Search - Vitesse :: Chelsea 27099

Breathtaking

F. H. Payne | Chicago, IL United States | 09/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Arguably the only way to convince someone else of the greatness of any given work is to first establish context and credibility. Well guess what, neither of us have time for that. I'll settle for telling you that this could easily be my favorite album of all time. It is, without question, my most listened to. Chelsea 27099 is a short collection of living, breathing, glowing bedroom synth-pop gems. Musically, their borrow heavily from The Magnetic Fields' early work (Holiday, House Of Tomorrow). The vocals are still in the lower register but breathier and ethereal, more detached and not at all "in your face" like those of Stephin Merritt. Each song is built on soft, warm electronic beats and synth hooks. "Philosophy or Forgetfulness" stands out from the rest with its Eight Miles High jangly guitar intro.Nothing since its release a few years ago has touched it. It's as delicate as Yo La Tengo's And Then Nothing..., and has the sheer electronic brilliance of The Notwist. Essential listening for any Magnetic Fields fan and highly recommended if you like New Order - Substance."