Thursday, November 27, 2008

Aqualung - Words And Music









On 2008's WORDS & MUSIC, his first full-length outing for the Verve Forecast label, British singer/pianist Matt Hales (aka Aqualung) returns to spare, melodic form after `07's more challenging, electro-tinged MEMORY MAN. As on his breakthrough, ... STRANGE & BEAUTIFUL, Hales largely relies on his fragile, plaintive voice and gentle piano-led arrangements to carry his songs, which include the swooning "On My Knees" and the aching-yet-playful "When I Finally Get My Own Place." Hales also offers up a wonderfully melancholy version of Paul Simon's "Slip-Sliding Away," a rendition that bears such a signature Aqualung stamp that it's hard to remember that it's a cover tune. An album that will certainly rally most wayward fans, WORDS & MUSIC reveals that Aqualung remains a vital and accessible alt-pop artist.

"It feels like coming home. I think you’ll like it".

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