Customer Reviews

Vanguard

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

 

 

What? I am surprised to see such harsh reviews of this album. Yes, it is darker and more experimental than Maverick - but it isn't bad. If you like the Finley Quaye sound - you won't be disappointed.

many people dislike this album because they compare it with "Maverick a Strike"... but I think that if "Maverick" is a more compact work with great sound patterns and lovely production, this "Vanguard" has better songs... just listen to "The emperor", "Burning" and "Everybody knows"... in fact there is always the fact that Quaye is not a great composer (most of the tracks are useless and boring), but if I had to play something from the Finley Quaye repertoire, I would choose it from "Vanguard" either than from "Maverick a Strike"...

I saw this CD in a CD book at a BBQ last night, and threw it in the CD player. Mid way through the CD I had 3 people ask who it was. Needless to say, there are about 10 new Finley Quaye fans. The album flows. I've been listening to Maverick Strike for years now and for some reason never looked into his later material. So the first this I did this morning was order this CD. Without a doubt worth a listen.

sit back in your recliner, kick off ur shoes, and relax in an album that takes you on a musical journey through a portal of simple complication. Finley has combined a single guitar with many random instruments to produce a collage of musical imagination that will capture your spirits, and sooth your soul.
finley quaye is the TODAY of music. He is breaking boundaries and barriers , while slowing creating a bridge linking the musical present to the musical future.

Well obviously I'm in the minority here but... Let me say that "Maverick A Strike" was, and still is, one of my favorite albums. When it first came out I could not get enough of it and drove my wife and friends crazy with it. This one just does not do it for me. It does not flow as easily. It's "Rock Song," "Funk Song," "Ballad" all just thrown on one after another with no cohesion. If I didn't know better I'd think that this was his first CD and was still trying to develop his style, which he definitely had on "Maverick..." I put it on 3 times, 4 times, finally it just got on my nerves, and nothing stayed with me. The songs just didn't grab me like they did on "Maverick." I'm glad that most people seem to like it, though, so he'll likely put out a third disc that will hopefully fulfill the promise of "Maverick."

Finley Quaye could have easily just gone through the motions and made a carbon copy of his first CD Maverick A Strike. Lucky for us he did not cop out like that on us. This is that rare instance where CD number 2 is better than CD number 1. The songs on this CD flow together nicely, Finely throws in some ambient sounds here and there to give the songs a different dimension and flavor. Vanguard is a world onto itself where you can listen over and over again without getting tired of the music.

Some albums are simply perfect, the production, the soundcraft, the musicianship, the songs--everything resonates with beauty and intelligence. While these songs, taken individually, may not be singles material, the collective whole is breathtakingly beautiful and smart and sensitive. Its reggae/dub/garage/punk/electronic songcraft has simply got to be heard to be appreciated. Along with Amon Tobin's Supermodified, Primal Scream's XTRMNTR, and possibly Bebel Gilberto's Tanto Tempo, some of the most consistently brilliant music in the last couple of years.

With his second full-length, Finley Quaye has come into his own as one of the most exciting pop stars. The formula hasn't changed much since "Maverick a Strike", but he has brought his music and lyrics to the next level. His most impressive asset is his ability to mix fun, weird songs with more serious, beautiful tunes featuring his uncondescending social commentary, and make it all flow with creative and interesting music. A great disc that bubbles with positive energy and good vibes. Recommended.

I to loved his first cut, but other than Broadcast, which had he stuck with this sound this album would have been an instant classic, this compliation isn't worth owning. Still if your a fan, Broadcast is worth a listen.

This album was really dissapointing to me. Maverick A Strike was absolutely phenominal. I remember hearing it for the first time and instantly running out to buy it. Thus, when vanguard finally came to the US I was extemely excited. I was hoping for more innovation, fantastic vocals, and musical wit. What I heard, unfortunately, was a lacklustre 'expreimental album.' The production in this albim is like soggy chips compared to Maverick A. I cant remember a single tune. Nothing made me want to move or really even nod my head. Experimentation is fine...but too much self indulgence can ruin an album. This is a perfect example of that.