Name: What Sound [UK Comm CD]
Brand: Unbranded
SKU: 869433
Price: 6.46 USD
Availability: InStock

Tracks

1. What Sound

2. One

3. Sweet

4. I Cry

5. Scratch Bass

6. Heaven

7. Small

8. Written

9. Gabriel

10. Sweetheart

11. Just Is

Performer Notes

The third release from drum and bass outift Lamb features 12 tracks, including "What Sound."
Personnel: Michael Franti (vocals); Arto Lindsay (guitar, electric guitar); Jimi Goodwin (guitar); Oddur Mar Runarsson (acoustic guitar); London Session Orchestra (strings); Mikey Wilson (drums); Guy Sigsworth (bass programming); Tony Vega (scratches).
Audio Mixers: Jeff Knowler; Simon Changer; Dave Bascombe; Andy Barlow.
Recording information: Abby Road, London, England; Hyde St. Studios, San Fransisco; Kampo studios, New York, NY; Konk Studios, London, England; The Toyshop, Manchester, England.
Photographers: Andy Carne; Zanna.
Unknown Contributor Roles: Safiya Robinson; Imani Robinson; Wesley Etienne; James McKone; Sam Biggins; Josephine Taylor; Benjamin McKone; Amy Biggins.
Still one of the most inventive groups in electronica, Lamb continued pushing the boundaries of singer/songwriter drum'n'bass three albums in, and also came to grips with a few of the growing pains of their sophomore album. Even while Andy Barlow's productions again set a gold standard for ambitious, evocative, intelligent accompaniment, Louise Rhodes' vocals have improved noticeably since the occasionally over-reaching Fear of Fours. Yes, her crying, confessional style of delivery can still wear (especially for a genre never overly enthusiastic about vocals to begin with), but she's obviously gained in control without sacrificing intensity. The opener, "What Sound," begins with a set of tender love lyrics, gradually expanding with orchestral strings and Barlow's tight, stop-time production. The paranoid breaks of "One" give way to a downright extroverted performance on "Sweet," though Rhodes saves her most pained vocals for the very next track, "I Cry." Barlow scorches on the Chemicals-style breaks and furious turntablism of "Scratch Bass," but then comes right back with a pair of beautiful ballads directed inwards. He's also unafraid to keep the backing (relatively) simple, even on the single "Gabriel." It's clear that every beat, every effect has been labored over, but thankfully that impression is an unconscious one. Another nice touch: the admirably low-profile appearances by excellent musicians like Arto Lindsay on guitar, Me'Shell NdegOcello on bass, and Michael Franti on vocals. If there were any doubters about Lamb being the brightest, most talented singer/producer combo in electronica, What Sound is all the argument needed to the contrary. ~ John Bush

Professional Reviews

Uncut (11/01, p.114) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Lamb remain the unacknowledged masters of the studio beat and brooding atmospherica. Especially here..."

Album: What Sound [UK Comm CD]
#	Song Title		Time
1)	What Sound	More Info...	3:44
2)	One	More Info...	4:18
3)	Sweet	More Info...	3:53
4)	I Cry	More Info...	5:26
5)	Scratch Bass	More Info...	4:48
6)	Heaven	More Info...	5:00
7)	Small	More Info...	5:19
8)	Written	More Info...	3:38
9)	Gabriel	More Info...	4:22
10)	Sweetheart	More Info...	4:07
11)	Just Is Incl. Hidden Track 'Blessing In Disguise'	More Info...	11:19

Album: What Sound [UK Comm CD]
#	Song Title		Time
1)	What Sound	More Info...	3:44
2)	One	More Info...	4:18
3)	Sweet	More Info...	3:53
4)	I Cry	More Info...	5:26
5)	Scratch Bass	More Info...	4:48
6)	Heaven	More Info...	5:00
7)	Small	More Info...	5:19
8)	Written	More Info...	3:38
9)	Gabriel	More Info...	4:22
10)	Sweetheart	More Info...	4:07
11)	Just Is Incl. Hidden Track 'Blessing In Disguise'	More Info...	11:19