So with the news she is to headline Glasto and having had time to absorb HBHBHB I was just wondering your favourite album from her and why? Here are mine ranked.
Ceremonials- When I first heard it I was slightly disappointed and off put. Seemingly just a reimaging of Lungs with all the best bits stitched together to form a more coherent album that could appeal to the masses. But overtime it really has revealed itself as something special. It's gloriously huge and the water theme running through suits so well to it's tales of loss, redemption and healing and it helps the album hits like one big wave. And each time I Listen the more special it becomes and more it reveals itself.
How Big How Blue How Beautiful- I really loved this from the off. I love that it's more anchored in realism and there is an earthier element to it. The guitar has replaced the harps, bells and whistles and it's the better for it in places. There is more room for her lyrics and voice which in fact sounds so much better here. Downside there are moments where it is just too subtle and quiet those elements work on Various Saints and Storms but then not on Long and Lost. It's not as coeherent as Ceremonials other and dips up and down to much without being interesting with it.
Lungs- Simply put it just hasn't held up nor dated. I loved it for over two years but now it's just a bit mish mashy someone trying to find their voice and identity which of course its what a debut should be. there are real gems Cosmic Love, Between Two Lungs, Drumming song. But it's a bit all over the place not quite indie not quite baroque a hodge podge fairy tale that is at once interesting but a bit bland in places. But a steller debut I still enjoy.
So what is everyone else's favourite.
Ceremonials- When I first heard it I was slightly disappointed and off put. Seemingly just a reimaging of Lungs with all the best bits stitched together to form a more coherent album that could appeal to the masses. But overtime it really has revealed itself as something special. It's gloriously huge and the water theme running through suits so well to it's tales of loss, redemption and healing and it helps the album hits like one big wave. And each time I Listen the more special it becomes and more it reveals itself.
How Big How Blue How Beautiful- I really loved this from the off. I love that it's more anchored in realism and there is an earthier element to it. The guitar has replaced the harps, bells and whistles and it's the better for it in places. There is more room for her lyrics and voice which in fact sounds so much better here. Downside there are moments where it is just too subtle and quiet those elements work on Various Saints and Storms but then not on Long and Lost. It's not as coeherent as Ceremonials other and dips up and down to much without being interesting with it.
Lungs- Simply put it just hasn't held up nor dated. I loved it for over two years but now it's just a bit mish mashy someone trying to find their voice and identity which of course its what a debut should be. there are real gems Cosmic Love, Between Two Lungs, Drumming song. But it's a bit all over the place not quite indie not quite baroque a hodge podge fairy tale that is at once interesting but a bit bland in places. But a steller debut I still enjoy.
So what is everyone else's favourite.
. But whilst I love the sort of Schizo nature of the album as she developed further Lungs just became for me a mish mash of ideas not fully realised. Unlike Ceremonials or HBHBHB which have clear identities. For me Ceremonials is her most fully realised as is cohesive, almost conceptual, and hones the essence of the band. And never did I think on release would I praise Ceremonials so much