The first U.S release in five years from the Charlatans U.K finds the band reestablishing itself as one of the legendary Brit Pop bands. By combining the swirling guitar psychedelica that has influenced everyone from The ... more »Stone Roses to Oasis and updating their sound to incorporate hints of dub and reggae, SIMPATICO. is an album that finds the Charlatans UK dancing with brilliance on a most welcome comeback. This Enhanced CD contains the video for "Blackened Blue Eyes"« less
The first U.S release in five years from the Charlatans U.K finds the band reestablishing itself as one of the legendary Brit Pop bands. By combining the swirling guitar psychedelica that has influenced everyone from The Stone Roses to Oasis and updating their sound to incorporate hints of dub and reggae, SIMPATICO. is an album that finds the Charlatans UK dancing with brilliance on a most welcome comeback. This Enhanced CD contains the video for "Blackened Blue Eyes"
"Ok, so maybe I lived in Britain during the "baggy" era, and didn't wear baggy's. What i DID wear was a permanent grin the first time I heard Indian Rope, the first single by the Charlatans. Since, this band has gone through more chameleon like changes than Boy Georges coif but in them all they have never lost touch with a certain core sound. That core sound being sustained and nurtured on this one, showing a band who is willing to remain true to form while putting their own distinctive mark on everything they touch. This effort captures Tim Burgess at his vocal best, displaying maturity and a willingness to step out of the frame with musical styles that run the gamut of NYC Beatbox, to flat out rock, reggae and some of the finest modern blues available. The arrangements are tight, but not in a "gotta lay down to pull them on" kind of way, but tight in the way that lets the essence of each melody shine through and revel in the execution. The vocals compliment without leading, and the music itself leads you down that sartorial british hedgerow to summer bliss.......in all Simpatico, just in time for the season."
YES
alexander laurence | Los Angeles, CA | 06/10/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I never really got into the Charlatans back in the day. But I started to see Tim Burgess walking around town and hanging out at gigs. I attended this exclusive gig at Little Radio and they shot a video. They played some new songs and some old songs. I thought "Oh yeah, I heard that stuff. That was these guys?" I am now a fan. "Blackened Blue Eyes" is a massive track. Many songs are the life of Tim Burgess. He has a little about NYC and Los Angeles. I love it all. I look forward to seeing them live again. They are going to play some shows with the Rolling Stones this summer. That will be a great achievement for this band. I watched a collection of their videos recently. That was great. They deserve a second look no doubt."
Reggatta de...Burgess
Crashsite | Palm Desert, CA USA | 03/08/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"In my opionion, the first track, Blackend Blue Eyes should have been on a James Bond soundtrack. It is HUGE sounding with a backing string section, er so it sounds. NYC is dancy and funky and all around a good time. In short the rest of the album is something entirely different than the first two tracks. Something different but still very good (though not typically Charlatans). It is steeped in 1980's reggaefied new wave/punk of that era (Police, Clash, Specials, Elvis Costello etc.) Some tracks echo roots-rock from that decade as well. A very good "collecton" of music but not as much an "album" as was Up At The Lake. Recommended."
A great, solid album
Sakos | United States | 11/16/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Simpatico is the Charlatans' most recent album (as of 2006) and while it isn't their best album, it is still an excellent document of their later period (and current) sound. The album opens up with a classic Charlatans track, Blackened Blue Eyes, which ranks up there with their best singles. It's followed by NYC, which is pretty lightweight but fun, although the lyrical cliches are a little cheesy. It seems that the Charlatans are determined to have a song that harkens back to 2001's Wonderland on each subsequent album (NYC and Feel the Pressure off of 2003's Up at the Lake). Anyway, this album does contain some great songs, like Dead Man's Eye, The Architect, For Your Entertainment, City of the Dead, and Road to Paradise. There are also some weak tracks, like Glory Glory, which is rather plodding, and the weak album closer, instrumental Sunset and Vine.
Overall the current Charlatans sound seems to incorporate a lot of dub and reggae, which is not a bad thing since they seem to be able to incorporate it with their traditional British Rock style so well.
All in all, while this isn't their best album, it is a solid and worthy addiiton to their catalog and one worth checking out."