Search - Bluetones :: Expecting to Fly

Best debut I have ever heard - period

David O'Brien | Dublin 18 Ireland | 06/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After hearing my radio buzzing to the sound of 'Slight Return', the debut single by the Bluetones,I began to feel my heart start to palpitate with excitement.You could hear the Rickenbacker guitar jangling loudly, the voice was reminiscent of a power-pop god of yesterday and the song itself was so catchy, that I went out and bought the album straight away on the strength of this song.
That was all of 7 years ago around the height of the Britpop phenomenon.The album debuted at No.1 in the British charts that year, and it was no fluke.
It is rare to find a debut album by such a young band (at the time) where the guitar work is as faultless as this and the songs so melodic and adrenalin-fuelled.The Bluetones should have been declared the young pretenders to the power-pop throne.
From the opening bars of 'Talking To Clary' to the final song of 'Time And Again',you are taken on an energetic journey through 11 unique songs that are equal part Byrds, Big Star and forgotten British greats like The Records.
Yes folks, it's that good !
Alas, the Bluetones never reached these dizzy heights again despite some very good follow-up albums.
If you are unfamiliar with their work, I urge you to seek them out.
Adam Devlin will one day be considered one of the best British guitarists of his era - as good as a Johnny Marr or a John Squire.Mark Morriss is an excellent vocalist with a lovely high tenor voice ideally suited to his material.The bass player and drummer are no less excellent.
For young boys to write and record to such a high level on their debut album is remarkable.
Do yourself a huge favour and get this album."

Absolutely Fantastic!!

experimusicdotcom | 07/16/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this album back in 1996, on the strength of the Stone Roses soundalike single 'Slight Return'. I expected an album of similar tunes, but I was wrong! Wrongly accused by the music press of being Stone Roses wannabies, The Bluetones have made an album of their OWN music. Sure, it's not groundbreaking - how many first albums are? But it has ensured that The Bluetones have a strong and loyal fanbase which ensured the success of their second album (Return to The Last Chance Saloon).'Expecting to Fly' is the kind of album you can listen to in full over and over again. Standout tracks are 'Slight Return', 'The Fountainhead', 'A Parting Gesture' and 'Cut Some Rug'.This album stands alone as a classic of the nineties. But don't be put off by the 'Britpop' label. This label was a term invented by the music press to encompass bands like Oasis, Blur and Pulp, which are bands with almost nothing in common.Buy it. Now!!!"

A masterpiece

experimusicdotcom | 04/29/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you like the Stone Roses and the Smiths then you'll love this album. It's the type of album that you can just listen to from start to finish. Mark Morris' voice sounds like Ian Brown's but better."