Search - ed Harcourt :: Here Be Monsters

Here Be Monsters

superball9 | Arlington, VA, USA | 11/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Harcourt fits very nicely into the Bacharachian (like Bacchanalian?) singer-songwriters - those who know how to use trumpet flourishes, glockenspiel and tack piano refrains, and harmony vocals correctly. Though well-received in Europe and a Mercury Music Prize nominee, Harcourt seems to have had difficulty breaking through in America with little critical acclaim and hasn't amassed anything more than a cult audience. His opening spot for Neil Finn's club tour this summer should help him out as the two have similar melodic and rhythmic ideas. "Hanging With The Wrong Crowd" could've been written by Finn himself. Fave tracks: "Something In My Eye," "Apple Of My Eye," "Like Only Lovers Can." (originally written May 2002)"

Outstanding album

Wayne Klein | My Little Blue Window, USA | 07/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first found out about Ed Harcourt when I read a review in some magazine. It made an impression and I looked for the album but couldn't find it in retail stores. I forgot about it. A year later a friend sent me a CD-R that he said I had to hear. The name rang a bell and so did the title. I really, really liked it. It combined elements of prog, alternative and a unique soup that had its own taste. It was "Here Be Monsters" by Ed Harcourt. Harcourt's rich melodies and unusual arrangements make this album a unique experience. While it doesn't sound like anything by Brian Eno, it sounds like something Eno might have done if he had thought of it. Harcourt's whisper of a baritone voice with hints of the smokey qualities of Chris Rea immediately draw you into the melodies and the lyrics he's singing. The music is deceptive on the surface; many of the songs are as calm as a pool of water on a still, winter day while others have the undercurrent of a raging river. I purchased this album and the follow up. It's no wonder he was nominated for the Mercury prize. He didn't win which is a crime but, unlike many of those artists that win Grammys as "best new artist" that disappear within weeks of winning, Harcourt's music will continue to improve and make an impression even if its on a small hardcore group of fans. I can't describe Harcourt's music any better so listen to the clips to get an idea of what you'll be missing before you forget."

Here be melody

J. Holmes | yokohama, japan | 02/10/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Ed Harcourt is a gifted songwriter with a pleasant voice and a knack for writing great melodies. he had some hype leading up to his recording (which cn be misleading, at times) but thankfully, Here Be Monsters is a solid deut album. the influences of Beatles, Big Star, Jackson Browne are all pretty good reference points, but Harcourt has his own sound and has a few surprises up his sleeve. most noteably in the mini-epic "Heart Of Darkness" song, which features a strange and noisy interlude that segways back into the song's spooky melody. "She Fell Into My Arms" and "Shanghai" are perfect pop songs with impeccable timing and irresistable hooks. there's really not a bad track on here...some are moody and sad, some are upbeat but it's all a joy to discover."