Customer Reviews

You Are My Sunshine [Vinyl]

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

...and a lyrical one, too. Vocalist Aaron Marsh, a creative genius, has outdone himself with 'You Are My Sunshine', the latest offering from alt/indie/emo band Copeland.

This is also perhaps the best production, recording, and engineering job on a record I have ever heard. You need a set of high quality stereo headphones to fully appreciate how good it is.

This could easily do double-duty as a relaxation CD, with each song flowing seamlessly into the next. If you need to mellow out, put those headphones on and let yourself soak in the lush, peaceful atmosphere it creates. Many of the songs are centered around an electric piano of some sort, but almost every sound and instrument imaginable are used, from traditional guitars and fat-sounding drumkits, to real and electronic strings, horns, clarinets, flutes, synthesizers and drum machines...topped off by Aaron's amazing ethereal vocals...the vocal doubling and harmonies are so tight they sound electronically generated or altered (and may be).

Although this is not a work filled with catchy, upbeat pop songs, the album starts out strong with 'Should You Return', a well-crafted melodic tune with what sounds like a dozen voices singing in unison...it sets the stage well for what's to come, and nothing here disappoints. In fact, every song has a beautiful melody...and incredible lyrics. The lyrics on 'Chin Up' will really strike you..."Everybody knows that you'd break your neck to keep your chin up"...I still can't get that out of my head.

The tempo remains pretty much even keel throughout, although 'What Do I Know?' amps things up a bit. The music generally has a "chill'n" effect, and lyrically you'll actually find a lot of positive, uplifting messages and thoughts.

As with most non-cliche' records, this gets better with every listen...don't expect to be blown away after hearing the songs once. And don't compare this Copeland album to any of their previous efforts...while there are some similarities, 'Sunshine' stands uniquely on its own, and the foundation is strong. One of the best albums of the year.

This album is fantastic, and is my album of the year. Aaron's voice has never been stronger, and his melodies more beautiful. The instrumentation adopts a minimalist approach that suits the vibe of the album. This is a perfect example of how simple instrumentation can be utilized in a way that is genius in its own right. My favorite track is one of the lighter numbers, "The Day I lost My Voice," which also happens to feature a lovely female vocalist - one of the many surprises on the album. If you enjoy the mellow vibe of Copeland's last release "Eat, Sleep, Repeat," beautiful melodies, and interesting sonic textures, then I would recommend checking out "You Are My Sunshine."

Beautiful. I would need to write a book to fully review. This effort transcends mere words. Buy it if you're ready to see again and to be changed...for the good.

NPR's All Songs Considered recently asked it's followers to tell them which songs topped their iTunes music most played list. I was surprised to find out that the cd I have listened to most since initiating my iTunes account is Copleand's "You Are My Sunshine." I have been asking myself how that happened. It isn't the first cd that comes to mind when I consider my favorite music of all time. But as I have thought about its preeminence on my list, I have realized how much I just really love this cd. I know there are some longtime fans who were dismayed at the shift in sound, but it is this recording that drew me to their sound in the first place. In fact, now that I own all of their past recordings, I can say that I like them in descending order, starting back from this one. Their sound certainly matured and mellowed with age, but the fact is that You Are My Sunshine is simply a gorgeous recording. I discovered it at a turbulent time in my life -my 18 year old daughter had just been killed by a drunk driver - and this cd helped me to find some peace. There was a time when You Are My Sunshine felt like it was my only sunshine. I was drawn to it in the first place because of the title - I used to sing You Are My Sunshine to my children every night when I put them to bed (the song - You Are My Sunshine does not appear on the cd, but it is available on The Grey Man E.P.)
I'm a literature guy, so I usually have to respond to the lyrics first to really get into a band. There are a few notable exceptions to this rule: the Cocteau Twins, Sigur Ros...There's nothing wrong with the lyrics of this recording, but, to be honest, I fell in love with the sweet and vulnerable sound of it and have only learned to appreciate the lyrics with repeated listenings. You Are My Sunshine will not appeal to headbangers, I'm sure. But for those of us looking for a little peace and beauty in our lives, You Are My Sunshine is perfect.

Copeland gets it done with this cd. The music is excellent and they just come together very well as a band on this cd. I like this cd beacause a majority of the songs are upbeat, involving the whole band as a whole. Great cd!

I had never listened to Copeland before about 2 months ago. I friend at work let me borrow this album and I have not stopped listening to it since then. I had always lumped Copeland in with the emo crowd however I find this album to be truly unique. It is all mostly keyboard based and at times has as much in common with R&B as it does rock. The production and instrumentation are excellent but the thing that sets this album apart is Aaron Marsh's voice and melodies. Listen to this album about 3 or 4 times and you will find the melodies embedded in your head for the next month. Having never listened to Copeland before a few months ago I am now a full on fan and this album is my favorite of 2008.

It's no "Beneath the Medicine or even close to "In Motion." I've been a fan since their first album, and this has to be one of their best albums.

Each song is mellow, thoughtful, uplifting, with a "floating" sensation. Still there are remembrances from "Eat, Sleep,Repeat," namely the lyrics of past relationships, orchestras, and jazzy solos. Heavy drum beats, base drops, dreamy piano notes and synthetic sounds, followed by Aaron's breathy voice (backed by the woman's voice) dominate the album. The songs never get too uplifting and happy but still it seems to sooth past wounds.

The only song I don't particularly like is "Not So Tough Found Out."

Favorites: The Grey Man, To Be Happy Now, On The Safest Ledge, Should You Return.

If you can...buy the special edition and watch the dvd. Almost every song has a "music video" and it looks like they spent tons of time making it.

This album is a MUST HAVE for Copeland song.

This album is absolutely amazing! Of course, anyone that is more favorable towards old copeland might dislike this, but if you liked "Eat, Sleep and Repeat" then this album is sort of the next stage of their more melodic, ambient, and emotional sound.

It's impossible not to notice the vast amount of care and time spent producing this album. A lot of little things give this album such a deep and emotional feel, from the vast variety of instruments to the use of synth and beat machines. It's one of those albums that sounds different from everything out there, although it's hard to point out exactly why... it just touches you deeper then most music normally does.

Give it a chance, and listen to it a few times and it will grow on you. Again, don't expect to really dance around to this album, like with "In Motion", but take it in as a purely solemn and honest reflection of this bands passion for music and the next big step in this genre of music.

This is a purely astonishing effort by Copeland. Easily, it is the best record since "In Motion."

It is so melodic and soothing with Aaron's harmonizing falsettos that you can sit back and relax contently or even blissfully fall asleep to it at night. This compilation of music is simply a beautiful masterpiece.

I am especially impressed with this album, as "Sleep, Eat, Repeat," was an incredible disappointment for me. I thought it was uninspiring with forgettable and at times, cacaphanous melodies, with the exception of a couple songs.

This new release is a must-buy for fans of "In Motion" and "Beneath Medicine Tree," and for anyone who enjoys soothingly haunting and relaxing music. Think Sigur Ros, Keane, and The Fray all rolled into one.

Amazing. Buy it.

To sum this album up in one word: Perfect.

This cd is quite literally the most beautiful thing I (think) I've ever heard. Each track is rich with beautifully layered vocal harmonies and stunningly beautiful guitar work.

In comparison with Copelands last effort, "Eat, Sleep, Repeat"... who am I kidding, there is no comparison. While that album was unique in its own ways, THIS is the album we have all been waiting for.

Hats off to the band and the wonderful Aaron Sprinkle for helping produce, and craft this masterpiece.