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Rarities from modern day art rockers delightElbow - Dead In The Boot(Vagrant Records) 4 stars (out of 5 stars) Reviewed: October 10, 2012 |
Review by Andy Argyrakis Just because Elbow's latest collection consists of B-sides doesn't mean it's merely a hodgepodge of leftovers or throwaways. Granted, "Dead In The Boot" doesn't have the same atmospheric thread to tie all the tracks together like the group's breakthrough debut "Asleep In The Back," but the 13 compositions contained therein are still undeniably Elbow.Opener "Whisper Grass" is a prodding piano popper that shows off the serene and gentle side of Guy Garvey's therapeutic vocals, simultaneously paving the way for what he describes as the record's "real late night vibe." The understated simplicity of the ballad "None One" and the acoustic Brit popper "Lullaby" certainly take that direction, though they're never sleepy. In fact, the sublime "Every Bit The Little Girl" or the ethereal "Snowball" are downright beautiful and more than enough to tide fans over until Elbow's next official album. |