ALBUM REVIEW: Astonomy For Dogs
- Posted on April 17, 2007 1:28 PM
- 0 comments
THE ALIENS : Astonomy For Dogs : BlueNote/EMI
Review by Peter Coulston
When I started listening to this album I thought that,with it’s sixties West Coast sound, the band maybe came out of California. Turns out that The Aliens are, in fact, three British guys who all used to be in the Beta Band. They have been described as joyously heartfelt pop, catchy, uplifting and splendidly far out. I won’t argue with that; neither will I argue with their claim to be influenced by Sergio Leone, Serge Gainsbourg, Eno and Brian Wilson. Chuck the Beatles and Sid Barrett in while you’re at it, guys. Consequently, what we have here is an album of beautifully crafted songs which draw on a number of influences but copies none of them.
The album starts as it means to carry on with “Setting Sun”, which is just so Sixties and sets the mood. “Robot Man” does the title justice with an electro/funk riff that is repeated effectively. “I Am The Unknown” has a Syd Barrett/Beatles feel about it, while “A Fistful of Dollars” was probably on TV when they conceived “Tomorrow”. “Rox” does just that with some good electronics and a mystic bit at the beginning and end.
“Only Waiting” is so Sixties again, and builds up nicely, while they take it right down with “She Doesn’t Love Me No More”. Excellent use of keyboards and strings here with some Beach Boys harmonies. “Glover” is a very melodic rocker with classic influences and clever electro. “Honest Again” takes it down again and turns into a bit of a power ballad with well used keyboards. “The Happy Song” most certainly is, with all those guitars and things enjoying themselves Sixties style. What were we on in those days? Don’t even ask. “Carawan” gently rocks it’s acoustic way to some classy electro which becomes symphonic and incorporates all that has gone before. I thoroughly enjoyed this album from start to finish and will be returning to it whenever I need cheering up. You can find it on Amazon, PLAY.com, myspace, their website, and retail outlets. You will enjoy it. That’s an order.
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