Beth Orton - Daybreaker

by Anthony Strutt

published: 8 / 8 / 2002

Label: Heavenly Recordings
Format: CD

intro

Spectacular third offering in folkish vein from the much acclaimed Beth Orton, which proves to be an improvement even on her two already classic previous albums, 'Trailer Park' and 'Central Reservation'

'Daybreaker' is Beth Orton's third album. Normally the third album is the awkward one, but right from the first few notes of its opener 'Paris Train' to its finish 'Daybreaker' is a joy and can chill me out, no matter whatever foul mood the day has put me in. There's not many albums that can do that for me these days. Also, if you're an intelligent guy, how can you not fancy Beth ? She is gorgeous. 'Daybreaker' sees her really improving on the brilliant ''Trailer Park' and 'Central Reservation', both of which are classics all the way through. This album features duets with both Joni Mitchell on 'Good Song' and Ryan Adams on the EP track "Concrete Sky', while a number of the other tracks were co-written with the ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr. Whereas before the tracks were either folk based or dance based, "Daybreaker' is more in the folk vein. On it Beth has really found her voice, using natural instrumentals rather than dance beats to tell her little tales to us, these tales are more orchestrated, more beautifully arranged and while before they may have gone off into a dance groove, they now have more of a non fois funky feel to them. Tracks like 'This One is Gonna Bruise' almost rip me apart. This album proves she is definitely one of England's greatest in depth and most forward thinking songwriters. I first saw Beth before she had a band back in '96 and have met her a number of times over the years. She is really lovely and bubbly. I have even been cheeky and kissed a few times on the cheek. If only I had had the guts to ask her out, I'd be the happiest bloke alive, but for now I'm content to listen to 'Daybreaker'. Beth tours in October

Track Listing:-

1 Paris Train
2 Concrete Sky
3 Mount Washington
4 Anywhere
5 Daybreaker
6 Carmella
7 God Song
8 This One's Gonna Bruise
9 Ted's Waltz
10 Thinking About Tomorrow

Band Links:-

https://twitter.com/beth_orton
https://www.facebook.com/BethOrtonOfficial/
http://www.bethortonofficial.com/
http://www.songkick.com/artists/308960-beth-orton
https://www.instagram.com/bethorton/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xWOwA9yoRanf8fDsNT_YA

Label Links:-

http://www.heavenlyrecordings.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HeavenlyRecordings
https://twitter.com/heavenlyrecs
https://www.youtube.com/user/HeavenlyRecordings
http://heavenlyrecordings.com/emporium/
https://plus.google.com/112376981607361996973

Have a Listen:-

live reviews

London Electric Ballroom, 9/7/2002

English singer-songwriter Beth Orton is back with both a new band and an accclaimed new album 'Daybreaker' . Long term fan Anthony Strutt finds her to be on powerful form at a show at London's Electric Ballroom

favourite album

Central Reservation (2014)

In our 'Re:View' section, in which our writers look back at albums from the past, Anthony Strutt reflects on English singer-songwriter Beth Orton's 1999 album 'Central Reservation', which has just been re-released in a new double CD edition

Trailer Park (2009)

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