CD Details
Synopsis
Amazon.comThere isn't a band in the world that sounds like the Fiery Furnaces. They're folk, blues, music hall, new wave, and indie rock rolled into one two-person package. EP is a suitably diverse overview of Matthew and Eleanor Friedberger's odd, yet appealing musical career and includes most of the singles and B-sides they've released to date, resulting in a generous 10-track, 41-minute collection. Highlights include the single version of "Tropical-Iceland," issued in support of their stunning debut, Gallowsbird's Bark, and non-album track "Single Again," issued prior to more-difficult second album, Blueberry Boat (and "difficult" isn't meant derisively--loving the Furnaces isn't always easy, but it's worth the effort). The surprisingly lush "Sing For Me," featuring Matthew on a rare lead vocal, is yet another highlight. As befits their unique nature, EP isn't really an EP and is recommended as much to the curious as to the duo?s most devoted fans. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
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CD Reviews
Clever pop J. Holmes | yokohama, japan | 10/10/2005 (4 out of 5 stars) "those who might have been a bit overwhelmed with the Blueberry Boat album are sure to find something to be happy about with this easier-to-digest collection of b-sides from this peculiar band. The Fiery Furnaces know how to write a catchy song. but they also know how to throw a million curveballs at every chance they get. and even though The Fiery Furnaces throw those curveballs with class and charm, it still gets exhausting in the end. sometimes i just want their songs to be able to breathe and hold back Matthew and Eleanor Friedberger from smothering their simple beauty with a thousand other random ideas. which is why this EP album is such a relief to listen to. i can actually make it through the entire album without having to keep up with all the twists and turns. it's songs reveal the sweet simplicity of a wonderful pop formula. sure, there are lots of weird little twists and turns within these numbers, it wouldn't be a Fiery Furnaces record without them. but the experimentation on EP is overall, more minimal, when compared to their other recordings. comparisons to Papas Fritas are not too far off the mark; especially on the charming "Sing For Me." the band's standout single "Single Again" is one here as well; and presents a good balance of the witty and dark side of the Fiery Furnace's writing. even though this is an odd collection of b-sides, the album feels fairly coherent as a whole and could actually be a pretty good place for the curious to start."
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