Over the top and I like it
W. P. Eaton | Southern California | 03/23/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Over the top music is my thing. And this album really fits the bill. It's dramatic and melodic, and all kinds of other ics.
The music reminds me of Queen of yesteryear. And maybe Muse in more recent years.
Just about every track on this album is solid. But of course, some are better than others. At the moment, 13 Sweetheart is probably my favorite.
This guy is really talented. I'm actually surprised that there aren't more reviews of this album to date. I heard this guy on NPR and liked it enough to give it a try. Money well spent."
A musical chameleon!
Nse Ette | Lagos, Nigeria | 02/16/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Devonté Hynes is Lightspeed Champion. Previously in a Heavy metal band (Test Icicles) before deciding to be a Folkie of sorts on his 2008 Lightspeed Champion debut, he has a love for musicals which shows on this sophomore collection.
Theatrical Rock/Folk with Classical/Baroque flourishes best describes this, with opening "Dead head blues" epitomising this.
His vocal delivery is laid back, almost deadpan, with picturesque and witty (sometimes comical) lyrics adding to the allure. "Marlene" features retro sounding chiming guitars, while "There's nothing underwater" is Lo-Fi Folk.
"The big guns of Highsmith" has a lovely piano overture with bursts of backing vocals making it sound like a piece from a musical. "Romart" is a beautiful ballad as is "I don't want to wake up alone" (with chopstick-like piano and sixties-sounding harmonies).
"Madame Van Damme" sounds like something from the musical "Grease" (despite a chorus that goes "Kill me, Baby won't you kill me"), while "Smooth day (At the library)" is a delicate ballad with steel guitars. The bouncy Folky "Sweetheart" sounds like something from a Western movie and "Middle of the dark" is an experimental song with interesting tempo shifts.
Closing is the brief and beautiful "A bridge and a goodbye", one of four instrumental interludes of varying moods.
As good as his debut "Falling Off the Lavender Bridge" was, this is even more ambitious and beautiful. Listening to this, you truly feel life is really sweet!"
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1