52 Week CD Challenge – June

31Jul07

Finally we’ve reached the halfway stage of the 52 Week CD Challenge (i.e. week 26). Three random oldies this month – which I bought whilst I was still in Leamington – and one new one.

Week 23: Catatonia – Way Beyond Blue (1996)

The formative first album from Catatonia trots along with admirable gusto but ultimately lacks the sonic song-writing that would elevate the band to major success. Whilst tracks like You’ve Got a To Answer For and Sweet Catatonia hint at what was to come, Way Beyond Blue never quite excels in the way it should. Ironically the best moment by quite some distance is the hidden track at the end – no honestly, fast forward and have a listen.

Best Bit: That hidden track
Worst Bit: Cerys’ vocals are oddly dissonant throughout

Week 24: Feeder – Echo Park (2001)

Bridging the gap between early pop-punk Feeder and their later balladeering, Echo Park makes for a surprisingly decent listen. Lyrically it is pretty dire, but musically it pushes all the right buttons. Light and throwaway, it will never be a contender for the greatest album ever, but it is a summer record of the finest order – and it has Buck Rogers.

Best Bit: Buck Rogers
Worst Bit: Lyrics – most of them

Week 25: Shed Seven – A Maximum High (1996)

Seen by many to be the joke band of Britpop, Shed Seven never seem to get the respect they deserve. Second album A Maximum High is crammed full of great tunes and in retrospect they were all rather more complex than they sounded at the time. Sure, the middle section lags a bit, but there is more than enough elsewhere to keep the interest.

Best Bit: Going For Gold takes me straight back to 1996 – anyone else remember Rick’s jacket?
Worst Bit: The cover image is of a bowling alley. Is scoring a strike really the way to a maximum high?

Week 26: The Fray – How To Save A Life (2007)

America’s answer to Athlete (yes, Athlete did need an answer before you ask) have produced a debut album of no-nonsense ballads. I’m quite certain it won’t be everybody’s cup of tea, but songs like How To Save A Life and Look After You see the Denver based band mining a very rich seam of piano balladry. Variation isn’t exactly the order of the day, but overall as a debut effort you can’t really complain.

Best Bit: Look After You should be the next single
Worst Bit: Sometimes I just want the band to go mad and really rock out. Little House hints at what they could do, but mostly they are happy sticking with what they know.

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Tags: album, catatonia, feeder, indie, shed seven, the fray