TRC Minireview: Elbow- The Seldom Seen Kid

It was during the preview to the new Batman movie (yes, it's an amazing movie) that I realized that I loved this album. Hearing the album's chic lead single "Grounds for Divorce" on movie theater speakers was a cathartic experience. For an unusual, pensive, and often times arcane sounding band, the song's attitude and cool-factor are really striking. Reminding me of the sonics of my favorite Elbow song, "Leaders of the Free World," it is the type of song that really makes you want to never drink alcohol again.

Exactly four months to the day of its release I think I am now ready to comment on The Seldom Seen Kid. I must admit, (purely by accident) I have been listening to this record somewhat seldom. I acquired it soon after its release and have listened to it about once a week ever since. Earlier this month, I listened to it again, and I started asking myself why the hell I didn't listen to it more often. As Guy Garvey candidly takes us on an existential journey touching upon familiar subjects like alcohol, sex, and death in a way that makes it sound like he's the first singer to ever discuss them. This is obviously not a love at first listen album, but it has leisurely strolled into this year's top ten.

TRC Minireview rating: 8.1

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