Best Offering Yet! (Wonderland - Charlatans)

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Product:	Wonderland - Charlatans
Date:	03/10/01 (42 review reads)
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In fact, when you think about it, this probably IS the the best album of the Charlatans' carreer. From the outset of 'You're So Pretty', you know that this is a change of direction for the Charlatans. But one that is vital.

Like some music hack said recently, the Charlatans have joined Primal Scream in being an old band band but also compulsive and fresh at the same time. In fact, most of the album sounds like they jumped back in time to The Scream's songs between 'Screamadelica' and 'Give Out But Don't Give Up'. This is not, repeat NOT a bad thing. In fact it is magical at times.

The standout track on offer is the mesmerising 'Ballad Of The Band', nearly six minutes of a journey through the dark side of life. 'Come with me...', Burgess drawls on the chorus while loping to a furious bass and cracking melody. It could well be the Charlatans' best song yet.

The fantastic love song 'I Just Can't Get Over Losing You' is another highlight - a screeching (and astonishing) falsetto by Burgess sounds extremely endearing, especially set amongst the lush female backing vocals. Single 'Love Is The Key' may not have struck you at first but is the most lovely slow burning 'grower' you could hope to find. It soon becomes another high point. Then other songs like 'Right On', 'And If I Fall' and (especially) 'Is It In You?' later assualt your brain with lush melodies and the whole album innovates in some way. Gentle ballad 'A Man Needs To Be Told' is affecting and evocative of the Charlatans' new found soul. Yeah, a REAL soul album with no false gestures; the final melody of 'Love To You' leaves an extremely warm feeling from a surprisingly simple but effective album, lyrical wise. But the drum loops, samples and minimal keyboards make the music more articulate and evocative of the Charlatans' true spirit. No sell out her
e.

I loved 'The Charlatans', 'Tellin' Stories' and 'Us & Us Only', and anyone nervous about a change of direction should shove their doubts aside. This album is a love album...but this is a good thing. The charlatans have never been more vital, or closer to the fans they obviously love. Please, please, PLEASE give us more you Soul Saviours.

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