Ed Harcourt - From Every Sphere

  by Benjamin Howarth

published: 26 / 3 / 2003

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Review

After nearly two years, Ed Harcourt has finally followed up 'Here Be Monsters', one of the best albums of recent years. In the time since his last record was released, the Strokes and the White Stripes have taken over the music scene but that’s no reason why we can’t still celebrate a wonderfully gifted songwriter. Sadly, however, it seems that to many in the media Harcourt just isn’t hip anymore and 80'sr evivalism is the ‘thing’. Luckily, most music fans don’t really take the broadsheet newspapers music sections seriously, so I’m sure no one will object when I call this one of the most exciting albums of 2003 to date. 'Bittersweet' kicks off the record in fine style. It’s built around a delightful piano part, and is instantly memorable. It reminds you straight away of his last record but equally is clearly a progression. The single, 'All Of Your Days Will Be Blessed', is a pop classic. Harcourt may be a solo singer songwriter but he’s never been ashamed of going for a really big, warm sound and this is no exception. In a similar vein is 'The Birds Will Sing For Us', a beautiful song with some lovely piano playing and a great horn part. 'Ghost Writer' is a little more experimental, and takes a little while to get used to, but I’m sure you’ll love it after a few plays. This record proves that 'Here Be Monsters' was no fluke. I probably like it even more. It’s a bit more positive and I think some of the musicianship is more advanced. Harcourt is a witty, imaginative songwriter who can always produce something memorable. He is also a superb vocalist, with a great range and bags of emotion. 'From Every Sphere', like its predecessor, tackles a wide variety of musical styles – all with class. After two full lengths and a mini album, I can honestly say that I’ve only heard one disappointing track. Even that isn’t hopeless, and it’s not even on this record. Harcourt is a genius

Track Listing:-

1 Bittersweetheart
2 All Of Your Days Will Be...
3 Ghost Writer
4 The Birds Will Sing For Us
5 Sister Renee
6 Undertaker Strut
7 Bleed A River Deep
8 Jetsetter
9 Watching The Sun Come Up
10 Fireflies Take Flight
11 Metaphorically Yours
12 From Every Sphere

Label Links:-

http://www.heavenlyrecordings.com/
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https://www.youtube.com/user/HeavenlyR
http://heavenlyrecordings.com/emporium
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