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37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Neat!, October 8, 2003
Well, anyone coming into this expecting Bel to sound anything like her former group Belle and Sebastian (who, incidentally also released an excellent album on the same day), is going to be surprised, and in my case, the surprise was pleasant. Amorino, rather than being a chamber pop or twee affiar> Let's not forget Bel's passions for old school Jazz (Ghost of You was all Billie Holiday covers, wasn't it?) This time out, she evokes images of Serge Gainsbourg with a smooth, very french-influenced, beautiful album.Three of the tracks (October Sky, Why Does My Head Hurt So?, Poor Butterfly) are wistful and/or wispy instrumentals. They're good, but because they're instrumentals, they're the weakest tracks on the record. See the main charm here is Isobel's charming soprano. Her chantuse style of singing is complemented by very jazz percussion, acoustic bass, charming flutes and even a full orchestra most of the way through. For working in a genre as much as she does here, there's surprising variety among the tracks. The title track is a barely there affair that (except for the french vocal at the end) sounds halfway between the scores for a James Bond flick and The Nightmare Before Christmas. It's followed by The Breeze Whispered Your Name which belongs in a 1960's coctktail bar, little black dress and all. A little later on, The Cat's Pyjamas recalls big band era swing, the aforementioned instrumental Why Does My Head Hurt So Bad? has a country tinge added by a harmonica melody, and the charming Time is Just the Same is probably the closest to Belle and Sebastian this record comes, if that means anything to you. The lyrics are what you might expect, but that's not a bad thing. Many of the songs revolve around love in all it's forms. Johnny Come Home, obviously calls a love home, There is No Greater Gold chronicles the on and off of a relationship, Song For Baby is a message of hope ("And there are those who'll bring you love sweet love"). The most fascinating turn lyrically as far as I'm concerned, though is Monolouge for An Old True Love, which seems to be almost a counterpoint to Stu Murdoch's B&S song I'm Waking Up to Us (which, I understand was written about his relationship with Bel). Basically, I'd say that this is a mood peiece for sure, not the kind of thing you can just toss on at any moment. But if you feel like laying back and chilling out, then this meets all the qualifications of a great record: it's catchy, clever and very artsy-cool.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Pastoral : Like A Raphaelite Painting Come to Life, March 28, 2008
"Amorino" from 2003 best exemplifies why the genre of tween-pop deserves a wider audience. This particular CD has won over even hardcore rock fans, and made believers of listeners who generally only listen to alternative music. Why? Well, its certainly groundbreaking on many levels. First, its a throwback to the 1960s film-noir soundtrack days, and two, its a breathy, acoustic work that melds jazz, soul and eclectic sampling from all over the place. Add to it some really unique breathy female vocals, and you have yourself the perfect wine-and-rain album.
All the songs here are standouts, but one of my particular favorites is "Johnny Come Home". There are certain instrumental tracks that sound as if they were ripped from a carousel version of "Mary Poppins", and a lush ballad that sounds like its from Joni Mitchell's lost catalog ("Time is Just the Same"). What holds it together though is the undeniable presence of lead singer Isobel Campbell, who has since been unable to capture the raw innocence of this debut record. The album is more vital than most Belle and Sebastian releases.
"Amorino" is one of those unsung classics that very few people know of, and even fewer own. I'm thankful to be in both those categories because its rare for an eclectic album such as this to win me over. More than five years after its' release, some tracks (such as the title song) stil have the power to resonate quite deeply - leading me to believe that this is an album for the ages. Great as a blind buy - there is no way you can be disappointed by this.
Four Stars.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Mesmerizing and beautiful, August 9, 2005
Lucky that I spotted this in my girlfriend's cd collection - it's from Isobel (ex-Belle & Sebastian) and I didn't even know about it! After listening I was completely "enchanted" - she evokes Astrud Gilberto, albeit one with a higher, whispery pitch. Listen to the sampled tracks and you'll agree; it's a soundtrack to your favorite art-boho-coffee-tea-bookshop or art-house lobby, and it really does sound cool. Nice cover art, as well. Love it!
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