e_burrell's Full Review: Life on Other Planets by Supergrass
I've always liked Supergrass. Their self-titled album, which put their name on the map here in the States included the standout hit "Pumping On Your Stereo" and their ubiquitous video for that tune cemented their status as 'non-serious guitar band'. My wife and I saw them open for Pearl Jam a few years back and they were one of those opening bands that the crowd paid attention to - they had a nice chemistry and an attractive charisma that endeared them to us - especially when they tore into Kenny Rogers' tune "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)".
Supergrass has that mid-70's cool. I like to think of them as a modern mix of The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Badly Drawn Boy and Mott The Hoople. They've made a ton of good albums, yet never get the press that other (more dour) British rock groups seem to get. With the tiny bit of press comes less respect, and that's a shame because this band deserves a boat load.
Life On Other Planets is more of the same from Supergrass. The songs are almost exclusively guitar driven pop tunes with a fun beat that you can dance to. From the opener "Za" through "Rush Hour Soul" and "See The Light" - you get harmonies that make you grin, hand claps to the beat and plenty of 'la la las' from the rest of the band. "See The Light" above others reminds me of something The Apples In Stereo might record - it has that retro cool that only bands this good can make sound right. Also note the farm animal effects. Pretty cool.
"Evening Of The Day" (could that title be nicked from a Stones lyric?) starts out with a nice rag-piano and acoustic guitar opener. It's a nice switch from the hard driving preceding tracks, and has a sweet sunny-day kind of feeling throughout the chorus as lead singer Gaz Coombes lurches along in a sing-song reverie.
As "Evening Of The Day" ends in a cacophony of distortion, "Never Done Nothing Like That Before" erupts into full-on Ramones territory (okay, Ramones with an organ thrown in the mix). Quick shred chords and a straight ahead beat make this a tune not to be missed. "Funniest Thing" has a gaggle of silly lyrics, and an instantly memorable guitar solo thrown in for good measure.
"Prophet 15" is another highlight - a spacey, out-there tune that talks about roaming amongst dead people like Steve McQueen, John Belushi and Lady Di. An interesting topic I suppose, made all the more better by a truly engaging instrumental near the middle. This song borders on atmospheric in parts - but even when lazer sounds and words about Davy Crockett escape your speakers, you'll still love this track.
The album closes with "Run", which is all keyboards and harmonies. A nice closing track with a super-seventies feel - you can almost smell the swirl of pot smoke raising off the Pink Floyd cymbals and high hat - it's definitely the #1 laid back tune on Life On Other Planets and a great way to end a fun album.
No one is going to accuse Supergrass of being too serious. You'll never find them delving into electronic noise the way Radiohead have - you'll never read interviews with the band on how they feel they're best band in the world a la Oasis, and they may never achieve the perfect balance between emotion and pop ballad the way Coldplay have in the last year or so. Even so, their albums are a load of fun - but don't let that fool you - there's some serious talent here, and the group definitely knows how to rock you. Life On Other Planets is worth a listen. It's not for every taste, but if you like that 70's BowieFloydHoopleStones feel, you're probably going to dig this album.
OVERALL GRADE: B+
Recommended:
Yes
Great Music to Play While: Getting ready to go out
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