Words of Wisdom & Hope

Teenage Fanclub, Jad Fair | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 19, 2002)
• Original Release Date: 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Alternative Tentacles
• ASIN: B00005UJBS
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #304,139 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #49 in Music > Indie Music > Alternative Rock > Alternative Pop
  • #60 in Music > Indie Music > Alternative Rock > British Alternative

Editorial Reviews

The line of musicians waiting to work with Jad Fair goes around the block. But you can see the line move; such is the prolific nature of the subdued dude. Words of Wisdom and Hope is, not surprisingly, exactly the sum of its parts. Teenage Fanclub is probably the purest pop act to get involved with Fair, and the result is easily the most straightforward album to have his name on it in some time, possibly ever. Please note, though, that this doesn't mean it's particularly polished. The Glasgow natives contributed melodic intervention, but with a garage-like spontaneity to it. This perfectly matches Fair's geeky yet sincere declarations of having a "Crush on You," and similar declarations on other love odes such as "Near to You" and "Cupid." The disc is refreshing and endearing, a must-own for aficionados of either artist. ~ Brian O'Neill, All Music Guide

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Words of Wisdom-Buy It, December 16, 2002

By 

"balped" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Words of Wisdom & Hope (Audio CD)

This is a beautiful album full of joy, warmth and humour. Don't get me wrong when I say "humour" I don't mean it's a comedy album but it should make you smile. Teenage Fanclub are just about my favourite group of all time but it's nice to hear them doing something really fresh and different. Some people who want people just to do the same thing over and over again will be disappointed but if you open your mind, your heart and your heart it will be worth it. Half Japanese front man and aldult child talk/ sings on top of Teen FC's Stax-like mellow licks and grooves. Katrina Mitchell, from gods of the Scottish music scene The Pastels, provides sweet backing vocals.
Instant favourites for me were the beautiful I Feel Fine, could be like Louis Armstrong's 'Wonderful World' for the new century and the driving guitar pop classic Near To You.
Some people just won't get it but I hope you're wiser than them.
It Rocks! in a tender way.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cute and Quirky But No Turkey, April 13, 2002

By 

Captain Cook (Leeward to the Sandwich Islands) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Words of Wisdom & Hope (Audio CD)

Jad who? I hear you ask. Well, the lyricist and singer on this quirky collaboration with the Scotchy guitar poppers is an obscure offbeat American musician and visual artist whose approach to painting and music is basically one of child-like innocence. The cute cover art is therefore a good indication of what to expect inside.

Sounding like a candy-store Lou Reed, Jad Fair talks-more-than-sings his screwball cartoon lyrics against TFC's excellent musical backing. Just like when we were age 11, Frankenstein and Superman constantly get name checked.

Once the mild irritation factor wears off, you realize that it's actually very effective, as on the rocking "Crush On You," where Jad sings: "Well, if your looking for a love song/ you've come to the right place." Or the hilarious "Always In My Heart," where he admits, "I might not be a Beatle/ but I've got needs like a Beatle/ All I need is love."

4.0 out of 5 stars Rocks!, April 24, 2008

By 

J. Gustavson (Travelling) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Words of Wisdom & Hope (Audio CD)

It must be stated that one either likes the voice of Jad Fair or one doesn't, there's no middle ground. And if you don't like the voice of Jad and your favourite band happens to back him up, it won't change your mind. I have no understanding for those who want to copy and paste in recordings, just take it or leave it, I say. Yes, it's a matter of taste, let's strip it down to that reachable level, and yes, I'm biased, I like the voice of Jad. Here is Jad Fair at his peak perfomance accompanied by the wellplaying TF. It sounds exactly as it's supposed to. And it does make up.