Rating System: !!!! (buy or download this NOW) !!! (Grab a copy soon, or at least check out some of the songs) !! (Eh, youtube a couple tracks, maybe you'll like 'em) ! (Don't waste your time)
The reason I chose to review this album is because it is the album that a) most people are the least exposed to, and b) It sounds very little like their body of work. Therefore, for those of you who may love Blur but want to add to your collection, and for those of you who may have preconceived notions about their sound, keep reading.
For the record, Blur was a music powerhouse during the 90's, churning out a string of top 10 hits in England, and engaging in a (mostly) bloodless war with the ubiquitous Oasis. They are probably most well-known here in the states for their anthem "Song 2," which is commonly referred to as "woo hoo" or some variation. They are credited with being a pioneering force behind the Britpop movement, as well as exposing many listeners worldwide to England's middle-class culture, as opposed to Oasis' and others' focus on the struggles of the pub-scenes and working class (oy! oy!).
By the start of the 21st century, Blur had shifted from a Kinks-inspired pop act to somewhat of Radiohead Lite. However, before any of these movements, Blur released their debut album Leisure in 1991.
The best way to describe the music on this album is as a loose collection of quasi-baggy compositions. (Baggy being a formerly popular style of music in England that combined alternative rock with dance beats.)
The tracks on this album can essentially be divided into three categories: Fun, driving, and boring. This is not to say that certain categories don't overlap, but after giving this album a spin, you'll have a good sense of what I am talking about. Singer Damon Albarn (now probably known more from Gorillaz fame) drones his way through all 12 tracks, but his vocal malaise is rescued by the spirited guitar work of Graham Coxon and nauseatingly danceable beats laid down by drummer Dave Rowntree.
The tracks hang together nicely, as the lyrics seem to form a dreamlike cycle, reflecting the title. Nothing about the album is pulse-pounding, grabbing, or heart-wrenching. That is not to say the music has no value. Rather, the music is made to wash over the listener. It is not surprising that Albarn claimed the album to be "rubbish," as it is not nearly as deep musically lyrically or thematically as their other albums, but I feel as though poor Damon is being too hard on his own work.
Songs such as "Bad Day," "There's No Other Way," and "Bang" crackle with energy and an understated cool, but several of the other tracks manage to drain the energy from these songs and prove unwanted pace-setters, slowing the album to a crawl. Songs like the unfortunately titled "Repitition" and "Slow Down" play as their names would suggest---again, not to say they are bad songs, but they do take away from the mood and pace of the album.
It all depends on what you as the listener are looking for in an album. As a serious work, as a driving companion, this albukm fails. However, Leisure does provide a few nice tracks for use at parties or dances. For fans of bands such as the Jesus and Mary Chain, The Happy Mondays, or early Stone Roses recordings will find in this album a warm reminder of an earlier era in music, when various regions formed musical identities for themselves, and people rode mopeds. Ultimately, there will most likely be 2 or 3 tracks that will recieve multiple plays, with the rest being skipped until they are eventually deleted from your library.
This album receives a rating of : !! 1/2
Top tracks:
"Bang" --As the title would suggest this one is short and sweet. Apparantly written in 15 minutes at the request of record execs clammoring for another sure-single, Blur rushed to the studio to record it. However, as it stands today, "Bang" is a fun, catchy song, featuring a memorable drum line, and solid harmonies.
"Bad Day"--One of the most upbeat songs about misfortune, this is probably the strongest track on the album, featuring a touch of psychedelia (in its use of organs and wah-pedals), a healthy dose of dancebeats, and a catchy guitar riff, the song marches forward like a train on acid, twisting and turning in on itself, spewing tight harmonies and wah-fueled solos. Even our friend the accordion is put to good use, featured as a solo player for the song's intro.
"There's No Other Way"--Blur's first single, and possibly the catchiest song on the album. From the Beatle-esque "ahhhhs" on the chorus, to the dancehall feel, to the swirling organ, this song seems to capture Blur at their most "baggy" and certainly most unrefined. However, this is a great party track, and is probably the song I would say most represents the album.
* Note: the song "Sing" from this album was noted by Coldplay's Chris Martin as the source and inspiration for band's most recent album.
Again, I'm taking requests for albums and bands, so send me some you like, dislike, or would like another opinion of.
Peace Love and Understanding
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