| Product: |
Our Earthly Pleasures - Maximo Park |
| Date: |
13/02/09 (38 review reads) |
| Rating: |
 |
Advantages: All of the songs, music and lyrical content.
Disadvantages: None really,
Our Earthly Pleasures is the second album from amazing North Eastern indie rockers Maxïmo Park. To give a very brief description, the band consists of five members, who collected together and formed in Newcastle, England and they are mainly classed as a band from the genre referred to as Indie Rock.
A bit more of an extensive description of the band can be found in my review of their first album, 'A Certain Trigger'. To save you from having to read the same information in two reviews, please just check out the first for band information.
Our Earthly Pleasures was released on the second of April, 2007. Two weeks previous to the album, on March 19, their single 'Our Velocity' was released to preceed the album, a song which would probably become their most famous hit.
Four songs were to be released as singles, with another being used on the playlist for popular computer game, Fifa 2008. Sticking with Warp record label, this album lasted a little longer than the first, around two minutes and lasts for 41 minutes and 47 seconds.
Track One is a 3 minute 12 song that opens the album in magnificent style, setting you up for what is about to come. Girls Who Play Guitars is the third single from this album, and was released on 20 August 2007. An upbeat tune with sophisticated music and intense drum use, you will find the lyrics imprinted in your mind after no time at all. Actually one of the bands better songs, it includes heavy chords played by Duncan Lloyd on the guitar which adds to the build of a magnificent song.
Track Two is the one you will know, wether you have heard of the band or not. This is probably not their most famous song for nothing, it includes fantastic lyrics and amazing music which, this time shows the high class of keyboardist Lukas Wooler. I also feel that a little bit of the geordie tone can be heard coming from the lyrics in this tune, something which adds a nice local feel to the song. Our Velocity is a very upbeat song that will stick in your memory for ages, and will rapidly become one of your favourites.
Track Three, is the three and a half minute second single from the album. Books From Boxes is probably my favourite Maxïmo Park song so was somewhat surprised when it peaked at only number 16 in the UK chart in summer 2007. Again, a song with north eastern vocals to be heard, it combines fast paced, exciting guitar work with skillful keyboard plays and a protrouding bassline which adds significant depth to the meaningful lyrics.
Track Four, Russian Literature opens with a stint on the keyboard, which continutes while the guitar and drums are added, followed by the lyrics of Paul Smith. This song is slower sounding than the first three, and is sadly not as enjoyable. Nevertheless, it is a brilliant song that houses inelligent lyrics that fit wonderfully with both the music, and each other.
Track Five, their fourth single from the album, goes by the name of Karaoke Plays and is somewhat different to the other songs heard previous. Almost a sad sounding song with a downbeat feel, Smith uses his vocal brilliance as always but still doesn't manage to rescue this song. Not a fun, happy-bouncy song, but still worth a listen or two, if not for more of a relaxing reason.
Track Six, Your Urge starts with keyboard and bass guitar, introducing the vocals. The repeated bass is a nice touch to this slow song. Not really a thudding music hit, it is more of a soothing lyrical song, like the previous track.
Track Seven is called The Unshockable and starts once more with upbeat drumwork and fast paced music throughout. Mr Smith manages to sing faster in order to match the tune, a skill which I believe is very usefully worked in this song. Contrary to the previous couple of tunes, this is more of a bouncy music song, with the music making more or an impact than the lyrics.
Track Eight is purely three minutes of heaven. By The Monument, is fast paced, with incredible music and brilliant lyrics. A tune which almost reminds me of some sort of retro gameshow, it is adds a higher class of ingeniousness to the album. Forged with beautiful lyrics and fitting music, this song is the most enjoyable Maxïmo Park hit to date and is definately up there with my all time favouriote songs.
Track Nine. When this was written, I don't think the band were looking for a serious song. The lyrics are almost comical if you listen and understand them properly. Not the best song music wise, more of a 'different' addition to the album, but a welcome addition all the same.
Track Ten, A Fortnights Time, reminds me a little of By The Monument, in the way it has fast paced electric sounding keyboard work, although it doen't quite match the brilliance of that tune. In fact, the lyrics seem somewhat strange sounding and although a great song, it is sadly not one of their best tunes.
Track Eleven, has a strange title; Sandblasted And Set Free and lasts almost four minutes. Again, reverting to a slower paced song to break up the album, it has a depressive sort of feel but Maxïmo Park being Maxïmo Park, it still seems to get stuck in your head and not remembered as one of the sad songs. Even the chorus lacks any real pace, so is not one of my favourite tunes, still worth a listen though.
Track Twelve, the final track, ends the album by opening with a beautiful intorduction of guitar work before the lyrics kick in. This one is kind of medium paced, but still holds a place for one of the greats on the album, as something different anyway. Parisian Skies ends the album in style with a song of intese lyrics executed wonderfully by the magnificent voice of Paul Smith once more.
Reading this review, I think its evident that I am a massive fan of the album, and would certainly reccomend it to anybody, whatever your taste, as you just might find something you like in there!
Summary: Definately worth a couple of listens from everybody !
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