Idlewild post electric blues download

Having fallen out with, walked away from, or somesuch, their last label they decided last year to self-release their next and sixth? Idlewild album. They asked their fan base if they would pre-order the album in return for an early copy of it, some free live downloads and a mention on the poster included with the CD. How could I resist? And lo and behold there is yours truly printed for all the world perhaps with a magnifying glass to see.

I know its a bit tragic, but it does instill a small sense of ownership and an unfounded closeness to the project. Another case of being anxiously eager to listen, but worried that it might disappoint. Not a bit of it, a rollicking good set it is. It would appear that being released from the shackles of a label has done them some good; the set feels free-er, lighter of touch and less laboured than the last outing; they even sound as if they were enjoying themselves!

Instead this is Idlewild refreshed and re-energised: confidence back in place, rock-or-folk? Nowhere is this more evident than on album opener 'Younger Than America', the very title of which tells you we're in the familiar territory of Roddy Woomble's long term fascination with the States.

M, yet it sounds like classic Idlewild. Also, despite the American influences the chorus is given a distinctly celtic-flavoured bombast, courtesy of tasteful violin by Woomble cohort John McCusker and backing vocals from Irish folk singer Heidi Talbot. Her contribution in particular provides one of the album's more unexpected moments of beauty as the song changes key dramatically in the final chorus. Woomble joked on his online diary that despite a sudden increase in his interest in America, that the album would probably end up being about 'mountains and islands'.

When Woomble and Talbot duet on the lines "How come you always seem so real divine? This isn't all about Woomble and his folky friends though. The majority of the album sees Idlewild sounding their most confident and comfortable since The Remote Part. In 'Readers and Writers' they have a stupendously glorious blend of bold brass, hook-laden guitar riffs, glockenspiels and stomping military drums; undoubtedly amongst the best singles they've ever released.

The pretty campfire sing-along ' The Night Will Bring You Back To Life', a duet with Rod Jones, is more typical of Woomble's solo work in style, but sounds like the work of musicians equally as happy producing pretty indie-folk ditties as they are rocking out. Speaking of which Track Listing. Younger Than America. City Hall. Dreams of Nothing. Take Me Back to the Islands. All Over the Town. To Be Forgotten. Circles in Stars. Take Me Back in Time. Release Date October 2, Recording Date February 1, - March, The Great Outdoors.

Younger Than America Idlewild.