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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Spectacular First Effort, June 27, 2005
I'm not sure what version this is. There are >4 versions of this album (with bonus tracks, videos, bonus DVDs) so without a track listing you can't tell what you are getting.
However, here is my review as the album is well worth buying, whatever version you finally select.
Although known as Johnny Borrell's band, Razorlight lays down an incredible screaming raw wall of sound with a constantly surprising thread of brilliant chords and subtle themes intertwined to make you smile at all the right places. Sometimes it's a new song, sometimes it's a pause or phrase, always it's a brilliant layering of song, lyric, and sound.
These guys formed in 02 and have paid dues on the London scene with all the famous names. It shows in every track. They are more than ready and this album is it. Johnny Borrell is nothing less than spectacular and bandmembers Björn Ågren, Christian Smith-Pancorvo, and Carl Dalemo make it all work. Andy Burrows has now replaced Christian Smith-Pancorvo on drums.
For a great run start the album with In The City/To The Sea/Fall, Fall, Fall - this is one of the best sequential runs ever recorded. Personally I think they sound like Razorlight, but if I was into categorizing everything by the obvious influences I would say something like:
A male version of Patti Smith forgetting the lyrics to Gloria as he is invaded by the ghost of Lou Reed while being backed by John Cage and Velvet Underground. The unexpected transition into To The Sea evolves into a Kings-Of-Leon Talihina Sky-ish piece that drops like an unexpected waterfall into the lilting acoustics of Fall, Fall Fall. It certainly isn't Dylan (some reviewers seem to think any significant lyric sounds like dear old Bob).
Everybody justifiably raves about Rock `n' roll Lies/Eyes and Leave Me Alone but this is one of those extremely rare albums that holds together very well with each track becoming part of the cuts before and after. It's almost a shame to talk about any single song when they all fit together so perfectly.
As with most bands these days, there is a plethora of extra and bonus tracks on CD Singles, EPs, Albums, DVDs, Import, Export, Japanese, U.S., U.K. and other versions. To help you though the chaos, here is a current list of the Razorlight track releases that are not on the standard CD Album releases:
Action!
Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah
Here It Comes
Spirit
Yes, You Should Know
When He Was Twenty
Heartbreak Soup
Just Can't Explain
Fairy Tale Of New York
For Georgia
Bright Lights
Dean Take Your Time
Losing Your Mind
Get It And Go
(hardest to find - only on import with bonus & import with bonus DVD albums)
Hang By, Hang By
Control!
Dagger In Your Heart
Believe In Me
Anabelle Says
Hey Ya!
Somewhere Else
Keep The Right Profile
There are some additional live, remix, and video tracks in addition to the songs listed above.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
There is still hope, May 18, 2006
It saddens me to see radio in the state it's in. It may just be me, but North American radio seems to be dominated by the same old stuff. Songs that my sister, for instance, says are "so deep" are to me nothing more than "superficial."
Long ago I turned to indie and UK rock to satisfy my music tastes.
Enter Razorlight.
It was a chance encounter. My friend (the goddess of all UK rock) just happened to place Up All Night in my car stereo on the way home from school. My first impression was indifference. By the time we got home, I was completely engulfed in their music.
Razorlight is an unexpected treasure. Every song is different and yet they all feel like they belong together. Their instrumentation is hard to place. Each instrument stands out on its own, yet they all seem strangely cohesive. Most recognizable are the drum solos on the album. Sometimes I just rewind the same track over and over to listen to the drummer!
My favorite thing about Razorlight is that they sing of the same "superficial" things mentioned above, but somehow, in an oddly UK way, make them appealing and entertaining. It's nice that Razorlight can turn American Pop Fodder (a term I use for relationship songs) into catchy awesomeness.
On a final note, a turn-off many people have mentioned to me (I try to spread the joy of this band almost daily) is the never-ending song syndrome. While I enjoy this, many people tend to think of it as annoying. Don't get me wrong, the songs don't go on forever (in fact the songs rarely exceed four minutes). Their endings just absolutely dominate!
I would recommend this group to anyone even remotely fond of indie or UK rock. I would also recommend the group to anyone who hates both, as I've seen it change musical tastes.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Get It and Go, May 24, 2006
You may read other reviews here that state Razorlight is not "unique". Well, my advice to anyone reading this is that.... if you expect every album you buy to be completely unique from another, you are gonna end up listening to fusion-techno-polka before it's all said and done. As for "Up All Night", sure it is not groundbreaking, but compared to the generic conglamarations of Nickleback, 3 Doors Down, Staind, etc. etc..... Razorlight is that breath of fresh air I have been waiting on for a long time. For me, there are only a couple of skippable tracks on "Up All Night", but for the most part, this is one of those albums you can just let it spin.
I am definitely satisfied with my purchas. 4 solid/unquestionalble stars from me. For anyone wanting a feel for Razorlight, give an ear to "Rock and Roll Lies" , "Vice" or "Stumble & Fall". Now that I know.... I will be keeping an eye out for future releases from these guys.
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