The LP's slow-building peak moment is "Violins And Tambourines," which is also dramatic and affected, no matter what Jones may actually be singing about. [No. 101, p.60]
The whole album seems content to be half-awake, so much so that even the comparably adventurous tracks sound like they can't be bothered to get off the couch.
One of their most underappreciated records. There's such a haunting archaic and emotional theme to this album. Graffiti on the train (theOne of their most underappreciated records. There's such a haunting archaic and emotional theme to this album. Graffiti on the train (the song) is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I've ever listened to. It alone makes the album worth it. Add to that other amazing haunting songs like In a moment, and violins and tambourines, and you have one heck of an album.…Expand
It has dark atmosphere with brilliant lyrics and incredible music. Maybe it is my type of music, maybe absolutely every song is astounding.It has dark atmosphere with brilliant lyrics and incredible music. Maybe it is my type of music, maybe absolutely every song is astounding. From We Share the Same Sun filled with longing and desire, sorrowful Graffiti on the Train, masterpiece Violins and Tambourines, cheerful-in-Sterophonics-kind-of-way Roll the Dice, hidden treasure Zoe on the iTunes' digital deluxe version (definitely worth of choosing that version for buying), instrumentals on the end of almost every song... Well I could go on and on. I don't want to go in deep analysis of album and motives of Kelly Jones in writing lyrics, I am not enough educated for that. Only objection to album I have is song list, I would arrange it differently.…Expand
What can you say about this other than it is a solid effort by a solid band. Their chosen style of British style rock with pop sensibilitiesWhat can you say about this other than it is a solid effort by a solid band. Their chosen style of British style rock with pop sensibilities doesn't necessarily lend itself well to ambition or adventure but at this stage there can be little doubt that Kelly Jones knows his way about a melody and song structures. "Graffiti on the Train" is the bands strongest since 2005's relative comeback record "Language. Sex. Violence. Other?" and while it lacks a "Dakota", it does have more depth, genuine personality and atmosphere than anything since they've done since their debut. There are a few flashes of brilliance, half of the songs on the album could be classed as pretty good with the other half falling into the pretty decent category. Some great story telling here as well.…Expand
My first time listening to Stereophonics album in full and whereas before, I thought they were a middle of the road rock band, they seem toMy first time listening to Stereophonics album in full and whereas before, I thought they were a middle of the road rock band, they seem to have really developed with this album. As I understand, it's more subdued than their previous releases, but in my opinion, it seems to work better for them. I especially love the moody, brooding title track, Graffiti On The Train and Take Me. There's also more upbeat, edgier songs for to please everyone in the form of the likes of Catacomb. There's even a bit of definite country influence with Been Caught Cheating. A good, mature album that has more clout than some of their previous songs.…Expand