Performer Notes
- The Charlatans U.K.: Tim Burgess (vocals); Mark Collins (guitar); Tony Rogers (piano, organ, Mellotron, background vocals); Martin Blunt (bass); Jon Brookes (drums).
- Since 1994's UP TO OUR HIPS, the Charlatans have followed an unerring, upward trajectory. Their fanbase has increased, courtesy of a dedicated live following and the regular release of albums that have each been viewed as superior to previous efforts. US AND US ONLY, The Charlatans' sixth long-player, follows this perceived trend. In truth, these albums-notably 1995's THE CHARLATANS-have had remarkable highlights but lacked consistency. US AND US ONLY sets this right. It is arguably the Charlatans' finest album and certainly their most coherent since UP TO OUR HIPS.
- While the moodiness of "My Beautiful Friend" and "Forever" recall earlier work, most of the tracks pursue the country-tinged elements of "Tellin' Stories" to their logical conclusion. "Impossible" and "A House is Not a Home" are unashamedly Dylanesque, combining a rustic acoustic guitar with harmonica and the band's trademark Hammond organ. The two waltzes and the sublime introduction to "The Blind Stagger" are charming without being twee. Their retrospective sound may attract censure in 1999, but thankfully The Charlatans abandoned any concern for fashion long ago.
Professional Reviews
Rolling Stone (3/2/00, p.96) - 3.5 stars out of 5 - "...the slow-burning work of 5 men who have injected new life into their sound....deftly melding folky guitars, subtle beats and a moody organ....solidifying their place as one of the most consistent English bands of the last 10 years."
Q (1/00, p.83) - Included in Q Magazine's "50 Best Albums of 1999."
Q (11/99, p.122) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...undoubtedly their best album yet....The Charlatans became very successful - and really, really good - by stealth. With US & US ONLY, they've suddenly become great."
Alternative Press (12/99, p.89) - 4 out of 5 - "...they deserve the most credit and...absolute respect for the musical evolution and maturation evident on their soulful [US & US ONLY]....proves the band are headed full force into the future, having successfully conquered the past."
Magnet (1-2/00, p.67) - "...nestled in familiar rock roots, traversing organ-fueled psychedelia, dancy, folky tunes...and sweet ballads....a relevant album...one that stays true to the band's history."
CMJ (10/18/99, p.22) - "...a truly melodic collection of soulful, swampy guitars, infectious beats and the timeless vocals of Tim Burgess....[paying] their respects to such '70s icons as the Stones...all the while evincing a contemporary club culture sensibility."
Mojo (Publisher) (11/99, p.104) - "...their most 'soulful' record to date....several transcendent tracks, some fime sonic detail and nothing that disappoints....their longevity is assured."
Record Collector (magazine) (p.86) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[T]he album, right from the off, took an introspective, noodling, almost jam-based approach..."
