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Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Here - Printable Version +- Music Discussion (https://www.music-discussion.com) +-- Forum: Music Discussion (https://www.music-discussion.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=4) +--- Forum: Alternative (https://www.music-discussion.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=11) +--- Thread: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Here (/showthread.php?tid=7092) |
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Here - Music Head - 03-06-2012 online listen think I may have set my sights too high on this one loved the debut but this one falls far short of that one listen doesn't reveal much, but not sure it will get more after the decent opener (the clip), nothing equaled that had it on my wish list, emphasis on had 1.4 from me and a converted 1.8 from the pros at allmusic from the album - Man On Fire http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qghPyUm_MSI released May 29th, 2012 Bio - from allmusic Formed in 2007 by Ima Robot frontman Alex Ebert after a brief period of existential crisis, the cultish 11-piece indie rock outfit Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros draw their inspiration from the communal musical communities that peppered Southern California (specifically Laurel Canyon) with positive vibrations during the '60s and early '70s. Employing a unique sound that brought to mind a not-so-subtle mix of Parliament, Polyphonic Spree, Bob Marley, and the Incredible String Band, the group released its debut EP, Here Comes, in May 2009, followed by the full- length Up from Below in July. The band grew in renowned based in part on their fiery live show, touring often and making several television appearances including multiple performances on Late Night with David Letterman. The band followed up their debut in 2012 with full-length Here, one of two albums the band had planned for release that year. Album Review - from allmusic When Alex Ebert re-emerged in 2009 as messianic musical cult leader Edward Sharpe, many familiar with his previous band, Ima Robot, weren't buying it. With Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, Ebert made the dramatic 180 from sleazy electroclash-leaning punk singer to grizzly bearded bandleader in an 11-piece down-home freak folk revue, bright psychedelic colors and farmhouse harmonies replacing his not too distant past of black leather and smirky sneers. Artists change constantly, and Ebert's reinvention wasn't completely laughable or phony. While mired with some cringe-inducing Jim Morrison aping and a generally cluttered sense of arrangement, the band's debut album, Up from Below, had some bright moments when the strength of the songwriting cut through the affectation and actually seemed genuine in a roundabout way. A few years later, Here is much the same. The bandmembers wear the whole communal free -living throwback hippie jamboree persona to the point where they dip into goofy character sketches and threaten to detract completely from some pretty catchy songs. The album opens strongly, with the undeniably catchy pair of tunes "Man on Fire" and "That's What's Up," both rising to handclapping summits of old-fashioned Southern revival and jug band jubilation. The hooky choruses are solid, but there's a pretty heavy sense of musical theater throughout these highlights, leaving the Magnetic Zeros coming off more like Jesus Christ Superstar meets Emit Otter's Jug Band Christmas than the freak folk hoedown they were aiming for. Lead vocalist Jade Castrinos reprises her role trading verses with Ebert on these songs and later takes center stage on the electrified "Fiya Wata." Castrinos' contributions feel spirited and from the gut, whether they're put on or not. Following a strong start, the album fades into a series of exercises in style or emulation. Washy group vocal slow-burner "Mayla" is an acid-soaked sunshine daydream of little substance complete with Jerry Garcia-styled guitar noodling throughout. "One Love to Another" is a striking exhibit of a Bob Marley ripoff, a daring move in even the most fried acid rock circles. While the string of affectations and re-creations of various sects of hippie culture aren't completely unenjoyable, they get old really fast, especially on the weaker material. Ebert's intentions and previous bands are really immaterial in the case of Here. The album comes up short in the song department and doesn't quite get by on its abundance of free-love signifiers. Track Listing 1. Man on Fire 2. That's Whats Up 3. I Don't Wanna Pray 4. Mayla 5. Dear Believer 6. Child 7. One Love to Another 8. Fiya Wata 9. All Wash Out Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Here - SteveO - 03-06-2012 I liked the clip, MH...maybe I'll check out the rest of the album Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Here - quayy - 03-06-2012 did anyone see the doc with the mag00's and med creek and mum and sons.....thought it was pretty cool especially the killer ending Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Here - Music Head - 04-06-2012 SteveO Wrote:I liked the clip, MH...maybe I'll check out the rest of the album let me know what you think just didn't measure up to that last one for me liked the clip too but that was it on first listen |