Tindersticks - Waiting For the Moon
(Beggars)
Jacque Brel is alive and well and living in ... Nottingham, as evidenced by this outfit's ninth release, which is not really different from anything that preceded it. Like The Ramones, they've found a style (mellow, orchestral, confessional ballads - think Arab Strap minus the sloppy, alcohol-induced sentimentality) and have stuck with it. Thus, if you enjoy what's come before (imagine if Jimmy Webb wrote a Leonard Cohen album), this is the album for you. Stuart Staples has one of those wah-wah trumpety voices (Fine Young Cannibals' Ranking Roger-meets-Johnny Mathis), and his overly "mellow"-dramatic tunes have a distinct Jacques Brel air about them. I also found myself mentally comparing notes with Richard Baskin's soundtrack work on Welcome To L.A..
The stylistic contrast between Staples and fellow songwriter Dickon Hinchcliff gives the band its much-needed variety, with the latter's "Sweet Memory" sounding like an outtake from any number of Elvis Costello's recent lounge records. The title track is a minimalist, tearjerker ballad, similar to what Godspeed You Black Emperor has been trying to perfect on recent albums. The duet with Lhasa De Sala on "Sometimes It Hurts" is another of those "Yes-Depression," suicidal country tunes we love so much. It reminds me of those old Leonard Cohen-Jennifer Warnes ballads, or the Dean Wareham and Britta Phillips' Luna side project from last year. And if there's a dry eye in the house after "My Oblivion," then you're either emotionally bankrupt or have never been in (and out) of love.
With fifteen violinists, nine violists and six cellists, this orchestral delight is the perfect soundtrack to that quiet little romantic evening in front of the fireplace with a loved one. Although, like a series of one-night stands, you may forget all the names (of the songs) in the morning, they are very pleasurable experiences while they're happening.
|
