Search - Shack :: HMS Fable

I tried not to like it...

StanOfSac | Sacramento, Calif. USA | 01/06/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album is a lot like cotton candy. It really doesn't have much substance, but somehow the more you eat the more you want. My real problem was the lyric content. After listening a few times, I just didn't get it. So I did some research on the group's history and put things together. That's the problem. New listeners won't get the vague and inside metaphors of the Brothers Head. It's like listening to two old friends who keep winking and jabbing each other. If you stick around long enough, you pick up their lingo. That being said, the more I listen to the album the more I ... well, LISTEN to it! I've tried not to like it, but I just can't escape the fact I really enjoy their sound. For older listeners, there are many familiar '60s British sounds (from the Beatles to the Hollies) with contemporary sensibilities and production. The harmonies are rich. Lead instrument play is steady if unspectacular. Most impressive is a tight rhythm section. They are much better at chording than at lead work, which works well with some solid drum and bass work. Lest I be too harsh on the lyrics, there are moments of general clarity -- especially "Pull Together." Bottom line: If you're looking for deep social commentary, it won't be here. If you want interesting background music while bouncing down the highway with friends, it's outstanding!"

Deserved success...

James Harper | London, UK | 03/22/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A beautiful melancholy treaure, HMS Fable is the best British album of the 90's. Just as Michael Head looked on the brink of absolute anonymity in the British music scene, he popped up with this, a twelve-track, no-filler classic of brilliant songwriting. Armed with the grittiness of a drug-infested life, Head has created a loving and tender record. Natalie's Party and Comedy are cracking singles but it's the plaintive slow-burning Cornish Town and the Nick Drake-esque Daniella that really show Head's talent. This deserved to be an immediate success but it was not to be...here's looking forward to the next project. RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE THIS: Together Alone CROWDED HOUSE; A Century Ends DAVID GRAY"

A slowly rising, warm jacuzzi of sound

05/27/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one amazing CD. It is a shame Michael Head and Co. are not better known in the US. At first listen, I was indifferent and put it away for awhile. Then, like all my lasting favorite CDs have done before, (like the first Wondermints CD, or the Flamin' Groovies "Rock Juice") it just slowly crept into my mind upon repeated listenings. This is a very rich soup of layered vocals and soothing arrangements that submerges and washes over you. Some songs just build to a simple, but heartbreaking, climatic guitar hook that seems so right. You are really missing out if you don't add this one to your collection."