreaking. This is one of the finest works of art in music. I was thinking of giving this album 4 stars because it's not something that could be listened to all the time and it's lack of any kind of catchy beats or rhythms would definitely deter many a listener. But the sheer brilliance of it deserves 5.

If you decide to get this album.. be warned: it is very slow and many of the things musically is happening in the background, a place most listeners of pop music don't really pay attention to. That said--sit down, relax, close your eyes and enjoy.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lyrically, their finest. Musically it is not as good as "Flowermouth". Still a good album!, June 24, 2006

By 

Gobi Kalooki (California, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Together We're Stranger (Reis) (Audio CD)

Together We're Stranger is a big departure from "Loveblows and Lovecries", and "Flowermouth". This isn't as upbeat or as catchy as their previous albums, but it does feature some of their finest lyrics, especially on "Back When You Were Beautiful", and "The Break-Up for Real". The album kind is kind of rocky until the last three tracks, which are really brilliant (and some of No-Man's best). Track by track review:

Together We're Stranger: 7/10 - Not bad for a title track, but it kind of drags on and is overlong. Still good.
All the Blue Changes: 9/10 - Now this is such a pretty song. It is the most upbeat on the album and features some good lyrics and vocals.
The City in a Hundred Ways: 5/10 - A short instrumental piece that goes through one ear and out the other.
Things I Want to Tell You: 6/10 - Another decent track. Like the title track, it would be much better if it were shorter. Such great lyrics too.
Photographs in Black and White: 9/10 - The longest track on the album, but it does not drag on like some of the other lengthy works. One of the three best songs on the album.
Back When You Were Beautiful: 10/10 - My personal favorite on the album. Features beautiful vocals by Tim Bowness, and great acoustic guitar melodies. Very spacey too.
The Break-Up for Real: 10/10 - The perfect way to close this album. A sad song about break up...for real.

Overall: 56/70 = 8/10

Together We're Stranger is a quality album, especially the final three songs. Definitely recommended, but if you are new to No-Man, start with "Flowermouth", or "Loveblows and Lovecries".

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sonic Stress Relief, July 26, 2006

By 

Kurt Harding "bon vivant" (Boerne TX) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Together We're Stranger (Audio CD)

Its a pity few have ever heard of No Man, but that's the way it is with quality music these days because that's just the kind of music that rarely receives airplay. I'd never have heard of them myself had it not been for the fact that I am already a fan of Porcupine Tree and Steve Wilson and was interested in exploring some of Wilson's other projects.
It took me quite a few listens in a variety of environments to develop a taste for this CD. That's because what it needs is your full attention, and I wasn't always able to give it mine. After you listen several times, I think you'll agree that its best enjoyed when there are no distractions.
Together We're Stranger is purely sonic stress relief. The music is mellow and entrancing while the vocals are often reminiscent of the style and texture of jazz vocalist Michael Franks. My favorites here are Photographs In Black and White and Back When You Were Beautiful.
If you enjoy thoughtful, mellow and well-crafted songs or are already a Porcupine Tree or even a Michael Franks fan, then you should find a lot to like on Together We're Stranger. I did and I will explore further the music of No Man.