Customer Reviews

Twinemen

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

 

 

Following the death of Mark Sandman, the remaining members of Morphine (drummer Billy Conway and sax-man supremo Dana Colley) did the only thing they could do: they soldiered on. They recruited vocalist Laurie Sargeant and renamed themselves Twinemen (as an admirably quiet and respectful tribute to Sandman, whose simple "twinemen" drawing adorns the album cover). Sonically, the game plan hasn't changed much. The bottom heavy grooves and melancholy, imagistic sax work anchor the proceedings with a distinctly late night vibe. Laurie Sargeant keeps her vocal melodies appropriately morose and evocative, and the unintrusive addition of drum programs and keyboards only helps maintain the smoky atmosphere. At times, Sandman's slide bass and aloof croon are missed but, given the singular, simple genius that was Morphine, that instant nostalgia was inevitable. And ultimately that may be what is so impressive about Twinemen, that it manages to sound so much like a fresh start rather than a desperate clutch at past glory.

Being a fan of Morphine, I was excited for the release
of this CD, and was not disappointed at all. The vocal stylings
of Laurie Sargent match very well with the saxaphone of Dana
Colley. His sax playing is nothing short of mesmerizing. You will not be disappointed if you get this CD, I loved it. Also, it had a nice blend of different vocals on the CD, it's not entirely sung by Laurie (which wouldn't be a bad thing!) but it's nice in that it differs from other groups. They have a unique sound, and I enjoy it very much.

Sure, I'll admit it. I am a huge Morphine fan. But Twinemen is the present and future, and it's time for the comparisons to end. This band is incredible in every sense of the word. If I could take your money and shove a CD in your hand this very instant, I would. For free samples of the songs, visit http://hi-n-dry.com and click on "Downloads".

I am really enjoying this cd by the surviving members of Morphine (one of my favorite bands)and two additional musicians. The female vocalist, Laurie, who also plays guitar, is wonderful, and the rest are, of course, great. Tracks 1, 7, 8, and 10 are my faves, but they are all good. Ever member sings at some point, and they are all good. I suggest anyone who likes mellow, saxaphone/bass driven music...just something different...check out this cd and definitely check them out live. They put on an awesome live show.

I didn't go into this album expecting Morphine. I heard "Spinner" on the radio, called the station, and got the name of the band. It -- and the whole record -- takes you for a nice ride, in a car with friends you like. I am a Morphine fan, and I'm glad to hear that the surviving members didn't just fade away. They have a touch of that Morphine sound, but it isn't as forboding, wrong side of the tracks. It's a little sunnier, and as one reviewer said, it's excellent for having some friends over. It's wonderful to listen to alone, but doens't get in the way when you're with friends. I think it has the same feel -- and I would use it on the same kinds of mix tapes as I would with -- Mazzy Star or something like that.

Put this one on as the third of fourth CD during a one of those intimate parties that just seem to happen on a Friday night at your place. You know the ones where you're drinking beer, telling jokes and playing cards while smoking a little of this and that. It should fit the mood by that time perfectly.

I am sure most people pay attention to this album because they are Morphine fans. But the irony is that you are gona like this album if you are not expecting another Morphine album. The drum beats and sax are as sedating as ever before. Yet, through out the entire album, you feel like there is something missing. You cannot hear the familiar sliding bass and that beautiful voice. No one in the world rocks like Mark Sandman does. With that being said, folks, this one is as close to the old Morphine as you can get. Although I don't really care too much about the singer (she is good but not as original), the rest of the stuff is still brilliant.

The last song was definitely wrote for Mark. "What if I wake up, and the music stops playing ..... Wish somebody were singing ..... Who's gonna sing? We're all gonna sing ....." Surely, someone will be missed forever, but we all have to move on.

This album seems to pick up where Morphine left off. The mood of the album remains very similar to Morphine. I highly recommend this record, Laurie Sargent's sultry voice adds to the ambience. If you get a chance to see them live, see them, the live material is even better than the studio record.

The last track of the disk rhythmically fades allowing the room to be filled once again with silence,which upon its return, seems more gratifying.The sophistically soothing and hypnotic rhythms are in themselves unique,but were reminiscent at times of a Portishead/Morcheeba style, complete with the female vocals of Laurie Sargent.
If you crave more of Morphine this disk will supply you with a mild fix,otherwise enjoy the work Sandman left us and move on, the band did.Anyone rating this disk with less than 4 stars is resenting the evolution of the surviving members of Morphine, and still mourning the death of Mark.

If you buy this CD trying to recapture the sound of
Morphine, you are in for a big disappoinment.
The sound of Twinemen is dull.
The only thing reminiscent to Morphine is Mark Sandman's cartoons.
You are better off playing any of your old Morphine CD's.