Search - The Feeling :: Twelve Stops & Home

Feels good

Anthony Rupert | Milwaukee, WI | 09/18/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Feeling are another one of those bands that I was introduced to on the Tonight Show. Although I don't remember what song they performed (it was probably "Sewn"), they sounded good, so I decided to check out their album Twelve Stops and Home.



As I listened to the album, I was wondering if a few of the songs had homoerotic undertones; a notion that was somewhat confirmed upon learning that lead vocalist Dan Gillespie is openly gay -- but seeing how I'm an LGBT rights supporter, that doesn't bother me; also, I forgot exactly what songs gave me that feeling, which makes it even less important. Anyway, aside from "Sewn", there are other great tracks like "Never Be Lonely" and "Helicopter"; and "Same Old Stuff" is far from being just that. But if you want songs that are just plain catchy, try "Anyone" or "I Want You Now" on for size.



The guys also do a good job with ballads, like "Miss You", "Blue Piccadilly" (the song that inspired the album's title) and especially "Rosé". Speaking of slow songs, though, I really couldn't follow "Kettle's On". Technically, it's NOT a slow song; it's, well, it sounds like a faster song that got slower due to a dubbing error. But the greatness of the rest of the album overshadows that, so Twelve Stops and Home is worth stopping into the record store to pick up.



Anthony Rupert"

Pure Pop Euphoria

JeffGonsalves | Citrus Heights, CA USA | 08/23/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is like molten sunshine infused into my veins. Or a head-rush of pure cane sugar from a syringe. It has excellent harmonies, great layered vocals, and is so catchy you need a jackhammer to jar the melodies out of your brain. I don't normally like radio-oriented pop, but this album has excellent musicianship and the songs are incredibly enjoyable without giving your teeth a cavity. The first eight songs are delightful and even a little poignant. Even though I lean toward progressive rock and metal, I will definitely buy "The Feeling's" next CD, if only to get respite from the crunchy metal riffs that have caused permanent damage to my psyche. Listening to "12 Stops and Home" is enough to cure any amount of angst brought on by angry alternative bands, cell phone malfunction, or too much foam in your double caramel mocha latte crappuchino."

Feeling like something different?

J. Lowmiller | Chandler, Arizona USA | 03/02/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

""With people of limited ability modesty is merely honesty. But with those who possess great talent it is hypocrisy." - Schopenhauer



It's refreshing to see that a band with such an obvious capability for power pop songwriting and instrumental ability also has the audacity to use it, especially when to follow suit in the genre is to "play it down." For some time now, it seems, the preferred aesthetics in indie and alternative music have tended towards understatement, simplicity, and fairly static dynamics. The guitar solo is, of course, taboo. There are exceptions to these rules, but I don't think I have heard one as uninhibited as The Feeling. (Certainly you could count the Darkness, but there's so much sarcasm in them and the public's acceptance of them.)



These twelve songs are intricate, deliberate, and infectious in their chord patterns and melodies and generally upbeat in tone. The choruses are huge and energetic, and the vocals soulful. Instrumentally, the execution is precise and yes - there are guitar solos. Basically, these guys are everything their peers are not, and in something of an ironic twist, they have the potential to make a lot of the indie and alternative out there look just a wee bit uptight in comparison. It's a fun record, and I would recommend it highly.

"