Customer Reviews

Up At The Lake

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Like all Charlatans CDs, in my experience, this one took a few listens to get used to. The songs are definitely more mainstream pop sounding (ie, less edgy). There is only one hard-charging song on the CD, reminiscent of stuff from "Tellin' Stories."

Having said that, this album is well executed, with few if any obvious weak points. It is a rock-solid crowd pleaser, all in all, and a good first-taste for new Charlatans listeners.

To give you a better sense of where Im coming from in terms of music, I was a huge fan of "Us and Us Only", not such a fan of "Wonderland," and I panned Tim Burgess' solo release.

Note: When buying this CD, know that copies coming from outside the UK do not contain "I sing a Hymn," even if they are imported. If you get duped (as I did), consider buying the one missing track from iTunes.

Before you purchase this CD, check amazon.co.uk. The British version has an extra track and costs about $7.00 less than this version (in spite of being air mailed from Europe). Trust me, the extra song and money saved are well worth it.

The Charlatans have moved far beyond their original contemporaries (the Roses, et al). This album finally distills over a decades' worth of experimentation and exploration by some very talented musicians - including Mr. Burgess, whose vocal range has expanded considerably since his earliest fey days. Not to be missed.

despite having to pay too much for this due to a lack of distribution here in the states, it's well worth it. Try Again Today, Apples and Oranges, and High Up Your Tree make my select list. An under-rated band that always reinvents themselves on every album in ways that amaze and satisfy.

I was never the biggest fan of the Charlatans before I bought this album, but it now ranks as one of my all time favourites. Tim Burgess' solo stuff was disappointing so I was sceptical to say the least, but having heard the opening title track, Up At The Lake, it gave me the ammunition to go out and get it. There is a sense of urgency, of excitement; a feeling which was lacking from most of their previous offering, Wonderland.

There's such a huge feel-good swagger throughout the album,
it's impossible not to be swept along in its wake. It flows seamlessly, with every song a highlight.

They even pull off a pair of piano ballads that Starsailor probably wish they could dream of writing - Loving You Is Easy (awesome - keyboardist Tony Rogers takes lead vocals) and Cry Yourself To Sleep - both beautiful songs without losing the cutting edge. Try Again Today will probably be the album's big release. It reeks of The Beatles, and I love it.

The whole album is a masterpiece, streaks ahead of Wonderland, with Burgess and the boys losing that falsetto nonesense and returning to the kind of punchy, raucous pop-rock that served them so well in the Madchester beginnings, making Up At The Like a timeless work of art.

I am one of those people who did not care for wonderland at all. So I was wary on first listen. I didn't need to worry. This is definitely their best since Tellin' Stories. The songs are memorable and extremely heartfelt (something lacking on Wonderland) The only reason I don't give 5 stars is that the production is a bit too slick at times. It could have benefited a rawer approach, but the songs still shine through. I can not wait to hear this stuff live.

The best Charlatans album in quite a while. A must have for fans and those of you who think uplifting, soulful rock is dead, try it out. Standouts include "Up by the lake" "Feel the pressure" but most of all "High up your tree" which is a marvellous song. Awesome album.

Why hasn't this record been released in the US yet?? After 2 very disappointing records (Wonderland and Us & Us Only), the Charlatans have made their best record since 1997's Telling Stories. This is a fine return to the grooves and sways that we always knew they were capable of. I just bought this CD, but it has made it into the top 10 of the year. Great job, Charlatans. Thank you for giving your old fans a reason to still care. Not their best (that would be Up To Our Hips), but still a brilliant record!!

The first thing I take away from listening to this album is the diversity of styles- "As I watch you in disbelief" sounds like it could be from Tellin Stories, then you have Dead Love, a gorgoues little ditty that makes a nice album closer, there are also some slow ballads and "I'll Sing you a Hymn" which has the feeling of a church hymn. It didn't impress me too much to begin with, but upon further listenings it is growing on me. Overall, I like it quite a bit, and seeing as I haven't heard any information at all about when it will be released domestically, I'm glad I picked it up now.

At first listen you will find wondering if it is the same band and reading the back cover to be sure. They somehow went years back in their sound and beyond to arrange songs that will transport you to witty rock ages back "As I watch you in disbelief" and forth "Up in the lake". Ballads like "Loving you is easy" and "Dead love" are there too, worth to dedicate to your soulmate in any mix CD you could ever want to put into. But "Try again today" is a gem, a song that you'll find life saving and persistently optimistic no matter the time and circumstances. A surprisingly round record with meaningful lyrics and that certain well thought music that "our" band has forever gotten us into.