The Band Who Made It Big (The Man Who - Travis)

Member Name: dannycoward

Product:	The Man Who - Travis
Date:	13/08/02 (575 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Drfitwood, Writitng To Reach You, Why Does It Always Rain On Me

Disadvantages: NONE!

Released: 1999
Label: Independiente
Play Time: 47.30 (2.00 dead time)
Number Of Tracks: 10 (plus hidden)
Genre: Alt Rock/Indie/Brit Pop

Produced By: Nigel Godrich

The Band

Fran Healy Vocals/guitar
Neil Primrose: Drums
Dougie Payne Guitars
Andy Dunlop: Guitar

'The Man Who' shot Travis to instant stardom; it brought about a change from the all out rock, which was present on their debut album 'Good Feeling', which was released in 97. 'The Man Who' has a very mellow and softer sound that is superbly crafted and so emotional.

The four Scots have come up with an absolute gem of an album, which is based very much on the simplicity of acoustic guitars. As result this is a very beautiful and peaceful almost therapeutic experience that is helped along by the wonderful vocals of Fran Healy. The harmonies and lyrics are so though provoking and just a pleasure to soak up on an album that drifts effortlessly along to its conclusion.

This is one of the great masterpieces of recent times and has made Travis a household name, the album has its radio friendly songs on it, but the album is definitely not pop orientated, it is the cutting edge of alt rock and indie music. Fran Healy who wrote all the tracks has penned a masterpiece and then goes even further to deliver the whole story with his infectious vocals, which capture the mood of the album perfectly.

The album includes the tracks

1: Writing To Reach You (3.41) 5/5 (charted 14)

The first single of the album, which marked a return to the charts after an 11-month absence. This track is just phenomenal; the electric guitars at the start and the drums to just bring your attention. The vocals of Fran Healy are just superb, at times they sound strained, but they are full of emotion and feeling. The lyrics are outstanding and tell of a story of loneliness and of a journey through life and the moments enc
ompassed in it. The music is first rate with some great riffs, melodies and solos throughout the track. There is just the perfect blend of high up tempo moments and slower more subtle moments. Just class, the video was also top notch with Fran walking around and being attacked by various people and even an aeroplane!

2: The Fear (4.12) 4/5

The second track of the album kicks of with a great drum beat. The vocals again are top notch and sound a little like that of Radio head. The lyrics are again so deep and thoughtful; you just cannot help but think about what imagery is being created by the band. The theme of the song is about the fears we have throughout life, and how sometimes we can get so obsessed with them that we forget to enjoy the moments and life in general, and before we know it life has passed us by. This feeling is summed up perfectly by the music and the tone of the vocals, which add to the atmosphere and suspense of the track. A great moral to live for the moment and cease the day, you will feel better for it!

3: As You Are (4.14) 4/5

This is one of the very mellow songs on the album. It is almost very therapeutic and relaxing, but the lyrics contradict this feeling. They tell of frustration and mistrust, and some of the images created are just splendid, for example being caught in a fishing net and being pulled out of the water (feeling trapped). About half way through eh track the song and tones become more edgy and tense. At times Fran screams out the lyrics in pain, the sharp, harsh playing of the guitars pushes this feel of hurt home. A great song full of emotion and atmosphere.

4: Driftwood (3.33) 5/5 (charted 13) (Best Track On The Album)

This was the second single to be released of the album and is an absolute belter. The song starts with some great electric guitar, this then subsides and the focus turns very much on Healy's voice. The song just drifts along with a constant but steady b
eat. The lyrics are in my opinion the best on the album and the thoughts created are just amazing. The vocals are again splendid, while not having a great or unique voice Healy drives home each tune with so much emotion it brings the track to life. The theme of the song is about the journey of life and the choices we make and the changes they have on life. The main theme follows taking the wrong path and how your life has becoming meaningless and you have not where to turn and your are just drifting along. While the story my sound depressing the vocals and music make it quite an upbeat affair with lots of hope and resolve. First Class.

5: The Last Laugh Of The Laughter (4.20) 4/5

The track start with some piano, which is a welcome introduction for the album. The acoustic guitars then kick in, this really adds to the atmosphere. The vocals of Healy are very high pitched, and this combined with the low backing vocals make it quite a haunting tracks at times. The lyrics also include some foreign language, which I believe is Latin, but I am not sure. The song is about the end of the world, or death and the passing between this world and the next. The track picks up towards the end with some great guitars and some echoing vocals by Fran.

6: Turn (4.24) 5/5 (Charted 8)

This was to be the last single released of the album and without doubt the rockiest tune on it. The video was just first class with Fran doing press-ups throughout the whole day and then not being able to help someone because of his stubbornness. The video to me summed up the whole feel of this track. The vocals of Fran are at times shouted out and are very emotional and expression ate. The lyrics tell of making choices and even if they are the wrong ones, we still must learn from them and grow as people. There is also a great amount of resolve and power following in the theme of never giving up. The lyrics again are so imaginative, there is also so much energy provided b
y the constant drums and heavy guitars in the song. A definite anthem that will have you singing along by the end.

7: Why Does It Always Rain On Me? (4.24) 5/5 (Charted 10)

The biggest anthem of the album starts with a nice bit of violin. This sets the scene well. Then in kicks the great mid tempo guitars and drums that we have come to expect from this album. This was the third and most successful single and the album to number 1 after 20 weeks in the top 20.
The song is very tongue in cheek and also very humorous, while this remains true throughout the imagery and lyrics are top notch, the song tells of asking why things go wrong and it always to you. It is a great track that sums up the feeling that you cannot do right in your life at [particular times. While it is quite depressing in that fact, like 'Driftwood', because of the style and beat it remains upbeat and positive and gives you the feeling that better things are around the corner as long as you do not give up. The vocals are trademark Healy throughout and full of emotional as he struggles to reach those high notes. The power of the song is so clear and you will be singing along in no time too, I promise! But be careful they played it at a sunny Glastonbury and, you guessed it made it rain!


8: Luv (4.55) 4/5

Again a very atmospheric intro that introduces a new instrument, the harmonica. The acoustic guitars carry the slow to mid tempo song. The vocals of Healy are almost insipid on this track, which is the only all out love ballad on the album. The track is very emotional and at times quite angelic and peaceful, almost again therapeutic. It is just one of those tracks that passes you by while you lying your bed or couch. The song tells of the power of love and how you cannot bear to be without the one that you truly love. Towards the end of the song the mood takes a twist and you get the impression that things are not working out, as she has to move aw
ay and how this can come between even the strongest of relationships. There is a great line that says ' The only mistake we made, was to never plan to fall in love', absolutely first class, sums up the whole song, very emotional.

9: She?s So Strange (3.15) 3.5/5

This is a very offbeat song, with some rather far out and very vivid lyrics. They capture the feeling of insanity and the nature of being strange very well. The song takes a mid to slow tempo pace, with dominant acoustic guitars and a very steady drumbeat. The vocals take on a similar style to the previous track, being very plane and simple. They are top notch again and Fran can even just hum and make noises, almost screech and make them sound good, that is how good it is. A good track but in the same quality as what has come before

10: Slide Show (10.31 including bonus) 3.5/5

The final track starts with someone getting into a car and staring the engine. This is a nice take on the fact that the journey is nearly complete and the album is almost ever. The final track has a very acoustic, almost orchestral feel to it with the inclusion of violins. The song is a quip about previous songs being released, including the Manics 'Design For Life' and Oasis' 'Wonderwall'. It basically is saying there are no formula for life and no set pattern, just dismissing superstition and saying life is what you make it. The track also finishes with the car door shutting which is a nice touch and shows continuity.


There is also an extra hidden track at the end of the album called 'Blue Flashing Light', in kicks in after about 6.50 of the final track, meaning about 3 minutes of dead time. The tracks is very angst and edgy. The song is very loud and all out rock, Frans vocals are slightly synthesized, this adds to the feeling of anger and loss of temper. The track tells of a Saturday night of loneliness, due to your friends not calling, but there
is a feeling that he is an outcast and does not have any friends. This is due to maybe being a criminal or not being forgiven for previous errors. The guitars and drums on this track are played very harshly and this adds to the suspense and trauma of the track. The hidden extra is a strange way to end what ahs been a gentle and tranquil album, but on its own merit is very solid track.

'The Man Who' is juts an absolute masterpiece, which juts glides through from start to finish. The whole feel of the album is placed very much on the journey through love, loss, and loneliness. All of these emotions are punched home by the sheer sincerity of Fran Healy's vocals. Combine these vocals with some stunningly thoughtful and heartfelt lyrics, and you get the genius that is 'The Man Who'.

'The Man Who', for me is one of the finest albums of recent time and eclipses their previous effort 'Good Feeling', which was an all out up beat rock album released in 1997. This album had a few great tracks on it but lacks the sheer depth of quality that 'The Man Who' Possesses.

Travis made a welcome return with the release of their latest effort 'The Invisible Band', which was released in 2001. The album to some is considered a sell out and say Travis have come too commercial. I think that the album is just a change in direction with a change of themes. As a result of this change a lot of the songs are more upbeat. The album to me is a middle ground in feeling between their two previous efforts. But still worth a listen. I don?t want to say to much as it would spoil a possible future review!

Travis where also due to play at V2002, but has to pull out due to a serious neck injury to drummer Neil Primrose. He had an accident in a swimming pool when he dived in. He sustained serious injuries but luckily the boys where there to help him and he is making a steady recovery, get well soon Neil!

Travis
are here to stay that is for sure the quartet of Scots seem happy within themselves and appear to be more than happy with taking their own direction and not being pressured by media critiscm. This boads well for the fans as I don't want Travis to change at all, what with the great lyrics and superb vocals of Fran Healy.

If you are wanting to get into Travis I would start with 'The Man Who', it is the best of their released albums and has more depth then the other two. Try starting with 'Driftwood', 'Writing To Reach You' and 'Why Does It Always Rain On Me?' I would also look out for their cover of Britney Spear's 'Baby One More Time'; it is an absolutely great tongue in cheek cover and miles better than the original.

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