Tindersticks - The Something Rain

by Anthony Strutt

published: 27 / 1 / 2012

Label: Lucky Dog
Format: CD

intro

Fine latest album from the much acclaimed Tindersticks, which proves to be slight departure from their usual sound

Tindersticks remain as beautiful as ever, even if there are only three of them -Stu Staples (vocals), David Boulting (organ and accordion) and Neil Fraser (guitar)-left in the band. 'The Something Rain' is a fine album, and a slight departure from their usual sound. It won't shock you musically, but lyrically the first track 'Chocolate' might. It is beautifully delivered by David Boulting, and is sung not spoken, a lush-sounding tale of youthful living, bedsit land, drinking, talking, copping off and mistakes made. 'Show Me Everything' returns the vocals back to Stu and has a 70's funk to it. It is still class Tindersticks, but with added female vocals and an edgy guitar which cuts right deep into the track. 'This Fire of Autumn' has a late 60's feel, and, again featuring female vocal backing, is somewhat faster than usual for Tindersticks. Elegant drums and organ are the main features on this number which has a European feel. 'A Night So Still' is gentler, a song to rock you to sleep. 'Slippin' Shoes' has a swing to it. I adore Stu's vocal range. It has the feel of a well-lived life, of hard times and cigarettes, and he always tells a good story. If should you meet him, he tells a funny story too. This track finds Tindersticks in cinematic form, which they are now very good at. 'Medicine' is a heartbreaker, and, reminiscent of Leonard Cohen, softly played, but with a real understanding of sadness. 'Frozen' has 70's funk in its mix, and mean strings, brass and moody bass give it a dark jazz-like flavour. 'Come Inside' is slow and gentle, well paced, with almost a 1970's flow to it. 'Goodbye Joe' ends the album and - a good bookend to the album - is a very short instrumental in true Tindersticks style. An excellent album.

Track Listing:-

1 Chocolate
2 Show Me Everything
3 This Fire of Autumn
4 A Night So Still
5 Slippin' Shoes
6 Medicine
7 Frozen
8 Come Inside
9 Goodbye Joe

Band Links:-

http://www.tindersticks.co.uk/splash/
https://www.facebook.com/tindersticksofficial
https://twitter.com/tindersticksuk
https://www.instagram.com/tindersticksuk/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwGYoenA1_EIOx5B9SGt3SA

interviews

Interview (2008)

Melancholicists Tindersticks are returning in April with their first new studio album in five years, 'The Hungry Saw'. Anthony Strutt speaks to frontman Stuart Staples about it and why the band stripped down from a six piece to a three piece for its making

live reviews

Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 2/5/2016

Dixie Ernill at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester watches Nottingham-based alternative rockers Tindersticks play a stunning two set gig, one of consisting old material and one of their entire latest album 'The Waiting Room', which comes accompanied by a short film for each song

Shepherds Bush Empire, London, 25/3/2010

Hoxton Bar and Kitchen, London, 9/3/2010

Bridgewater Hall,Manchester, 4/10/2008

Royal Festival Hall, London, 3/5/2008

London Blackheath Halls