Search - Teenage Fanclub :: Howdy

TFC keeps it simple

Peter Lavezzoli | Ft. Lauderdale, FL USA | 06/15/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I almost gave this CD away, because the first few listens were very disappointing compared to TFC's other efforts. I felt that Howdy is basically a repeat of the previous album, Songs from Northern Britain. I do think that Songs is a superior effort. But I was determined to give Howdy a few more chances, because I truly respect TFC and what they STAND FOR: simple and heartfelt songs coming from a guitar pop tradition stretching back to the Beatles and Byrds. They must be the most unpretentious band out there today, and the most democratic. Norman, Gerry, and Raymond share equal songwriting space. Anyway...these are all things I respect a great deal, so I gave Howdy a few more listens. I discovered that it takes time for these songs to sink in, because on the surface they sound like a mere rehash of the previous album. TFC has found their own sound which works for them, and sometimes a band does not need to progress stylistically with every album. Their approach is tried and true. They know who they are.



As to the songs themselves, Raymond has emerged as a writer of equal standing with Gerry. For the first time, I am quite disappointed with Norman's songs, and this is why I held back the top rating. I think his material is dispensable on this record. The more I hear Howdy, the more I like Raymond and Gerry's songs, and the less I like Norman's. But this is also OK. Norman wrote a good share of their best songs in the past, and perhaps it's now time for Raymond to shine. His songs are all very well written, arranged, and performed. His melodies and chord progressions are simple yet effective and unique, always with an unexpected little twist in there somewhere. "The Sun Shines From You," and "My Uptight Life" are my favorites of his songs here. Gerry's songs are always very refreshing and moving, and Howdy is no exception. He is a classic pop songwriter, no question about it.



So basically, the highlights are the Raymond and Gerry songs. The Norman songs are average...not bad, just not as great as the songs from the other two writers. In fact, "Dumb Dumb Dumb" is quite annoying! But again, this band is a true democracy among the three writers, and as I said, Norman was bound to take a back seat at some point. There is nothing wrong with this. Raymond was the underdog for quite a while himself, and now he is showing significant progress. Gerry's material is, as always, excellent. But I would say that sometimes I wish Gerry would articulate his lyrics a little better, sometimes I can't make out everything he is singing. Raymond and Norman both do a better job in that department. But despite that, Gerry's songs are still outstanding, all four of them. The production on this record is--as always with TFC--clear, clean, cohesive.



Therefore I give this record four stars as a good record of straightforward songs by a straightforward songwriting band. It's not a departure from what we heard on Songs from Northern Britain, and it's not quite as strong as that record, either. But it's still a worthwhile effort from a band who ultimately deserves a great deal of RESPECT for sticking together despite apathy from the music industry, for staying democratic, and for sticking with what they love to do...writing guitar-driven pop songs. They've outlasted just about every other band from their era who attempted to do the same thing, and they've remained a true BAND, not a collection of hired hands performing one producer/writer's material. If for no other reason than this, they deserve our respect."

Beautifully made pop

Aylie's Mom | Bloomfield, NJ USA | 12/23/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can't imagine a Teenage Fanclub fan not loving this CD. Unfortunately, I can imagine a lot of people not loving this CD but that's only because the masses have such bad taste. This CD is one of the best pop albums to come out in years. "Near You" is one of the most perfect pop songs ever recorded. "Howdy" is chock full of hooks, harmonies and melodies. What more could anyone want?"

First time, every time

Raymond B. Wilson | Liverpool, NY | 12/07/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My absolute first experience with this band. And they had me from "Howdy." (Sorry.) I'm surprised to read suggestions that it takes awhile for this album to grow on you. Maybe that's true if you're already a TFC fan, but coming in cold as I was, it was immediately apparent that this was an exceptional band and an exceptional album. I can't remember when quality popular music seemed as effortless as these guys make it. Someone mentioned that they hadn't really evolved from their previous album, and they thought this was ok. I haven't heard that previous album, but I have to agree with the second half of that sentiment. Keep putting out more Howdy's, that's definitely ok. These guys seem to be in the zone, and they should just go with it. Now I just have to find some of that other music..."