Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Roddy Reels & Rocks!, October 28, 2006
This is an impressive solo debut, and it has really grown on me. I've been an Idlewild fan for years, yet despite an instantaneous connection to two or three songs, I was a bit disappointed at first listen--and now I've come around! I usually go right for the title song (figuring it has to be the best), but I found both the title and the song itself a bit self-referential and lacking the universality that this journey-to-the-Highlands perspective could ostensibly bring to a work. Plus the chorus just didn't cut it for me.
But it does establish the album-wide theme of the importance of words left unsaid; "the space in between what we say and we mean," and how sometimes not saying something is more meaningful than utterance. This works really well, and lends the album its moments of quiet seriousness, punctuated only by the more rollicking, traditional tunes. Fun! As for some of the other songs, what's up with "Waverley steps"? Maybe it's some Scottish reference, but every time I hear that part of the verse I think of The Joy Luck Club. The best songs are "I came in from the mountain," "Act IV," and "If I could name any name." My three-year-old loves the instrumental "Whiskeyface," which we listen to over and over again on our way home from school.
"It sounds Scottish" is the resounding comment from most listeners, and it does--but that's the goal. Besides, it also sounds like simply some great songwriting and lovely guitars, two hallmarks that make Idlewild the best rock band around. Here, Roddy's greatest obstacle to greatness is himself; sometimes the lyrics are just too "me"--but, after all, it's not the product of a whole band, but rather a work in introspection, and would that all our intropective pieces could turn out so beautifully.... now if only he'd get rid of the beard!
This is my favorite entire album in a really long time (Idlewild's Warnings/Promises is the most recent one that I remember, incidentally), and as a whole this collection of songs that has a wide range of appeal. Hurrah for Roddy!
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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
RODDY WOOMBLE = GREATNESS, September 29, 2006
I'm a huge fan of Idlewild, Roddy's full-time band, however, "my secret is my silence" is a great record of songs that may or may not have fit on idlewild records. Roddy clearly displays his desire to express his scottish heritage through these songs and they're accessible enough for even the average music fan to enjoy.
I would definitely pick this record up if you're a fan of music and good songwriting.
favorites so far: From The Drifter To The Lake, Waverly Steps, and the title track My Secret is My Silence.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Waverley Steps, September 4, 2008
I agree with both reviews, and can add that the Waverley Steps are those leading up to Waverley Railway Station in Edinburgh.
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