I became a bit concerned lately hearing Elbow being bandied about in the same sentence as Coldplay. Can’t remember where I read it exactly and in what publications but there were several references to insipid craftsmanship and snotty noses. Oh no, I internally screamed, had Guy Garvey’s band of Mancs lost the plot and would ‘The Seldom Heard Kid’ be their assault on the Chris Martin adoring masses. I needn’t have worried because Elbow’s newbie is nothing of the sort. The album may be easier on the ear (in that it doesn’t take a dozen listens to make sense) than previous efforts but Elbow have lost none of their sense of epic mournfulness. In fact after a week in the company of ‘The Seldom Heard Kid’ I can confidently say that this is their best work since ‘Asleep At The Back’. So far I have picked up on at least 2 stone cold classics, the kiss like we’ve invented it romance of ‘Mirrorball’ and this heart breaker ‘The Loneliness Of A Tower Crane Driver’. Guy Garvey has a voice full of character and persuasion so like me you may find yourself being whisked away on a tidal wave of lost love. Masterful, a group to love, cherish and adore. KD
Elbow – The Loneliness Of A Tower Crane Driver
Watch The Video To Grounds For Divorce
More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Elbow
Year: 2008
i always hate the ‘sad bastard’ tag about them. Asleep in the back is brilliant not sure if this is quite yet there, although its better than the previous two
’twas in a lazily written piece by eamon de paor in this morning’s metro.
yeah, i saw it in one of the freesheet’s album reviews a while ago. coldplay? whatthafuck?! They were cracking in vicar street tonight too.
Yeah it was some performance, Guy Garvey is a brilliant frontman. His vocals during the crescendo of this song gave me the tingles.
that eamonn de paor pros and cons of the gig really pissed me off. the whole ‘do we need another chris martin?’ comment.
That’s like watching Podge and Rodge and asking ‘do we need another Bosco?’.