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Editorial Reviews
Wreckorder is the debut solo album from Fran Healy, lead singer and main songwriter of acclaimed Scottish rock band Travis. The album is the work of a quintessential pop songwriter. Artists such as Chris Martin (Coldplay) and Noel Gallagher (Oasis) have cited Healy's sophisticated and atmospheric arrangements as a major influence on their own sound. The 10 tracks that make up WRECKORDER are as exceptionally literate as they are emotionally challenging. The collection of songs include a duet with Neko Case, Paul McCartney on bass for "As It Comes" and the guitar-rich first single, "Buttercups".
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
"Wreckorder" finds Travis front man Fran Healy as poignantly fragile and emotive as ever against a largely melodic and soft set of songs. If you loved Travis songs like "Why Does It Always Rain On Me?", "Flowers In The Window", and" Side", then you're in for a treat.
Every song is hugely melodic with an air of familiarity about them, from opener the gently swaying "In The Morning", the guitar/string-swathed "Anything", the adorable "Sing Me To Sleep" a Chris Isaak-channeling duet with Neko Case, "Fly In The Ointment" (very Travis), the quivering "As It Comes" (with Paul McCartney on bass), "Buttercups" (in which he confesses "I tried to buy you roses, but all the stars were closed / So all I have is buttercups"), to the moody "Shadow Boxing" (with sweeping strings and jazzy piano).
"Rocking Chair", unlike the image the name conjures, is a tender acoustic reminisce of a grandfather, recalling Nixon, Fred Astaire, and more, while the truly adorable "Moonshine" is Jazzy Folk (if there's anything like that). This is an album to absolutely adore.
Every song is hugely melodic with an air of familiarity about them, from opener the gently swaying "In The Morning", the guitar/string-swathed "Anything", the adorable "Sing Me To Sleep" a Chris Isaak-channeling duet with Neko Case, "Fly In The Ointment" (very Travis), the quivering "As It Comes" (with Paul McCartney on bass), "Buttercups" (in which he confesses "I tried to buy you roses, but all the stars were closed / So all I have is buttercups"), to the moody "Shadow Boxing" (with sweeping strings and jazzy piano).
"Rocking Chair", unlike the image the name conjures, is a tender acoustic reminisce of a grandfather, recalling Nixon, Fred Astaire, and more, while the truly adorable "Moonshine" is Jazzy Folk (if there's anything like that). This is an album to absolutely adore.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By Tyro
Format:Audio CD
So, there's this poet, Robert Herrick, who wrote a comic poem about - what do you do when there are too many bad poets who only write for money? Herrick's answer? "Trust to good verses, then."
So: make way for a songwriter who isn't cool anymore, but who truly has the McCartney gift for unforgettable melodies. At one time Travis was one of the biggest bands in the world. Even Chris Martin said that without Travis there would have been no Coldplay. But Travis made their career by being likable and modest. They never became as high-flown and cosmic as Coldplay did with "X&Y." Their music has an everyday, very English, humility and charm. But that shouldn't deceive anyone: it's classic pop.
Fran's solo album shows him in a relaxed and playful mood, taking a "holiday," as it were. As you listen, the songs start playing in the back of your mind like an easygoing, comforting soundtrack. After a while, they start following you around. You'll remember this album when the latest producer-oriented music sounds empty.
Fran wrote and played almost everything here. He invites Paul McCartney to play bass and Neko Case for a lovely duet. He's a true musician as well as a fine singer with a Jeff Buckleyesque range. And, in his time, he won a lot of awards as one of the world's best songwriters.
So, what do you do when your band has gone indie and experienced falling record sales? When you're older and London kids aren't copying your faux-hawk anymore? When no one cares about your feud with Oasis?
Trust to good songs. Try this album.
So: make way for a songwriter who isn't cool anymore, but who truly has the McCartney gift for unforgettable melodies. At one time Travis was one of the biggest bands in the world. Even Chris Martin said that without Travis there would have been no Coldplay. But Travis made their career by being likable and modest. They never became as high-flown and cosmic as Coldplay did with "X&Y." Their music has an everyday, very English, humility and charm. But that shouldn't deceive anyone: it's classic pop.
Fran's solo album shows him in a relaxed and playful mood, taking a "holiday," as it were. As you listen, the songs start playing in the back of your mind like an easygoing, comforting soundtrack. After a while, they start following you around. You'll remember this album when the latest producer-oriented music sounds empty.
Fran wrote and played almost everything here. He invites Paul McCartney to play bass and Neko Case for a lovely duet. He's a true musician as well as a fine singer with a Jeff Buckleyesque range. And, in his time, he won a lot of awards as one of the world's best songwriters.
So, what do you do when your band has gone indie and experienced falling record sales? When you're older and London kids aren't copying your faux-hawk anymore? When no one cares about your feud with Oasis?
Trust to good songs. Try this album.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By music lover
Format:Audio CD
I have enjoyed music from Healy's band Travis over the years. Fran's beautiful yet understated vocals were always a great thing to me. In this album, Fran is able to really let go, and the result if worth the effort. This album wraps itself around you like a fluffy bathrobe. Although it has some darker lyrics, Fran's voice is comforting and familiar with a gorgeous falsetto. Those of us who have reached a certain age bring life experiences to the table and it is obvious that some of the lessons Fran has learned over the years have put a stamp on this work. He is happier now, with a wife and young son. There is an inherent optimism even in some of the darker lyrics. For me, Travis albums, although nice, always had a couple of throwaways on them. This is not the case with this album, but the standout track for me is "Buttercups" The lyrics, vocal, and the arrangement and production combine to make a modern pop gem. It is unfortunate that this album will be ignored by the mainstream. Instead they can listen to Ke$ha, et al crank out their latest piece of crap. I'll stick with the lesser known but way more talented Mr. Healy. I'm not going to review each track individually. They are all beautiful facets in a lovely diamond of an album.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
nice
We love the band Travis. so I bought this CD from the lead singer and loved it. listen to it all the time.
Published 2 months ago by Dee
5.0 out of 5 stars
Watch the video!
Fran Healy is one of the most talented singer/songwriters of our time, despite that he isn't nearly as famous as others like Chris, Billy Joe or even Liam Gallagher but I assure... Read more
Published 19 months ago by angie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fran Healy of Travis... A True Artist
This is what happens when a true artist releases pure songs without accountants & record executives breathing down their neck. Read more
Published on March 5, 2011 by johnr530
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Invisible Man.
You can hear the evolution of depression as it slowly settles over Fran Healy with each passing Travis album. Read more
Published on December 17, 2010 by Jason Stein
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fran Healy
A lovely album from Travis' Fran Healy. The songs are typical Fran, beautiful melodies with thoughtful lyrics. If you're a fan of Travis, you'll likely love this album as well.
Published on December 8, 2010 by Melanie Nelson
2.0 out of 5 stars
Even Sir Paul Could Not Help.
I've been a big fan of Travis ever since the "Good Feeling". I loved the first 3 albums, I was dishearted by the sad vibes of the "12 Memories", pleasantly surprised by the return... Read more
Published on November 27, 2010 by Sorry Entertainer
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent body of work that grows on you
Fran has delivered a set of songs that are endearing, and like most Travis songs, lack catchy pop hooks but make up for that in sheer sincerity. Read more
Published on November 26, 2010 by yoursdhruly
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great listen....
This is a fine album. For Travis fans, it is different enough to be new, but has enough familiarity to be enjoyed by fans of the band. Read more
Published on October 22, 2010 by Beans-N-Toast
