Irish band Bell X1 will release their sixth album, Chop Chop, on June 28. The album’s opener and first single, “Starlings Over Brighton Pier,” is unusually, exquisitely beautiful. So much so, it makes the rest of the album deathly pale in comparison.
There are other highlights — the heavy drumbeats juxtaposed with Paul Noonan’s sweet falsetto in “A Thousand Little Downers” and the hint of retro pop in “Feint Praise” — but none of the other tracks comes even close to the initial level of brilliance found in “Starlings Over Brighton Pier.”
Whether due to the rush of its creation (the album was recorded, mixed and mastered in only two weeks) or the outstanding, overshadowing depth of its opening track, Chop Chop as a whole simply doesn’t excite me as much as its predeccessors, Flock and Blue Lights on the Runway. That being said, Chop Chop is still much better than anything you hear on the radio these days. The problem with truly great bands like Bell X1 is that they raise the bar so high that sometimes not even they can reach it again.
This year’s top album list pretty much assembled itself throughout the year. The top 4 in particular are albums I expect to continue to listening to over and over for years to come. Click on the album titles to read the full reviews, purchase the albums, and, in some cases, download mp3s…
“…combine catchy electro-pop with airy dream-pop….What sets The Good Natured’s songs apart is the occasional splash of exotic strings or thunderous, syncopated beats. I’m enjoying this album immensely.“
“…churns the all-female vocal ensemble’s signature Gothic choir sound with even more exotic instrumentation, faster tempos and fiercer wails….brimming with dark drama, intoxicating rhythms and haunting choral harmonies“
“…From the opening blast of harmonica through the finale, The Decemberists have woven layers of delicate instrumentation and poetic lyrics into even the most buoyant and infectious song on this album.“
“…truly a delight…airy pop-folk songs…”Appalachian Hills” is the album’s biggest stunner. The haunting folk ballad explores the beautiful landscape and horrific racism in the Shenandoah valley during and after the Civil War.“
“…marries the electro-pop of his recent releases with the eccentric troubadour style of his early albums, then takes things a step beyond with classical strings, big brass and a newfound lyrical optimism.“
“…Lead singer Genevieve Schatz’ voice is distinctively strong and pretty, and the band’s pop-rock songs are far more catchy and lyrically substantial than anything on the radio…one of those albums I like more with each listen.“
“…The poor kid must be sick of the comparisons, but what else can I say here? This little gem of an album sounds like Edith Piaf singing modern, slightly quirky, jazz and pop tunes. I adore it…There really are no weak tracks on the album, the intricacies and charm of the arrangments are a perfect match for Zaz’ superb and distinctive voice.“
“…adds just enough modern rock noise to Imelda’s signature growling rockabilly sound to make it interesting without losing the retro style that makes her music so charming.“
“…grand in scope and beautifully complex, yet one of the most irresistibly accessible collections I’ve ever heard. This magnificent new song cycle finds Sarah taking pop, folk, rock and classical to places they’ve never been before.“
“…more of a American rock musical sound than the seminal Celtic punk band’s previous efforts…a lyrically brilliant and sonically solid effort inspired by the U.S. economic collapse – particularly its harsh effect on Detroit’s factory workers.“
“…gives these brilliant musicians some new opportunities to show off their substantial skills…”You Been Lyin’” is the best, most exciting collaboration any album ever had. The quaking duet with “Dallas gospel funk band” The Relatives sounds like The Staples Singers and George Clinton jamming with The Darkness.“
“…The album’s brilliance lies in Lia’s unusual use of instrumental embellishments to punch up her otherwise gentle melodies…Lia’s beautiful voice makes even the most basic ballad absolutely stunning.“
“…previously unreleased material by the late, great Eva Cassidy…composed entirely of acoustic versions of Eva’s best known recordings. Accompanied only by the soft strum of her guitar, Eva’s extraordinary voice is beautifully displayed in this exquisite collection.“
“…One of the more impressive releases of 2011 so far, Night of the Hunters was an ambitious undertaking for Tori Amos and one that, despite its weaknesses, can be called a success. It’s also a definite step in the right direction for the songstress and has won my loyalty back after a decade of disillusionment.“
“…Sin Palabras has all of the strengths of Night Of Hunters, yet none of the weaknesses…gorgeous instrumental version illuminates all of the intricacies and nuances of the arrangements. The brilliance of Tori’s piano playing, as well as that of her accompanying orchestra musicians, is put on full display.“
“…Heather’s unusually gorgeous voice has always been the driving force in her songs, but her intricate layering of high energy pop-rock instrumentation with haunting folk melodies continues to put her music into a category of its own.“
“…a brassed up brand of eerie indie-rock, melodic pop, delicate folk and the lightest hint of Zydeco…From her first wail in the mesmeric, churning, chill-producing opener, “Leila and the Orange Moon,” I knew I would love this album.“
“…a delightful nod to vintage Western swing, honky tonk and classic Nashville country…the whole album is a toe tappin’, hip shakin’ wonder. I expect it to be on my best of the year list come December.“
“…I don’t recall ever having been so profoundly moved by an album. The lyrics read like classic poetry, full of beautiful, nature-evoking imagery and immense sorrow…Sonya’s broken heart is deeply embedded in the marrow of this spectacular album, as her personal loss intertwines with metaphors depicting the loss of natural habitat and sanctuary for animals in the wild. Such personal and universal themes coupled with lush, intricate arrangements must surely destine It is so to become a folk classic.“
Irish band Bell X1 recently released their new album, Bloodless Coup. I’ve been loving the new song set, which turns the band’s signature blend electro-pop and rock up a notch.
Bell X1 first shared a stream of the opening track, “Hey Anna Lena,” back in January and I’m happy to say it’s the weakest track on this excellent release.
“Velcro” is an atmospheric ballad of love in modern era that is both wistfully romantic and sensual.
“Sugar high” layers a perfect mesh of electronic skips, blips and beats and rock instrumentation over a surging pop melody. It’s the kind of song that leaves me in awe, wondering how the band chose just the right combination of sounds in the arrangement.
“Built to last” is a quieter, gentler acoustic moment, while “4 Minute Mile” is the kind of exhilarating, clever electro-pop number that makes me think Bell X1 may be the successor to Talking Heads.
As I said last week when I posted an mp3 of “The Great Defector” (which you can still download for a limited time), Irish band Bell X1 is offering a series of tracks from a new digital Acoustic EP (streaming at Reverb Nation) in anticipation of their upcoming acoustic tour of the U.S. Below is the second in this series of free mp3s – a live rendition of “Rocky Took a Lover” from their 2005 album Flock. The live shows will include songs from the band’s entire catalogue and some new tunes from their forthcoming 2011 full-length album.
Bell X1 – Rocky Took a Lover (live) (mp3 removed)*
*mp3 provided by & posted w/ permission of Yep Roc Records
Bell X1 2010 Acoustic Tour Dates:
10/6 Philadelphia, PA@ Tin Angel
10/7 New York, NY @ Le Poisson Rouge
10/8 Cambridge, MA @ Brattle Theater
10/9 Northampton, MA @ Iron Horse Music Hall
10/11 Ann Arbor, MI @ The Ark
10/12 Toronto, ON @ The Drake Hotel
10/14 Chicago, IL @ Schuba’s
10/15 Louisville, KY @ Zanzabar
10/16 Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Café
10/17 Vienna, VA @ Jammin’ Java
10/20 Los Angeles, CA @Hotel Café
10/21 San Francisco, CA @ Swedish American Hall
In anticipation of their upcoming acoustic tour of the U.S., Irish band Bell X1 is offering a series of tracks from a new digital Acoustic EP (which you can hear at Reverb Nation). The first mp3 is a live, acoustic rendition of “The Great Defector” from their Blue Lights on the Runway album. You can download the mp3 and check out their tour dates below. The live shows will include songs from the band’s entire catalogue and some new tunes from their forthcoming 2011 full-length album.
Bell X1 – The Great Defector (live) (mp3 removed)*
*mp3 provided by & posted w/ permission of Yep Roc Records
Bell X1 2010 Acoustic Tour Dates:
10/6 Philadelphia, PA@ Tin Angel
10/7 New York, NY @ Le Poisson Rouge
10/8 Cambridge, MA @ Brattle Theater
10/9 Northampton, MA @ Iron Horse Music Hall
10/11 Ann Arbor, MI @ The Ark
10/12 Toronto, ON @ The Drake Hotel
10/14 Chicago, IL @ Schuba’s
10/15 Louisville, KY @ Zanzabar
10/16 Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Café
10/17 Vienna, VA @ Jammin’ Java
10/20 Los Angeles, CA @Hotel Café
10/21 San Francisco, CA @ Swedish American Hall
The Mountain Stage blog is offering a full download of the group finale from the Bell X1, Paddy Casey & Punch Brothers concert (which I reviewed last May). All of that night’s performers participated in the cover of Van Morrison’s “Gloria”, and it was one of the best finales I’ve witnessed at the show.
Bell X1′s Blue Lights On The Runway will be released on March 3, 2009. The re-release of the Irish band’s previous album Flock was #7 on my Top 21 Albums of 2008 list, and their performance at Mountain Stage was my favorite concert of last year. So Blue Lights On The Runway was one of my most anticipated releases of the new year. I’m happy to say the boys have not disappointed me at all. They have taken a huge leap out of former bandmate Damien Rice‘s shadow to experiment with a catchy electro-rock style closer to classic Talking Heads.
What continues to set Bell X1 apart from other “indie-rock” bands is the beautiful balance they create between Paul Noonan’s ethereal vocals and the electro- pop and rock sound of the band’s instrumentation. Clever lyrics and an obvious passion for their art doesn’t hurt either. Whether singing poignant love songs or jubilant pop numbers, Noonan obviously puts his whole heart into whatever emotion the song focuses on.
The opener “The Ribs of a Broken Umbrella” slides in all chimes and atmosphere, gaining momentum with some faint handclaps and whizzing electronics. It’s an upbeat, uplifting beginning to a positively joyous aural experience. “How Your Heart is Wired” (which I posted earlier this month) is an ambient electronic track, which a lesser band could not carry off nearly as well as Bell X1 do.
“The Great Defector” is my personal favorite. The opening verse is peppy enough, but the chorus explodes into a brilliant firework display of delectable pop. I often forget and have probably given readers the impression that I don’t like pop music, but Blue Lights On The Runway reminds me that it all depends on the quality of the artist. The songs on this album are as happy and infectious as anything you might hear on the dreaded radio, yet they have substance and beauty. They’re respectable pop songs? Whatever. I haven’t listened to a mainstream radio station since last summer, but I’ve had a grand ole time driving around town dancing in my car to this album.
The dreamy ballads “Blow Ins” and “Amelia” give the album pause. Both are pretty, but it’s the lovely “Light Catches Your Face” that is the true heir to “Eve, The Apple Of My Eye”. The cowbell makes a welcome return on “A Better Band”, which again invokes the spirit of David Byrne for about four and a half minutes until a burst of pure rock guitar takes over.
The otherwise understated melody of “The Curtains are Twitchin’” is dazzled with a surprising splash of New Orleans brass. The song is the radiant finale to this magnificent album. Blue Lights On The Runway is another early favorite of 2009.
Bell X1 – How Your Heart Is Wired (mp3 expired) *
*mp3 provided by & posted w/ permission of Filter Magazine & Yep Roc Records
Bell X1′s Flock was #7 on my Top 21 Albums of 2008 list, and their performance at Mountain Stage was also my favorite concert of the year. The Irish band will release a new album, Blue Lights On The Runway, on March 3, 2009. Below is the track list for the new disc as well as an mp3 of “How Your Heart Is Wired”.
Blue Lights On The Runway Track List:
1. The Ribs of a Broken Umbrella
2. How Your Heart is Wired
3. The Great Defector
4. Blow Ins
5. Amelia
6. A Better Band
7. Breastfed
8. Light Catches Your face
9. One Stringed Harp
10. The Curtains are Twitchin’
Bell X1 – How Your Heart Is Wired (mp3 removed) *
*mp3 posted w/ permission of Filter Magazine & Yep Roc Records
Below are links to the NPR pages where you can listen to the recently posted (thanks to the anonymous commenter for the news!) set performed by Anaïs Mitchell at the September, 2007 Mountain Stage show and the Paddy Casey and Bell X1 sets from this year’s May 20th Mt. Stage concert.
Now that NPR has taken Mountain Stage back into its funding fold, they’ve added individual performances from the concert series to their website. This is even better than the old podcasts, because now you select to listen at an artist’s entire set (which is edited for the radio broadcast) just as if you were at the show.
(only $4.99!)
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(not yet available)