Who exactly is Travis? Well, the band formed in 1990 in Glasgow, Scotland. Since their inception, Travis has released four albums beginning with the independently released All I Wanna Do Is Rock (1996) and rapping up most recently with 2001’s The Invisible Band. Currently, the band is comprised of four members: Fran Healy (vocals), Neil Primrose (drums), Andy Dunlop (guitar), and Douglas Payne (bass).
Travis didn’t hit stateside until the 1999 release of The Man Who. The album solidified the band’s mainstream title as Britpop album kings. Their sound is very straightforward and not in the least bit ironic. In fact, Travis makes music that can and should appeal to many people. With light, hook laden melodies and lead singer Healy providing smooth vocals, these ten tracks are very appealing.
Since I’m not a huge fan of Britpop (that title goes hands down to my aforementioned sister), I think a better way to speak about this album and this band is to simply talk about the music. The songs are (as we should all know by now) what can make or break a band. Travis is no exception to that rule, and with The Man Who, the songs seem to speak directly about the band and their direction as a whole.
Writing to Reach You was the first single released from this album. It managed to go top 40 in the UK. To be quite honest, the song sounds similar to tracks from Oasis, but once Fran begins singing any hints toward the brothers Gallagher are thrown out the window. There’s nothing particularly innovative about the track, but there’s nothing aurally offensive about it either. I, in fact, find the song to be overall very soothing and a welcome release. Also, I commend Travis for not putting the best first. I absolutely despise it when an album gets progressively worse.
A very anti-Travis sounding track is The Fear. Fran’s vocals and the somewhat electronic-feeling instrumentation make this an unnerving and somewhat strange track. But, since I tend to enjoy the strange and different I really like this song more than some of the more conventional offerings. I’m reminded of some Radiohead tracks with this one…possibly as a result of the song’s producer Nigel Godrich who also worked with Radiohead on OK Computer.
Without a doubt, As You Are is one of the most depressive and emotionally atmospheric songs on this album. I absolutely adore the melody that seems somehow reminiscent of children’s sing-song nursery rhymes. That characteristic in combination with the band’s ‘low’ musical styling makes this a very touching and somehow disturbing track. The addition of a xylophone then heavy guitar also add to the inherent strangeness of As You Are.
As the album’s second release, Driftwood is another great song. This time, the feeling is upbeat and energetic (a characteristic more of earlier releases than this one). This is actually the first song I recall hearing from Travis. Fran sounds absolutely fabulous song about redemption and his reaction to loss of love. I highly suggest you listen to this song. It’s one of the most notable on The Man Who. Here’s a sample of these wonderful lyrics:
And you really didn't think it would happen
But it really is the end of the line
So I'm sorry that you've turned to driftwood
But you've been drifting for a long, long time
You've been drifting, for a long, long
Drifting for a long, long time
The Last Laugh of the Laughter is a simple, folky track. This is the most modest track of the 1999 release. Fran’s voice is even a higher soprano than usual, and with the wonderfully blended and inconspicuous French lyric I find that the song is entrancing and lovely. There’s nothing wrong with simplicity if done out of creativity and not just to be cliché. The inclusion of Middle Eastern instrument is a stroke of genius.
Fran wrote Turn (along with the tracks on the rest of this album). The melody builds upon itself and the pace and emotions become more and more frenzied as the track. It’s one of the most memorable tracks of the ten, although it’s not necessarily any more musically or lyrically innovative than the rest. The pianos paired with Fran’s voice and Doug’s bass guitar are brilliant (did I just say that?). A good song is sometimes conventional…and if done correction convention can be an okay thing.
The song that is probably the most recognizable in the states from Travis is likely the solemn ballad Why Does It Always Rain on Me? Fran sings plaintively as usual in this simple track. The real thing that makes me enjoy this song as much as the others is the lyrically and musically catchy chorus. I love the cello (played by Sarah Wilson) and it’s importance above and beyond any of the Britpop instrumental traditions. It’s understandable why people enjoy this track, although I do prefer some of the other tracks.
Not in the least bit surprising is Luv. The title alludes to it’s inspiration in John Lennon. The lovely use of a full orchestra is somewhat of a shock after the beginning with just an acoustic guitar and harmonica followed by the slow and smooth vocals from Fran. This is the kind of ‘love song’ that I can enjoy. It’s not too mushy and not particularly clichéd. Though I enjoy this track, I definitely prefer some of the others I’ve already spoken about even more.
She’s So Strange is a bit of a switch. Though musically the track is basically what you expect from Travis, Fran uses his voice is a different way. Honestly, I like this song the least out of any of the offering here. The band just doesn’t seem comfortable at all in this deliberately quirky track.
The final track on this overall impressive album is Slide Show. Once again, Travis uses a cello as a driving force. The track is overall very low key and very depressing. I enjoy the track, but enjoy it even more when I’m in a sour mood. Slide Show really don’t strike me as anything too special. Although, I do enjoy the slick references to both Beck’s Devil’s Haircut and Oasis’ Wonderwall.
Overall, I think that this is a striking album. As I’ve already mentioned I have little knowledge of Britpop, the influences, or the music. But, from a music appreciation standpoint I do have a great deal of love for The Man Who. This is the best of what probably will be remembered as adult contemporary pop-rock of the 1990’s. Fran’s voice is distinctively delicate while Andy, Doug, and Neil have a great knack for creating atmospheric and moving music. Overall, I will give this album a much deserved 5/5 stars. I can relate if people don’t enjoy the ballads here, but I can’t get past the perfection of Driftwood and all the others.
Track Listing:
1. Writing To Reach You
2. The Fear
3. As You Are
4. Driftwood
5. The Last Laugh Of The Laughter
6. Turn
7. Why Does It Always Rain On Me?
8. Luv
9. She's So Strange
10. Slide Show
This opinion is dedicated to my sister who just e-mailed me about seeing Travis and Remy Zero in concert in London twice earlier this week. She and her friend had all access passes and ended up going to the bar with ‘em. Apparently Travis are nice, intelligent chaps. And, what else could my sister say to a bunch of friendly, every day sorts who buy her lager….
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