Search - Camera Obscura :: My Maudlin Career

Exquisite,captivating, brilliant country/rock melodies.

monte | in your mind | 04/30/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After their last album "Let's Get Out Of The Country" achieved breakthrough-of-sorts status thanks to an exceptional lead single, "Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken", the Glasgow indie band now finds itself on the legendary, seminal 4AD label.

The renowned Swedish producer Jari Haapalainen - whose past credits - Peter Bjorn And John, The Concretes, Ed Harcourt - give one an idea of the richly textured soundscapes he can co-create - is back for his second outing with the band, building on the dense production introduced on their third album, which is purely and simply about love.

It starts in a resolutely non-maudlin mode. The upbeat Phil Spector-esque "French Navy", the opening track, is 60s pop with strings, and a vocal echo that lends itself so well to Tracyanne Campbell's voice, sending it ethereal. At times it reminds me of Canadian Jann Arden and American Natalie Merchant of 10,00 Maniacs. The bittersweet song is typical of Campbell's oeuvre in that it's unspeakably lovely, but so delicate it doesn't live long in the memory. Her soft Glaswegian accent and soft, nasal tones suit the fragility and juvenility of a 'he-loves-me-he-loves-me-not' sentimentality.

Elsewhere, there's a blissful summery quality to "The Sweetest Thing", while the country-ish "Away With Murder" showcases the singer's fondness for kitchen-sink realism.

"How many times have you told me you want to die?" she sings. "How many times have you told me that you've tried?". Rarely have lines as sombre been wrapped in a package as pretty.

The Glaswegian outfit deliver their finest outing, with seductive songs such as "Careless Love", sweeping strings and Tracyanne Campbell evoking the spirit of The Shangri-Las over thumping drums on the title track.

"Other Towns And Cities" sounds so authentically vintage it is tempting to blow the dust off to savour the ethereal guitar. The overall feeling of "My Maudlin Career" is one far sunnier that its title may imply. With a collection of eleven heartbreak symphonies and affectingly lilting arrangements, the album offers a nice surprising departure, moving further away from jaunty folk pop and embracing lush balladry.

It feels like a breakthrough, more polished and poised: the result of continuous artistic evolution, without compromising their cuteness or charm.

The album will please the existing fans, but those coming to the band for the first time will find plenty to enjoy.

My favourite tracks: "French Navy", "My Maudlin Career", "The Sweetest Thing", "Other Towns And Cities" and "Honey In The Sun".

Living Thing

Until Tomorrow Then- The Best of Ed Harcourt (2 CDs)

The Concretes

Uncover Me

MTV Unplugged

Let's Get Out of This Country"

Speechless (except for what I'm about to say)

C.R. | FL | 04/28/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a relatively new Camera Obscura fan, discovering them only last year. I enjoyed Let's Get Out of This Country and I looked forward to whatever they put out next.



Well here it is, and I'm completely blown away! I was nearly moved to tears at how beautiful these songs are. They're so melodic, lush, layered, and drenched in this warm reverb that instantly evokes nostalgia. Its an effortless, comforting, and touching set of songs that flows perfectly.



Easily one of the best albums I've ever heard, by any band EVER. I hope for these guys and gals to be heard and enjoyed by as many people as possible. After unleashing an album of this caliber, they deserve to be carried through the streets. This is their crowning achievement.



That's how good it is, seriously. Buy this now and float away..."

Maudlin Eloquence

tmonnn | 04/21/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An eagerly anticipated album for those of us who have overdone it listening to Let's Get out of This Country. More uptempo than its predecessor, maybe a bit more of a Country flavor here and there. Eloquent, sometimes playful songs of heartache, loss and lonliness. A nostalgic and dreamlike musical atmosphere brought about in part by classic use of reverb and a warm, retro organ sound. Wonderful.

"