Search - Charlatans UK :: Between 10th & 11th (Reis)

Truly original

kevinicus | San Francisco, CA | 08/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When The Charlatans first released this album I rushed to buy it, thinking it would be a natural continuation of their excellent debut, "Some Friendly". I could not have been more misguided. This album is a completely unique piece of work that has truly stood the test of time and stand by itself as an essential masterpiece of early 1990s modern rock. I had never heard anything like this album before or since. Although the band is reported to spurn this album as not being one of their favorites, I have to say that I think this is their finest work. Although I really enjoy the different direction they took following this album, which did not enjoy the commerical success of the first album, this album really changed me. It is intelligent, blatant, cruel, passionate, cutting edge and beyond all things it is absolute sonic bliss. The soundscapes created by the organs; the attention of the bass; the sweeping, spacey guitars; Tim Burgess's nonchalant yet retrospective vocals: all are timeless. In this album you will find songs that you identify with, yet you do not understand why. You will come to understand each one of them as part of a story, and that story maybe one for which you create for yourself, or it may be the story of the author. Whichever, this is an album that is meant to be heard alone, either whilst driving long distances, or in the solitude of one's home, or while you work, or study. It will make you think, it will make you yearn, it will inspire you, it will make you angry, and then happy, it will make you feel wonderment and then sadness. And most of all, it will all make perfect sense to you. If there ever was just one album I could take with me to a deserted island, or on a space flight to another galaxy, this would be it. A timeless classic that amazingly intersects love and emotion with the industrial "space age" we live in."

Hazy, Textured, Underrated, Overlooked, and Splendid!!

Sakos | United States | 10/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My review title says it all about this album. Between 10th and 11th was the second album by the Charlatans and is usually the "forgotten" one, as it has no instantly recognizable singles on it, is not included in discussions of their best, and was slagged so badly by the brutal (and usually WRONG) UK music press that it's been largely overlooked and forgotten. Which is all incorrect, as this is a FANTASTIC album! Their first album, which is vastly overrated, is, in actuality, a mediocre album with a few stunning songs on it (Sproston Green, Then, The Only One I Know). Between 10th and 11th, however, is masterful!



The sound is much thicker and textured, perhaps more so than any other Charlatans album. It's fantastic, though, with Rob Collins' keyboards and Tim Burgess' hushed vocals really at the fore. The best songs on here (honestly,they're all great) are I Don't Want to See the Sights, Ignition, Tremelo Song, Can't Even Be Bothered, Weirdo, and Chewing Gum Weekend, but like I said, they're all awesome. And the segues between some songs is very effective and like a punch in the chest at times.



While I wouldn't get this album if I were starting to get into the Charlatans (for that you should get the self-titled, Tellin' Stories, and Up to Our Hips), this is essential for any fans of this great band!"