Radiator (studio album) by Super Furry Animals

From Jimmy Dread 12/20/2011 21:25

Does it matter if 'new ground' is covered or not? If it did, Oasis wouldn't have ever sold any records. The best way to 'get' this album is to jump in your car, whack it on, travel from Queensferry to Bangor down the A55 and take in the scenery (don't speed - North Wales Police are notoriously hot on it). Virtually every track on the album is a zinger; there's mood changes, language changes, humour, philosophy and in Mountain People a call-to-arms for anyone who speaks Cymraeg. Their best album - only Mwng and Rings Around The World come close.

Here's a simple album! One that doesn't require any brain power to listen than whatever you did to pop it on. You can then slump down and listen to a barrage of simple pleasures of the guitar, drums and bass. Reward may come are half the price but it's enjoyable, I'll give it that. From the band touted as the successors to Oasis in the most likely to punch you in the faces stakes we have songs like Demons. The chorus is there and a nice hook too. Tin can effect is an alright touch. Can't see who would like this other than people who like Radiator. In neither the mainstream or underground camp. She's Got Spies is a trash-the-village-along when it finally begins before falling asleep again. 'Short Painkiller' and 'Chupacabras' bring remarkably little to the table. Hermann Love's Pauline is a different slice of cake though. Lovey dovey song which has a strain of Pulp and Jarvis Cocker in it. Disco 2000 if you want me to be more precise. It's not a rip off, know where near. Super Furry Animal's song is performed good and totally not taken from anywhere. Love the megaphone voice he does. That's good. Erm... what else. Not a lot to say. Keep it on a few times and you may hear the 90's answer to The Beatles. Failing that put on Sgt Pepper's.

Demons and She's Got Spies are good songs. Not much new ground is covered on this one. Consistent songwriting throughout.