Lost Songs 95-98

David Gray

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 17, 2001)
• Original Release Date: April 17, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Ato Records
• ASIN: B000054P0R
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #94,324 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
David Gray's long, twisty path to success finally reached its conclusion with White Ladder, one of 1999's biggest worldwide hits. It was a popular rebirth of the proverbial folk music troubadour--albeit with a twist of electronica for added spice. That breakthrough has made it possible for Lost Songs, a collection of tracks Gray recorded in the three-year period between Ladder and 1996's Sell, Sell, Sell, to see the light of day. This was a desperate period in Gray's career, having been dropped from a major label for a second time (the first after the excellent but largely unnoticed 1994 release, Flesh), and the songs here reflect a resilient yet fading sense of hope. Most of them are short, stripped-down to their bare acoustic necessities and brimming with familiar themes of resignation, or a love just out of reach. "I'm getting tired of being denied, of things getting in my way, and if I'm quiet, that's 'cause there's nothing left to say," Gray sings on "Red Moon," his raspy-voiced cadence crying out over rough, indelicate guitar chords. Part of what makes Gray's musical voice so interesting is the way these words come out, vowels and consonants all chewed up and spit out, direct and deliberate, yet expressed with a cavalier matter-of-factness. It makes his work seem personal and individual, even when the sentiments he expresses are unabashedly accessible and universal. Of course, making the personal seem universal is the same approach folk singers from Van Morrison on down have used since time began. When it's done this well, however, that's just fine. --Matthew Cooke

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning... always gets to me., May 24, 2001

By	Chel Micheline "gingerblue.com" (SW Florida) - See all my reviews

I cannot stop listening to this cd. True, it's not David Gray's most upbeat set of songs, but it is just *so* beautiful.

Like many others, I didn't discover David Gray until DMB introduced me to him. 'White Ladder' was my favorite album last year. I love his electronic-infused folk sound, and admit that I worried that 'Lost Songs' would be too mellow for me.

I shouldn't have worried at all. This album is just breathtaking from start to finish. It's by far my favorite David Gray cd. If you are hesitating over purchasing this because of the time frame of the songs- don't wait to buy it. Ever since it arrived, it's been in my discman non-stop. Yes, it is introspective, and will not make you jump up and down and dance, but it will make you *feel* and isn't that what counts?

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have, April 25, 2001

By	"twilson9" (Wilmington, NC United States) - See all my reviews

I was introduced to David Gray, like many people, through White Ladder. Though I liked White Ladder I was a bit hesitant about picking up Lost Songs, thinking it may be like a collection of B sides.

Nothing could have been further from the truth! Though a fairly short CD, this album is an absolute gem. The sparse acoustic guitar and occasional piano arrangements of these songs only serve to accentuate David's songwriting talent.

If you're not a David Gray fan, you will be after this album. And if you already are, this album will reinforce that feeling.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't stop listening!, April 23, 2001

By A Customer

I just saw David Gray in concert last weekend and he played a lot of these songs, which I was unfamiliar with. But when I bought this cd, I was amazed. It is so wonderful. As much as I love White Ladder, Lost Songs wins. It's got a smooth, mellow feel that is perfect for any time of day or night. I haven't taken it out of my cd player since I bought it.