Grand Archives

The Grand Archives (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 19, 2008)
• Original Release Date: February 19, 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sub Pop
• ASIN: B0011HF5YW
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #23,420 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

While Seattle is famous for many things, sunlight isn't one of them. Yet illumination and warmth suffuse the self-titled debut from this Emerald City quintet. Dark times do not necessarily call for dark music. While singer/ guitarist Mat Brooke's previous ensembles (Band Of Horses, Carissa's Wierd) often shied away from light, he's changed direction with this band. Like the timeless classics of The Mamas & The Papas or The Turtles, it responds to the turbulent times of its genesis with hope, high spirits, and a sense of camaraderie.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars pretty good, May 29, 2008

By	mlm (austin, tx) - See all my reviews

Grand Archives is a new project out of Seattle by Mat Brooke who split from Band of Horses, this is after both he and Ben Bridwell split from Carissa's Wierd to form Band of Horses. Their sound is indie folk/pop music with vocals in harmony. The other band members are bassist Jeff Montano (the New Mexicans), guitarist Curtis Hall (the Jeunes), multi-instrumentalist Ron Lewis (Ghost Stories) and drummer Thomas Wright.

A Setting Sun (track 6) is a catchy song with a country feel. Torn Blye Foam Coach (track 1) is a layered, urgent track. Swan Matches (track 3) is a slow lazy stroll. Sleepdriving (track 8) starts out as a subdued and meandering song with violin which builds up to layered vocals and guitars. Crime Wave (track 10) is an indie pop track, different from the others, where they say the vocals mostly instead of singing them.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great things from a Grand band, February 21, 2008

By	Mark Butler - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I love the new album from Grand Archives. The members of this Seattle combo have a long history of making great music with other bands, most notably Mat Brooke (from Carissa's Wierd and Band Of Horses) and Ron Lewis (from Ghost Stories, whose Quixoticism was a highlight of 2007). Rich harmonies, catchy hooks (including some of the best whistling in ages,) and lustrous guitars abound. Get this record!

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Album, December 14, 2008

By	J. Fulton - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Grand Archives (Vinyl)

This is a great album. It's worth your time to listen.

Folk, country, rock...great.