THE MUSIC BLOGGING HIVE MIND

Phoenix

It's Never Been Like That

  • AMG Review of It's Never Been Like That

    Amg
    Rob Theakston
    All Music Guide

    After avoiding the sophomore slump with relative ease, Phoenix return with their third release stripped of the post-disco house sound that helped to define them, focusing more on the songwriting side of things than any sort of dancefloor-focused groove. In fact, it takes until the fourth song, "Long Distance Call," for anything resembling a dancefloor beat to appear, and when it does it feels like an epilogue to the wonderful "If I Ever Feel Better" off the group's debut record. The band has definitely learned a thing or two through its evolution, placing more of an emphasis on guitar than before (Laurent Brancowitz and Christian Mazzalai sound as if they've been in the woodshed studying the chops of Johnny Marr and the twin-guitar attack of the Strokes' last few records), and their performances sound more confident than ever. Gone are the sluggish country-infused downtempo numbers, replaced with a more even-keeled track sequencing and tempo throughout -- almost as if they've been able to focus on the things that make the band so engaging to begin with, monopolize on them, and move forward in a refreshing and vibrant direction.

Spit out your lies and chewing gum.
over 2 years ago

Lastly, a bit of tasty fluff from Phoenix, who overcame being French (ha ha) to create one of the best albums of last year. They're a far cry from Edith Piaf.

More >
why do i like this band?
over 3 years ago

it's french pop music, it should be really bad but it isn't. instead it's really good.

More >
I am my own MTV - International edition
over 2 years ago

And people say that France is only good at surrendering....i say nonsense...They make some pretty good music too...first Air...now Phoenix...Any other French bands that I may like? Help me out Euro-Moggers

More >
Unreleased: Phoenix - Jetplane (Live)
2 months ago

Here is a live unreleased track from Phoenix that they played at the Southside festival in 2005, Jetplane. It was slated to be on It’s Never Been Like That but didn’t make the cut. It is definitely a different vibe for them and a b-side sounding track. Thomas Hedlund (drums) channels his Steward Copeland at [...]

More >
Franco-American Culture Clash
about 1 year ago
Blog post image preview

Regardless of what any one else says, 2 Days In Paris (http://www.2daysinparisthefilm.com/)is the culture-clash story that might bring surprise of surprises. I think, this is a nice little film about difficult task to lead a cross-national relationship and about fact that thinking you know your parent is not the same as knowing her or his culture. Anyway this movie is not for all. Some might fe...

More >
Burning Up
over 3 years ago

Since I can't seem to score a French Kicks promo to save my life, I'm currently filling the French Kicks part of my heart (left ventricle, I believe) with a few tunes I downloaded by Phoenix. They do some fun things with rhythm that make me want to try the pasa doble or something.And the wife is highly amused by the little hand jive I was just doing while Phoenixing. I'm afraid to pick up the w...

More >
Spit out your lies and chewing gum.
over 2 years ago

Lastly, a bit of tasty fluff from Phoenix, who overcame being French (ha ha) to create one of the best albums of last year. They're a far cry from Edith Piaf.

More >
Pheonix - North
2 months ago

Phoenix - North [mp3]I love instrumental tracks--when they're done right. I'm spinning It's Never Been Like That right now and am completely mesmerized. I love this band.BONUS:I was equally impressed by this track a couple of days ago:Yann Tierson - Au Dessous Du Volcan [mp3]this is the guy who did the Amelie soundtrack. Like Phoenix, he's also French and extremely musically gifted =)

More >
why do i like this band?
over 3 years ago

it's french pop music, it should be really bad but it isn't. instead it's really good.

More >
The end of the day
over 2 years ago
Blog post image preview

North.It doesn't sound like it'd come from an indie/pop band but Phoenix has made a wonderful instrumental song off their last album titled, "It's Never Been Like That."The song puts you in a great relaxed mood compared to the rest of the upbeat and catchy songs off the album. Take a listen and enjoy!

More >

Get Ringtones from Dada.net

Click to purchase…

Top It's Never Been Like That Listeners

© 2006-2009 Mog Inc. All Rights Reserved