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Elbow: The Seldom Seen Kid
The subtle empowerment of great music.
Elbow can easily be labelled with the word ‘unusual.’ But I think if a band is to be labelled as ‘unusual’ a special interest should ensue. A band with a name of a body part, I agree, may seem a little strange. But Elbow seem to have an answer to their abnormality, which is expressed through their external sounds.
For those of you who don’t know who Elbow are, they are a collective of unseasoned success. Elbow in 2008 won the Mercury Music Prize for Best Album, The Seldom Seen Kid, which was pretty much unexpected. Now having won the prestigious award, people realise that those who deserved it, did in fact win.
The Seldom Seen Kid is an alternative masterpiece. The lead singer Guy Garvey’s voice is one you won’t hear too often. You could say the same about me when I sing in the shower, but with Guy, there are positive reactions.
There is talent oozing out of this album through every note. It has been mastered to sensually please, and uplift those intent on listening. There are some really great songs on this album. Elbow would definitely feature on my desert island track list, actually, pretty high up the list!
The first single from the album, ‘Grounds For Divorce’ is headbanger-esque, which in fact is the only one to be found on the album. Listening to this makes me shout the words, and swing my head like a raving lunatic. The rocking electric guitars and hot lyrics make for a great song. My favourite song from the album is ‘One Day Like This.’ This song has a feeling of epic accomplishment, true achievement. It’s the one I have included in the box up there. You may have heard it before. This song comprises all the qualities that Elbow possess- solid beat, strong lyrics, astonishing voice, grand violins, and a feel good feeling.
Other great songs on the album include: ‘Mirrorball’, where it feels everything has changed. ‘Weather to Fly’, has intriguing pronounced questions, ‘Starlings’, which makes you feel you are the only thing in any room you’re ever in, ‘Some Riot’ releases inner anguish, and ‘Friends of Ours’ which soothes the mind.
Beyond doubt, I encourage you to get this album, if not just a few songs. The songs from The Seldom Seen Kid give me a feeling of empowerment, of which I only realise after listening to them. Hey, who doesn’t want that?
Elbow, I’m sure, will prove they really can achieve greatness with the coming of future albums, but right now, I think I will remain and bask in the excellence of The Seldom Seen Kid, every single bit of it.
Join me, savour the indie feeling.
By: Andrew Smith
