Search - Magne F :: Past Perfect Future

There's a reason why Magne is not the lead signer of A-ha

Warhorse | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada | 06/07/2005

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Interestingly, if you listen to Morten Harket's 95 English solo album, the albums by Paul Waaktaar's band Savoy, and this one you'll notice that each member of A-ha opted for a more stripped down sound in their work outside of the group.The song writing on Magne Furuholmen's debut is fairly good. It features mostly acoustic guitar and piano, played by himself. The album has a very simple and intimate feel. There are two bright spots, the single 'Kryptonite' and '2CU Shine'. The major downside that tarnishes the album and makes it very difficult to listen to is the fact that Magne also does all the vocals. He somewhat sounds like the guy from Radiohead, but not quite as solid. There's a good reason why Magne doesn't do vocals for A-ha. He's not half the singer that Waaktaar is, who in turn is not quite as good as Harket. I imported this CD from the UK only because I was already getting something else from there (Wetton-Downes Icon - a very good CD) so I thought it was worth getting 2 CDs since the shipping wouldn't cost much extra. However, after a few listens I've made up my mind to send it back. My advice, get the Savoy albums (if you can find them, I only have the first 3 which I got in Japan) and/or Harket's 'Wild Seed' and skip this one. Save your money for the new A-ha album coming out Fall 2005."

Worth a second listen

K. Cornacchia | USA | 09/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Like the other reviewer, the first time I listened to this album I was distracted by Magne's voice. As a die-hard a-ha fan (that's why I bought this in the first place) I obviously appreciate pretty vocals and this album hasn't got them. What I appreciate even more, however, are well written lyrics that combine both meaning and a clever use of language (think literature like Nabokov). That's what I think this album is all about. You could read it like a book or poem. To be honest, a glossier sound would distract you from the content. This has become one of my favorite albums of the year (along with Loretta Lynn's Van Lear Rose)."

Remarkably passionate, mature, assured songwriting

Storylover | Philadelphia, PA USA | 09/26/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been an a-ha fan for a long time, but have not really had much interest in the solo projects from Pal and Magne. I saw this album was available, and previewed the songs--I was surprised to find how pleasant and interested the songs sounded even in 30 second snippets...so I took a chance, and I must say that I am delighted that I did.



First, the obvious: Mags does not have Morten's voice. Mags' voice sounds like the guy down the street who can't really sing, but he can carry a tune while he plays songs on his beat up guitar. His voice is thin, reedy, and scratchy by turns. But here's the amazing thing--you rarely care. And here is where we get to the good part: the songwriting. Mags is such a genuinely special songwriter (a fact that gets lost next to Pal's brilliance sometimes) that all his tunes and lyrics are so strong that you find yourself constantly surprised by how pleasurable the music is. And his voice fits in, somehow. He is singing his heart out, his voice cracking and aching with passion and emotion, alternatively giving a Thom Yorke like wail or a soft Belle and Sebastian like whisper as he pleads.



The music is excellent, with strummed and plucked guitars, piano, and strings. The production has been careful and ranges from good to excellent. The craftsmanship here on display is not to be dismissed.



The songwriting here is simply amazing. When I was listening to the record for the first time, I immediately thought that this was a record full of songs RTC (ready to cover). And it is--except that after a few listens, you find yourself falling for this remarkable little voice, loving it. Any band looking for a few little known gems to spice up their repertoire could literally pull any of these out of a hat and have an instant fan favorite. I know there are probably tons of a-ha fans who would love to hear Morten get his hands on this material--I know he could do a spectacular job on the interpretations--but I must say that for me, I am becoming more and more enamored of the songs as they stand. Now instead of the guy down the street, he sound more to me like a good friend singing to you. No, he'll never be confused with Josh Groban, but he's your friend, and you'd probably rather be hanging out with him anyway.



Earlier reviewers have pointed out that Kryptonite and 2cu Shine are standouts. I would agree that they are excellent songs, but I must say there is not a bad song on the disc. I keep finding new pleasures--it is like walking around in a lovely garden that hasn't been tended in a while. At first, you just keep criticizing the gardeners for not tending things better...but then you keep coming around corners and finding quiet glades full of flowers and shade, deep pools of dark green...and soon, you are enchanted and realize that you wouldn't want to change a thing.



I unreservedly recommend this to people who are fans of indie-pop, for folks who like Belle and Sebastian, for folks who like Coldplay at their most intimate and Travis at their most melodic. Give the preview a spin...it is worth your time, and if you find, as I did, that Mags is a genuine surprise, then buy this disc. Believe me, you'll find yourself buying several copies to give to friends!"