Where Did the Night Fall

U.N.K.L.E. | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 11, 2010)
• Original Release Date: 2010
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Surrender All
• ASIN: B003E1QBY6
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #45,579 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

2010 release, the fifth studio album by the British Electronic act. This effort sees the musical mastermind of the group, James Lavelle, team up with a whole range of talented guest collaborators, (from former Screaming Trees front man Mark Lanegan to Clayhill vocalist Gavin Clark) to create a sonically dense record that encompasses musical styles as diverse as Psychedelic Rock and Minimal House. Includes the singles 'Natural Selection' featuring The Black Angels and 'Heavy Drug'.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another step forward!, May 20, 2010

By 

David Parker (burlington, vermont United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Where Did the Night Fall (Audio CD)

Thinking that UNKLE would return to the club/DJ sounds of "Psyence Fiction" is like thinking Massive Attack might put out another "Blue Lines" - ain't gonna happen. Instead, Britain's second-greatest 'DJ collective' (Massive, of course, being the TOP DOGS!) have released a great follow-up to "War Stories", continuing to produce interesting, progressive alterna-rock that sounds like almost nothing else out there. And this time, even a little more haunting and less rock-oriented. No "big" names on this release, a la Ian Astbury or Rob Del Naja, but that makes this album even more unique, with vocals handled by a small, select group of revolving male and female singers who all helped to compose each of the songs on which they appear. Definitely one of my favorite albums of 2010. And check out the '180' that Groove Armada did with their new one "Black Light" - an 80's-inspired electrobash that also turns their past completely on its ear. Along with Massive's "Heligoland", a great year for "British DJ Duos"!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Start of Something Beautiful, September 11, 2010

By 

Jimmy Penola (Kinnelon, NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Where Did the Night Fall (Audio CD)

A band that has had a truly transformative journey, UNKLE have reached a point with their newest LP that seems to combine all their past albums to create something that could best be described as electronically informed psych-rock. Whatever you want to call it, this feels like a new chapter for UNKLE - like this is the sound they've been looking for. The balance of sonic elements is wonderful. A series of collaborations from the likes of up-and-comers and under-appreciated groups such as Autolux, The Black Angels, and more congeals into a simultaneously cohesive and diverse listening experience. Though the whole thing is seriously fantastic (don't let Joy Factory pass you by), some of the highlights for me include Follow Me Down, Caged Bird, and The Runaway - 3 tracks with 3 different though equally talented female vocalists. Follow Me Down features a stunning vocal by Sleepy Sun's Rachel Williams that simply must be heard, while Caged Bird with Katrina Ford displays a similarly powerful performance - both women carrying enormous presence, though never at the expense of the song (quite the contrary). Perhaps on the other side of the spectrum is Lisa Elle of Dark Horses, who goes in the other direction for The Runaway: what she lacks in terms of sheer power she more than makes up for in mood. Somehow she manages to convey menace, fear, and apathy all in the same song to ultimately come across like a severely disturbed Alison Goldfrapp. Great stuff. Probably my favorite song on the album.

Aside from the excellent music, the deluxe packaging for Where Did The Night Fall (which I purchased directly from the UNKLE website) is likely the best I've seen since War Stories. Record companies take note - this is how you combat piracy: the included lyrics, liner notes, and especially the amazing photography are expertly presented. This is exactly the type of thing I look for when seeking a physical copy of a band's new album.

And speaking of the incredible photography, UNKLE's music video for Follow Me Down is essentially the album artwork in motion, which makes total sense since it was directed by WDTNF's extremely talented art directors Warren du Preez and Nick Thornton Jones. It's one of the best music videos I've seen this year and may only be in competition with the newly released music video for The Answer (directed by The Road's John Hillcoat). It's genuinely inspiring work, which shouldn't be a shock at this point. Despite James Lavelle's shortcomings as a traditional musician, he's always pointed UNKLE in a direction that's ensured its growth creatively and otherwise. By consistently surrounding himself with talented others who believe in the project, there's no reason to expect UNKLE's resignation any time soon.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Experience, September 11, 2010

By 

Ryan Smith "Music Marmalade" (New Brunswick, NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Where Did the Night Fall (Audio CD)

(If you have the album... put on The Answer before reading :)

Regretfully, I dismissed UNKLE for years based on a few tracks that I thought were 'alright' but not mind-blowing. Josh Homme, DJ Shadow, Tom Yourke etc. I love, so I gave their tracks a listen and decided their solo stuff/main acts hit me a little harder. Interestingly, since the release of Where Did The Night Fall and my obsession with the album, I've gone back and now love all the earlier UNKLE releases. So, this diatribe here might reveal two things: keep trying with a band because you never know when their music is ready for you, and Where Did the Night Fall is a fantastic album to begin with. I think it is one of the more approachable albums UNKLE have put out, and one of the most diverse. The alteration of feelings within this collection goes light to dark, fast to slow, deep to surface so often yet so seamlessly. I LOVE each and every guest artist, whether or not I know their other music. Not a single song feels like it misses the mark, which can often happen with compilation albums like this.

This album has 11 excellent collaborative tracks that all feel natural, and they progress effortlessly. The 3 uncollaborative tracks (nowhere, heavy drug, and ablivion) of course feel natural and are great additions to the cd. I must admit, I do basically skip nowhere and heavy drug every time listening through. Heavy drug always reminds me of some fleet foxes song I despise so I skip it. Besides that, I really do enjoy every song.

Some highlights among them: Follow me down and caged bird are AMAZING, primal and intense songs. Caged bird particularly blows my mind with how raw and mysterious Katrina Ford delivers on it. She sounds like a drunk gypsy woman to me, its amazing.

Ever Rest and On A Wire have a similar, energizing yet depressive quality to them.

Both The Runaway and Joy Factory I have claimed as my 'favorite' songs at different times. I think these songs are timeless. I love Autolux too, so if you enjoy that song check out their other stuff- its pretty similar.

I always get ablivion stuck in my head, its a track I usually start with when I decide to listen to UNKLE. On a wire has a similar 'time running out' feel, and is very well put together.

The last two tracks- The Healing and Another Night Out again I could put on a favorites list. I love the Healing, the title is so appropriate. The way Gavin Clark sings reaches into my heart and proceeds to stitch up emotional scars. It really heals.

Lastly, I'd like to mention The Answer. I'm sorry, but this song cannot be topped on my happiness chart. This is my sunny day, get in the car, wheres the excitment?!, float on a cloud... song. If theres one reason to get this album, I'd say get it for the spiritual healing this song and the healing will produce for you. This music is medicine.

Thanks for reading!!