Scottish quartet Idlewild first gained recognition with their first mini-EP "Captain" in 1997, pounding out raw garage-punk tracks behind the slightly strange vocals of Roddy Woomble. But the recorded material was over-shadowed by their erratic and violent live performances, which generally included some classic-guitar smashing and stage-falling. The release of this second album however marked a large musical and lyrical advancement for the band, and although bringing a completely different sound, they were yet another band to be heralded as the new Radiohead.
A Little Discourage
Great opening track. Begins with a slightly awkward guitar riff which leads into an ever-changing and moreish verse, eventually paving the way for a more punk influenced chorus. Mix all these elements together and you have one of the best tracks on the album. Punk with piano, who am i to argue?
4.8/5
I Don't Have The Map
Another guitar intro, joined a few bars later by a beautifully complimenting bass and drum beat. This continues through most of the verse without even touching on the tedious. The intensity builds, leading into a screaming chorus.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Roddy Woomble
You can't cope without the contact
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Although not one of my favourites from the album, this track has a habit of becoming incredibly memorable if listened to enough.
4.5/10
These Wooden Ideas
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Roddy Woomble
It's a better way to feel, don't be real be post-modern
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Leading smoothly in from the previous song, the opening line flips you straight into one of my personal favourites of the album. Although the use of the keyboard in the verse is questionable, it redeems itself by bringing yet another powerful chorus to life. The bridge of this song is gorgeous, a descending guitar enhanced by a perfectly appropriate bass line.
4.9/5
Roseability
This track has become a semi-cult classic between british indie-kids, and quite rightly so. Here Roddy shows off the potential of his simple yet emotionally rich lyrics
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Roddy Wooble
Stop looking through scrap-books and photographs albums
Because i know that they can't teach you what you don't already know
You've always been dissatisfied
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If there's one thing that Idlewild have misjudged on this album, it's the repetitive structure of their songs, but this one helps to clarify each piece of music from the next. Another personal favourite (and if you're an Indie DJ this track always goes down well)
5/5
Idea Track
Unfortunately, this song brought Idlewild back to the scream based vocals of previous album "Hope Is Important", and while that may have worked with the more punky feel of that record, it does little amid the more timid vocals of 100BW. However, Idea Track does become more impressive towards the end, finishing off rather strangely with a quivering violin and whispered vocals.
3/5
Let Me Sleep (Next To The The Mirror)
One more Idlewild anthem which makes this album so great and probably the most accomplished piece lyrically. This is truly a beautiful song with a heart-pounding chorus. Go listen.
4.8/5
Listen To What You've Got
Another return to punk for the band. Another disappointing track. The lyrics seem bland
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Roddy Woomble
Listen to what you've got, and then you'll realise that it's nothing
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and the music overly distorted. But if that's your cup of tea, you may well like it.
3.4/5
Actually It's Darkness
A track that shows Idlewild at what they do best. A drum beat that has even the soulless tapping their assorted limbs, brought to life by another fractured yet tuneful guitar riff sliding smoothly into a chorus line repeated in Roddy's best screaming voice. Second time round this falls gracefully to make way for a quaint little piano bridge, only to blast back into that awesome chorus once more. If you don't like this first time, listen until you do.
5/5
Rusty
The last of the 3 punk-type tracks of the album. Begins as a tribute to some misplaced 80s keyboard lines, a blur of fast paced guitaring, followed by a more jagged attack of power chords. Perhaps a little too distorted, but still a fairly enjoyable listen.
3.6/10
Mistake Pageant
Since the first time i heard this it's stuck in my mind. The whole idea behind the lyrics has captured me, and combined with an all round great chorus it's difficult for me to flaw this song. Maybe some of the lines are a little cheesy
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Roddy Woomble
It's vain, or is it just fame
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overall a killer track.
4.9/5
Quiet Crown
At this point in the album the band start to bring in the "touching" songs and wrap up the record quite calmly. Roddy's vocals seem sweeter, although he never manages to reach soothing. It does it's job, and follows a similar structure to the rest of the album, although the backing vocal's seem to play a more important part than in previous tracks. A good song, but it doesn't stand out as much as others.
4.4/5
The Bronze Medal
Begins with a slightly haunting guitar, maybe too much reverb, but nevertheless accompanied with Roddy's voice makes a calm yet effective intro. Then come the lines
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Roddy Woomble
You said you felt weak
I hope it's got nothing to do with the things you told me
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From here on the song becomes a masterpiece, and a wonderful way to call an end to the album. Everything seems touching, the drums, the vocals, the piano, the backing vocals... hell even the tambourine-type percussion threatens to bring a tear to the eye.
5/5
And so it ends. After this Idlewild released their more recognised album 'The Remote Part', which holds some great tracks but never manages to reach the quality of this record. Since the departure of bassist Mad Bob (who held most of the punk influence over the bad) shortly after the release of their latest record due to "artistic differences", their successful blend of Pop-Punk-Rock is not likely to be seen on their future releases. But, we can live and hope...
FINAL VERDICT =
4.8/5
RECOMMENDED DOWNLOADS
Roseability
Actually It's Darkness
These Wooden Ideas
The Bronze Medal
and if you like them, buy the album :)
