12 Memories

by

Travis

Edit

It's quite clear that Travis are evolving as a band. One could see that from their first three albums, but with their fourth disc, it becomes undeniable. Some may quickly write this album off because it isn't as radio friendly as TIB. Well, my friends, TIB didn't have any material nearly as 'in-depth' as some of these songs. Fran and the boys have not written a song as intensely poetic as 'Walking Down This Hill' in a long, long time. 'Happy to Hang Around' rocks out, especially during their live sets.

This album also sees the band voicing a political opinion. While not necessarily shared by all, it is just one more step in their evolution as a band. They aren't just churning out crap - these songs have meaning.

In short - 12 Memories is an excellent CD well worth your time and money. You won't be disappointed. If you quickly write this off as 'not as good as TIB or TMW', maybe you should go grab some Nickleback or similarly shallow music to hold you over. Give it a listen or two (and a real good listen), and I guarantee you these songs will grab you.

First, a word about the star number. There is a fair bit of "grade inflation" on most websites. In my opinion, a four star album would be something like The Joshua Tree and five stars would be reserved for albums like the Beatles' Revolver or The White Album. So three stars is, in my ratings universe, an excellent album.

The new Travis album, 12 Memories, is a 3.5 star effort. The songs are "darker" than their previous releases, but it's all relative: they are still very poppy even when the subject matter is "deeper." That said, the album opens with three midtempo songs ("Quicksand," "Beautiful Occupation," and "Re-Offender") all of which have great melodies with hummable choruses. Neil's drumming is Ringo-esque; simple and effective. The next three tracks ("Peace the F*** Out," "How Many Hearts," and "Paperclips") are the weakest on the album. They kind of muddle along.

The album really hits it's stride with the seventh track "Somewhere Else." It's pretty ditty with elegant chimes linking the rhythm to Fran's singing melody. The song, according to the Travis website, is about having life change when you aren't even paying attention. Fair enough. It's pretty pop perfect.

The remainder of the album is all catchy ("Love Will Come Through" and "Mid-Life Krysis" being excellent). They are very close to previous Travis work. Like all of Travis's previous songs, you will find yourself singing along to the best of them.

The album closes with "Walking Down The Hill," a song that is Fran's spare "stream of unconsciousness" singing over a keyboard melody. It comes off as a great example of minimalism and eloquence. Fran sings in a lilting voice, "We're apart/go to pieces" making dime store lyrics into diamonds. It's that good.

The "bonus track" (the 12th memory, so to speak) is buried in the last track, so you have to listen through two minutes of silence to get to it. It's a sweeping and melodramatic tune called "Sad Song." I can take it or leave it, though it is starting to grow on me.

All in all, this album is absolutely worth owning. I saw Travis live in the Beacon Theater last night, and the album plays even better live.