Though many records often need a few spins to really sink in, not every record's outcome is worth the time and energy expended to digest its contents. Lucky for Aqualung fans, such is not the case with Memory Man, the follow-up to 2005's acclaimed U.S. debut Strange and Beautiful. This album is worth the time. At first glance, it's basically more of the same elegantly crafted and poignant ock tunage built around gentle piano strokes and Matt Hales' breathy Thom Yorke-ish croon, which is able to convey as much emotion as anything else he does. But Hales, the brains and creative force behind the London-based project, takes significant strides this time around to incorporate new elements into his arrangements, and one glance through just his personal credits (not even considering those of his various collaborators) uncovers a laundry list of instruments and electronic gadgets used. Yet somehow, even these extra additions -- which indeed make for a fuller sounding record -- can't divert the unassuming Aqualung from being exceptionally serene and grounded, at times practically evoking images of floating motionless underwater. Even at his most ambitious, Hales is still pretty straightforward and unable to escape the simple appeal of warm, uncluttered and accessible melodies. Listeners are constantly drawn into the quieter moments of brushed percussion and gentle notes, and re-energized at the sporadic swells of emotion. The swirling and hypnotic buildup of tracks like "Something to Believe In" and the redemptive "Outside" are enough to make Chris Martin blush, while the restrained tension of "Glimmer," especially with the faint horn echoing oh-so-softly in the background, results in a song of understated strength. Paul Buchanan (of Scottish dream pop outfit the Blue Nile) additionally lends transfixing guest vocals to the already beautiful ballad "Garden of Love." So while Aqualung may not be doing anything on Memory Man that is wholly different than all of the Coldplays and Rufus Wainwrights of the world, there is a certain down-to-earth charm inherent in Hales that his peers often lack. This small detail makes Aqualung's music even more appealing and Memory Man an even more rewarding listen.
I learned about Aqualung through the band's latest CD first - 'Memory Man'. I am very impressed, especially with the first half of the album. And the song "Something to Believe In" has quickly become one of my all-time favorites - and I have been around music for a very long time!! :)Steve S-N'the virginiaprograsser'Newgrass, Prog & More Web Radio & Interviews;Senior Media Consultant, Umbrello ...
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A week ago Aqualung came into town and preformed at The Pabst Theatre. This was their third time headlining a show at the Pabst and possibly the 9th time I’ve seen them in concert. No, I am not insane, they’re just an amazing band to see live. So on that note, here is my slightly biased review of the show.It was AMAZING! I was actually one of their merchandise girls for the show, so it was
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I just got the new Aqualung CD yesterday and I tell you- it just made the drive home in the gorgeous spring weather that much better. Although it hasn't taken the place of Strange & Beautiful for me yet, I've been enjoying the new tunes, which are a slight departure from the old stuff. I would say overall it has a spacey/airy feeling to it (if that makes any sense).Some reviews that I agree w...
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I'm loving the whole Memory Man album and this one's one of my favorite tracks, along with Something to Believe In and Rolls So Deep. There's one user in YouTube who made an interesting comment about Aqualung's not being appreciated enough. Well as far as I can see, I could agree with him. I mean, Aqualung's amazing! I'm gonna leave it to his music to do all the talking. :)
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I just got the new Aqualung CD yesterday and I tell you- it just made the drive home in the gorgeous spring weather that much better. Although it hasn't taken the place of Strange & Beautiful for me yet, I've been enjoying the new tunes, which are a slight departure from the old stuff. I would say overall it has a spacey/airy feeling to it (if that makes any sense).Some reviews that I agree w...
More >
I learned about Aqualung through the band's latest CD first - 'Memory Man'. I am very impressed, especially with the first half of the album. And the song "Something to Believe In" has quickly become one of my all-time favorites - and I have been around music for a very long time!! :)Steve S-N'the virginiaprograsser'Newgrass, Prog & More Web Radio & Interviews;Senior Media Consultant, Umbrello ...
More >
A week ago Aqualung came into town and preformed at The Pabst Theatre. This was their third time headlining a show at the Pabst and possibly the 9th time I’ve seen them in concert. No, I am not insane, they’re just an amazing band to see live. So on that note, here is my slightly biased review of the show.It was AMAZING! I was actually one of their merchandise girls for the show, so it was
More >
hey all,yea, so as the name suggests, this post is basically gonna be pretty cynical. it features me venting my problem(s) in a way most likely boring, disinteresting, and lame, but i've to do it, it's for my own good. and it's my blog anyway.so, as a everyone who has survived high school, or are currently doing so, knows, a crush sucks a big one. especially one that you can't get over, or so i...
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| Title | Lyrics | Buy |
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| 1 Cinderella |
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| 2 Pressure Suit |
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| 3 Something to Believe In |
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| 4 Glimmer |
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| 5 Vapour Trail |
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| 6 Rolls So Deep |
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| 7 The Lake |
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| 8 Black Hole |
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| 9 Outside |
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| 10 Garden of Love |
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| 11 Broken Bones |
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Click to purchase…
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 "Memory Man")
