Search - The Reindeer Section :: Y'all get scared now, ya hear

It makes everything easier...

Doug Kochmanski | Pittsburgh, PA | 10/12/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album makes everything easier. Everything about life, in general. I get up to go to work, and for the last three mornings, I've listened to this album. It's the perfect length for the drive, and the fact that the songs are ordered on the album in from simplest to most musical and most instrumental make the morning, in a way, build into a good idea. I noticed that another reviewer mentioned that this is an album to listen to while you're falling for someone. I agree. I'm at the beginning of a new relationship and the first track, "Be There For Me," is everything I'd ever want to say--but haven't said, yet. The rest of the tracks on the album are all reasons to say it, though. I'm amazed that this album was recorded in ten days. It's sonically beautiful and so intense; but at the same time whimsical. I think that's a good word. The second portion of the album is a stretch from the first, but a perfect one. The processed rhythms and bass lines that subtly drive the last tracks are amazingly crafted, and the closing track, "The Day We All Died," is about the finest melody I've ever heard. That's about all I can say. I love Belle & Sebastian; I love this. You all will, too, you hear?"

Missed oportuntities...

Rob Damm | 02/10/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Before I complain about what's wrong with this album let me tell you what's right. It's gorgeous, slightly baroque indie-pop at nearly it's finest. It's amazing that this album was slapped together in 10 days. It's a real testament to the talents and professionalism of all those invloved--- and those involved include a veritable who's-who or British Isle's indie music: member or Belle and Sebastian, Snow Patrol, Astrid, Arab Strap, etc. I guess you could call Reindeer section a "super group"-- except, it comes across as more of a Gary Lightbody (of Snow Patrol) solo album. And therein lies its "problem". It just strikes me that with all these great musicians in one room for two weeks, they could have been a little more collaborative. Instead, most of the players sound like competent side-man rather than co-visionaries. At least Lightbody could have shared the mic a little more. The best track on the record by a wide margin is the stunning "Nytol" featuring creepy-sex-obsesser Aidan Mofat (of Arab Strap) on vocals-- I could listen to this guy sing anything. Just listen to the way he sings/says the word "idiot". That makes the track great by itself. "Nytol", to me seems like a glimpse of what could have been given a little more democracy. Instead we are left with what sounds like a very lovely, slightly quieter Snow Patrol album."

A bit early for a review, but...

the_mnomen@yahoo.com | CA, USA | 03/02/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I just got this album, only because I am fans of Snow Patrol, and Belle and Sebastian (Mainly Looper), but I must say, this album opened me up to many other bands, not to mention thoughts and memories. This album has the basic acoustics, pleasant harmony vocals, and at times, eerie uprising "Oh-hs".This cd features great indie-rock talents, and the ability to calm the listener down, but I am a bit dissapointed some of the bands featured here barely play a chord, or hardly show off their talents. However this is made up for by the other bands. I guess your basic idea is that this Reindeer Section is a complete band within itself, which is cool with me, but still I was listening for some Looper in there, which I didn't get.Bottom line: The cd is great for those that enjoy soft music, and don't mind waiting a while for the good stuff. However, it may take a few times to listen to it, to get used to liking it. In my case, 2 times, but that's just me. It's an okay album."