Heartland
by Owen Pallett

1. Before you listen to this album be sure to download the "concept EP" spectrum/14th century by Owen pallett. It is set in the same universe as the concept of this album, and is essentially an extension of its storyline. It really helps you get a better sense of the characters that are involved in this world and establishes their personas.

2. Yes, this is a concept album. Good luck enjoying it on your first listen if you've never heard Owen pallett before :). That being said, it is a phenomenal story that is formed by Owens unique (odd) prose. The lines and words he uses don't really make sense (imagine him as the autistic brother of Stephen malkmus), but he is able to formulate a deep (yet almost completely incoherent) world and storyline.

3. This is the most rewarding album I've ever put time into.what I think makes this album so good (along with his previous album: "he poos clouds") is that, at heart, Owen pallett is a classicly trained pop composer. These songs were made with the potential to all be radio hits, but it's the way Owen approaches them that breathes new life. This album is really very different from anything that has been made in the music world so far, and I still don't really understand how to explain it. Maybe that's a testament to the genius of these compositions, maybe it's simply the byproduct of his esoteric musical style.

I thoroughly think that an album that, after 10,000 listens, can still show you something new should be considered a masterpiece.

If you just want to test the waters of what Owen pallet is about, then I would kindly direct you to his second album (back when his solo name was "Final Fantasy"). The first three songs on that album really give you a sense of his talent and musical prowess.

happy listening :)
(Edited)

While I do slightly prefer He Poos Clouds, Heartland features a far more expansive sound that Pallett's previous work under the Final Fantasy moniker, incorporating broader instrumentation while still exhibiting his innate talent for string arranging. Easily one of my favorite releases of the 10s so far

From Ironic Karma 02/05/2010 02:01 | #8832 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

My favorite 2010 album after one month. So atmospheric, the first two tracks just give you chills beyond chills. The orchestration is beautiful, it's a perfect "traveling" album on really long drives through the country.

From Freddie55 TOP 100 COMMENTER 01/15/2010 05:49 | #8385 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

Owen Pallett's first release under his own name after relinquishing his Final Fantasy moniker. Very good. Only time will tell if it is great.

The man is clearly a genius at arranging