Forget the rampant labeling of Zero 7 as the "British Air," because Simple Things is a debut album that stands on its own as a chilled, subtle collection of organic songs. There are hints of Air, but there are equally relevant comparisons that might be made with Morcheeba, Rae & Christian, Nightmares on Wax, and early Massive Attack. Indeed, after Morcheeba's overproduced Fragments of Freedom and Rae & Christian's sloppy Sleepwalking, Simple Things picks up the slack in a rewarding manner. Simple Things might just be a gentle Cinderella, a kind stepsister to Massive Attack's dark masterpiece, Mezzanine. It's rare that a post-rip-hop album is so interesting and engrossing, but the duo of Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker mix a number of musical elements, such as soul-influenced diva vocals, gurgling and ringing keyboards, and classical string arrangements, into a relaxing, potent wave of sounds. Though the album starts to meander in its closing tracks, the first 50 minutes are cohesive, vibrant, and calming. Highlights are too numerous to call out, as the duo switches from instrumentals to songs featuring passionate, energized vocals from Mozez, Sia Furler, and Sophie Barker. All three vocalists mingle as perfect matches to the smart arrangements. Twinkling keyboards, barely-there basslines, and acoustic guitars create rolling melodies that never interfere with the task at hand, that of chiseling textured aural atmospheres. Simple Things is an accomplished slice of soulful genius that rewards frequent spins.
This is exactly the kind of song I can't stop listening. Usually, I don't listen that much to Zero 7 (I easily prefer Morcheeba, hehe) but I must admit that this song is really fascinating. This kind of lazy ejazz is really cool. I really wonder why they're not as genious as on this track on the rest of their albums.WELL. Just get stoned and listen to this.
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So last night was just one of those nights when everyone & everything around me was part of a conspiracy to keep me awake. With an elephant stomping flatmate across the hall from me pounding up and down the hallway at 3:30 in the a.m. to some drunk idiot yelling at someone at 5. I almost wanted him to start yelling, "Stella!" just so at least it'd be funny instead of downright annoying. Anyways...
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This is exactly the kind of song I can't stop listening. Usually, I don't listen that much to Zero 7 (I easily prefer Morcheeba, hehe) but I must admit that this song is really fascinating. This kind of lazy ejazz is really cool. I really wonder why they're not as genious as on this track on the rest of their albums.WELL. Just get stoned and listen to this.
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Some friends of mine recently tuned me into a song from the Garden state soundtrack. And it rocks. yes.
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Years ago I was rummaging through records at Rough Trade, basing impulse purchases on the template of beautiful artwork, I flicked to Zero 7’s “Simple Things”, picked it up and took it home. This was years after its 2001 release date, but it still sounded inspired, and refreshing compared to the dwindling state of electronic [...]Related posts:Thoughts for Tonight: Idlewild Idlewild always h
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 "Simple Things")
