Faces Down

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Anybody looking for a fitting successor to Scottish acoustic pop heroes Aztec Camera and Belle & Sebastian need look no further than, er, Norway. Like his Scandinavian peers in Kings of Convenience, Bergen wunderkind Sondre Lerche has taken the melodic six-string formula and given it new life on his debut. Guitars jangle, strings swell, and rhythms shuffle as the singer effortlessly conjures warmth and romance ("Pain and sorrow must come, if you go," he muses on "Virtue and Wine"). Despite his youthful appearance, Lerche has spent years perfecting his craft--he picked up his instrument at age 8 after falling for '80s Norwegian pop heartthrobs A-ha--and the experience more than shows in the excellent musicianship and arrangements of songs like "You Know So Well" and "Dead Passengers." A most promising start. --Aidin Vaziri --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Album Description
19-year-old Sondre Lerche is not your average teen idol. The latest musical export out of the burgeoning Norwegian scene, has already released two critically acclaimed European EP's and warmed up for Beth Orton live. Featuring string orchestrations by Sean O'Hagan of the High Llamas, Faces Down will appeal to indie kids and Triple A radio listeners alike. Includes the U.S. only bonus track 'Rosebud' along with the enhanced video to 'You Know So Well'. Astralwerks. 2002. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Tracks:

Airport Taxi Reception
The Tape
Say It All
Phantom Punch
Tragic Mirror
Face The Blood
John, Let Me Go
Well Well Well
After All
She's Fantastic
Happy Birthday Girl

Amazon.com

As with jazz-oriented departure Duper Sessions, Phantom Punch is a group effort. Sure, Norway's favorite son is still at the center of the action, but his fourth is billed as Sondre Lerche and the Faces Down. In other words, this isn't a singer/songwriter affair, but rather Lerche (vocals, guitar), Ole Ludvig Krüger (drums), Morten Skage (bass, percussion), and Kato Ådland (guitar, keyboards) on power-pop pills. (Inara George from the Bird and the Bee contributes backing vocals.) While the album isn't a complete change of pace, it does represent a shift into slightly harder-edged territory. Like shoes that haven't been broken in yet, the results are mostly successful (they look sharp, but pinch a bit). Lerche has never denied a debt to tour mate Elvis Costello, but now he's sounding a little like Costello's pals in Squeeze, surely one of the most tuneful acts to emerge from the new wave era. If Phantom Punch has a flaw, it's that Lerche's hooks aren't as pointed as they could be, a problem with his work since auspicious debut Faces Down. Granted, it isn't a major matter, and beautifully sung numbers like "Say It All" and "John, Let Me Go" are among his best. But he hasn't yet drafted a ditty as memorable as, say, "Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)," and there's no doubt he's got the talent to do it. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Customer Reviews:

Wow, I guess I'm the loner here..........2007-07-02

...but I hate this CD! I love Sondre's first two CDs because the words and the instrumentation were so unusual and interesting. I do enjoy the Sessions Jazz CD, so it's not like I hate change and experimentation. But I think I'm disappointed because the change in sound is SO drastic that it sounds nothing like him. Instead it sounds like something any guitar-driven band could do.

I wish someone would have warned me (more bluntly I guess) that just because I liked his previous work does not mean I'll like this one.

Everything Sondre.......2007-06-27

Being a musician, a DJ, and a music critic, I've had a chance to hear Sondre's previous work. He went from pure singer-songwriter, to jazz musician, to now rocker. This record, "Phantom Punch", seems to combine all of these elements into one. At times, he even seems to go back to an earlier time of catchy guitar riffs and a definite connection between musicians. I'm sure we have that now, but listen to "John Let Me Go" and you'll hear exactly what I mean. For a more stripped back feel, reminiscent of Sondre's first CD years ago, check out "Tragic Mirror". The first song I heard from this record was his single "Phantom Punch", which still stands out in my mind as perfection.

If you have ever been a fan of Sondre Lerche, buy this album. If you have never heard him, listen, and then buy this album.

Sondre All Grown Up.......2007-03-10

Sondre Lerche's fourth LP release is a refreshing departure from his earlier work: it's more frenetic and upbeat, experimenting with Latin American-flavored twists and yet still maintaining a definitively "indie rock" label, more so than the sweet-sounding pop melodies of Two Way Monologue and Faces Down (and obviously more so than the jazzy Duper Sessions). There is a revitalizing energy to Phantom Punch that assures the listener that Sondre refuses to box himself into any one category, always experimenting with different types of music without losing that distinctive and wholly original appeal.

"Airport Taxi Reception," "The Tape," "Phantom Punch," and "Face the Blood" are the songs that will get fans tapping their feet and heads along with some truly ear-catching hooks and Franz Ferdinand-inspired riffs. "Say It All," "Tragic Mirror," "Well Well Well," and "After All" are more representative of classic Sondre, and yet there is an air of maturity there that has replaced the sweet but naively innocent impression of earlier albums.

Hardcore fans will recognize the third incarnation of former B-Side "John, Let Me Go" that has cropped up on several EPs over the years in both acoustic and electric form. This time, it's even more pumped up, with a longer, more energized bridge that incorporates some great harmonica work.

Suffice to say, if you're a Sondre fan, you will adore this album as always. If you're new to Sondre, this album is far more mainstream-geared than any prior album and is an excellent introduction into the the ouvre of this phenomenally talented singer and songwriter.

Phantom Punch.......2007-02-21

Sondre's fourth album "Phantom Punch" is just that: punchy. It's way more upbeat and frenetic and LOUD than his previous work. It's especially LOUDER than the superb Duper Sessions, which I absolutely loved.

His softer singer/songwriter style that was on display in his first two albums still shines through on a few tracks. Thankfully, his very distinct voice is there throughout.

But, be warned, this is a bit of a departure from his previous efforts. That said, it's still way better than 90% of the other CD's you could be buying. I'm not a fan of the louder Sondre, but it grows on me with each repeat listening. He's still a superb, relatively unknown, artist.

Sondre Lerche really rocks out on this album!!.......2007-02-20

All I have to say is that this album was amazing. Completley different from anything he has done in his past albums. Loved the title song out of all. If you want to hear another side of Sondre then this is it!!!

Average customer rating:

Great CD
Sondre Strikes Gold Again
Norway Cool
Effortlessly flabbergasting
Simply one of the greatest artists out there today - a Norwegian wonder!!!

Duper Sessions
Sondre Lerche and the Faces Down Quartet
Manufacturer: Astralwerks
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Chamber Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Phantom Punch
Faces Down
Two Way Monologue
Don't Be Shallow
Subtitulo

ASIN: B000EHT5IW
Release Date: 2006-03-21

Tracks:

Everyone's Rooting For You
Minor Detail
Across The Land
The Curse Of Being In Love
Dead End Mystery
Night And Day
Once In A While
Human Hands
You Knocked Me Off My Feet
I Wanna Call It Love
Nightingales
I'm Not From Here
You Sure Look Swell

Amazon.com

An extremely young Norwegian-born singer-songwriter-guitarist-bandleader, Lerche has already exhibited a remarkably strong flair for sophisticated pop composition and a talent for witty lyrics. But by moving his previous preference for judiciously applied jazz inflections into the forefront, making the condiment into the main course, so to speak, he risks stepping into some awfully big shoes. His pleasantly reedy tenor voice sometimes surprises with distant, disembodied echoes of Mel Tormé or even a Chet Baker-esque croon around the edges and his aplomb as an instrumentalist remains notable. However, even though jazz is no longer strictly about geography, like many artists who did not grow up within the roots system, Lerche seems to approaching it from the outside in. Even so, the band is tight and despite a prevailing rhythmic stiffness, there is clearly a wryly playful musical intellect at work here. Maybe all Lerche really needs is time. Seasoning comes when it will and despite his many gifts, he simply hasn't yet lived nearly long or hard enough to adequately interpret a Cole Porter tune like "Night And Day." --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

Great CD.......2006-11-06

This is a great CD, excellent "easy listening" (in a good way) jazz-pop music. A great work by Sondre Lerche. I am looking forward to his next CD.

Sondre Strikes Gold Again .......2006-03-31

Having been a huge fan of Sondre Lerche's previous two LPs, I was admittedly a little skeptical when I heard that he was taking his music in a slightly different direction. However, after listening to Duper Sessions, I could not be more pleased with his new venture into jazz territory.

"Minor Detail" is simply one of the finest songs he has recorded. But what might be most interesting about this recording is that it may also be his most upbeat to date. There are plenty of uptempo songs including "The Curse of Being in Love," "Everyone's Rooting for You," and "Human Hands" that help give the CD its breezy tone.

I am in complete agreement with the prior reviewer that claimed Sondre is one of the most prolific artists of his generation. Yet, currently he may also be one of the most underappreciated artists as well. However, as long as he keeps turning out wonderful recordings like Duper Sessions, he shouldn't stay underappreciated for long.

Norway Cool.......2006-03-30

Sondre Lerche's "Duper Sessions" is theeee coolest thing to come out of Norway since Kings of Convenience!

I was a fan of Sondre's first two albums, which were more traditional singer/songwriter/folky rock. This one though is straight-up jazz vocals.

The music swings nicely. The backing band is very "cool". This album has Euro-Hipster written all over it. It sounds like it could have been recorded during the 1960's hipster craze, but without ever being cheesey.

It is difficult to write new, modern jazz songs in the Singer/Standards format. Sondre wrote all but two of the songs, and they are all quite good. There are a couple songs that I found a little slow/dull, but nearly everything else is great.

I am sure Sondre's old fans will still like this "new" sound. I'm sure he'll make some new fans too with the Duper Sessions. Do NOT sleep on this album. Highly recommended.

Effortlessly flabbergasting.......2006-03-26

Many have called Norwegian musician Sondre Lerche's past albums, "Faces Down" and "Two Way Monologue", 'Jazz-inflected Pop'. So it is that they should be crooning his latest effort as 'Pop-inflected Jazz'.
Lerche is known for his playfully melancholic tunes and lyrics. On most of the tracks for "Duper Sessions" the lad pretty much strips away the melancholy and dives deep down into the playful . And OH! what a breezy ride it is...

The opening track "Everyone's Rooting For You" comes in with such a confidence and will with it's giddy piano and twanging bass, giving you an grand overview of what's in store; An album full of love and life.
"(I Wanna)Call It Love" is a joyous, yet honest and realistic declaration, while "You Sure Look Swell" sounds exactly like something teens would slow-dance to back in 1958.

Lerche, along with pianist Erik Halvorsen, guitarist Kato Adland, bassist Morten Skage and drummer Ole Kruger, has created ten delightful and slightly philosophical tunes that digest easily and are just itching to be replayed.
In addition there are four grand cover tunes; Cole Porter's "Night And Day" (A Lerche live favorite) Elvis Costello's "Human Hands", Paddy McAloon's "Nightengales" and a hidden track entitled "Lulu-vise", which is supposedly a Norwegian children song from the 80's. This last one is a quick fun gem where Lerche sings in his native Norwegian (Which almost sounds like skit- scatting) something he has never done before.

"Duper Sessions" proves, once again, that Sondre Lerche is one of the greatest musicians working in the field today. And one of the busiest... look for a fourth, more rockin' record to be released later this year.

Simply one of the greatest artists out there today - a Norwegian wonder!!!.......2006-03-24

Sondre Lerche continues to amaze with each new release. This CD takes the jazzy tone of his previous two full-length albums to an extreme - and it tops them both.
The CD cover, designed to look something like an old Blue Note album, gives a strong indication what you are getting into before you even hear the first note.
The jumpy piano intro to "Everyone's Rooting For You" sets the jazzy tone of the album from the start, and after that you in for quite a pleasant ride. "Minor Detail" contains some great word play, and "You Sure Look Swell" sounds like a song that's been around for years.
Those who have seen Lerche in concert before have probably already heard him perform Cole Porter's "Night and Day." This version is quite similar to his live version. It's great to finally have this on record.
Lerche frequently talks about how much both Elvis Costello and Steely Dan have influenced his music, and their influence is quite obvious on this album. (As well as his other two full-lenght records) One key difference is that Lerche's work is never quite as dark as either Costello or Steely Dan - and he does this without sounding cheesy or daft, which is probably one of the hardest tricks to pull of in music.
And given his output so far - an album in 2002, an E.P. in 2003, an album in 2004, a jazz album already this year, and a rock record to follow soon, Lerche is quickly becoming one of the most prolific artists of his generation - something he shares with Costello. (Not to mention the versatility in style they also share)

Average customer rating:

Them Faces Puttem Down
F.O.D.
Manufacturer: Boomin
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

House | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000008PFX
Release Date: 1995-05-30

Carole Bogard: A Collection of American Songs

Average customer rating:

beautiful songs
A flawless and fascinating recital

Carole Bogard: A Collection of American Songs

Manufacturer: Parnassus
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Just-Spring: Art Songs of John Duke
But Yesterday Is Not Today-The American Art Song 1927-1972

ASIN: B00005LPYJ
Release Date: 2001-06-26

Customer Reviews:

beautiful songs.......2007-05-09

A welcome reissue in CD format from old LP's of Carpenters compositions : song cycles of very well known lyrics. Particularly fascinating are the renderings of poems from "Gitanjali", a collection of poems by Rabindranath Tagore in English translated from original Bengali; a work that got Nobel prize in 1913 (Not the Pullitzer prize as mentioned in th accompanying text). The songs on lyrics/poems by other poets, all americans are just as beautiful. Well done.

A flawless and fascinating recital.......2005-04-14

This 2-CD set by soprano Carole Bogard is an absolute must-have for lovers of American songs, song recitals in general, or great singing. Culled from three long-out-of-print LPs and some performance tapes recorded for broadcast in Europe, it includes songs by Carpenter, Flanagan, Copland, Rorem, and the little-known Richard Cumming and John Woods Duke. And yet, there is not a single weak track on the entire set. Every song is interesting (something that cannot be said for many similar recitals recorded today), and each and every song is performed with musical acuity and an attention to words.

Particularly interesting, to me, were the songs by John Alden Carpenter. Largely neglected by modern singers and scholars, Carpenter wrote what many feel is the most successful fusion of classical music with jazz, the ballet tone-poem "Skyscrapers." It had the misfortune to premiere in 1924, the same year as Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue"; but whereas "Rhapsody" was more of a pastiche, "Skyscrapers" blends the jazz and classical aspects flawlessly, producing an exciting and well-crafted work that deserves a wider audience.

The Carpenter songs presented here are not jazzy, but they do reveal a greater depth of feeling and originality in construction than one hears nowadays from the songs of Andre Previn or Jake Heggie. And the other pieces are equally excellent.

I highly recommend this album, especially for Sunday afternoon or summertime listening...between the excellence of the songs and the excellence of Bogard's singing, you just melt into the music and become one with the warm, intimate feeling that this recital engenders.

Average customer rating:

A diamond in the rough!

Back into the Mainstream

Manufacturer: Crystal Disc Music Publishing
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Contemporary Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00006JSMM
Release Date: 2002-09-01

Tracks:

Back into the mainstream
Octave Jam
Springtime in Anzo-Borrego
The battle of seven suns
It's so natural
Crackling congas
Firefall at Glacier Point
The pirate from Anacortez
Going nowhere fast
Warm jazz at sunrise
The moons of Antares
Slumbering samba
Life in the comfort zone

Album Description

An eclectic mix of contemporary jazz and modern rock by songwriter/guitarist, Rick Hanson.

Customer Reviews:

A diamond in the rough!.......2002-10-01

Back into the mainstream is one of the best indie CD's I have heard this year. Definitly a diamond in the rough!

Rockin' Down the Highway -36 Classic Rock Hits

Average customer rating:

Rockin' Down the Highway -36 Classic Rock Hits
Various artists
Manufacturer: COLUMBIA HOUSE
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000LSJ7AU

Product Description

TRACKS: DISC ONE 1. HOT BLOODED - FOREIGNER 2. BANG A GONG (GET IT ON) T. REX 3. SMOKE ON THE WATER - DEEP PURPLE 4. SCHOOLS OUT - ALICE COOPER 5. 25 OR 6 TO 4 - CHICAGO 6. TRUCKIN' - GRATEFUL DEAD 7. STAY WITH ME - FACES 8. KARIN EVIL 9/1ST IMPRESSION, PT. 2 EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER 9. ROUNDABOUT - YES 10. LONG TRAIN RUNNIN - DOOBIE BROTHERS 11. RIDE CAPTAIN RIDE - BLUES IMAGE 12. CAN'T GET ENOUGH - BAD COMPANY DISC 2: 1. I WANNA BE SEDATED - THE RAMONES 2. WHIP IT - DEVO 3. LOVE SHACK - THE B'52'S 4. BACK ON THE CHAIN GANG - PRETENDERS 5. LA BAMBA - LOS LOBOS 6. WHAT YOU NEED - INXS 7. MEDLEY: JUST A GIGOLO / I AIN'T GOT NOBODY - DAVID LEE ROTH 8. MY BEST FRIENDS GIRL - THE CARS 9. KEEP YOUR HANDS TO YOURSELF- GEORGIA SATELLITES 10. THAT'LL BE THE DAY - LINDA RONSTADT 11. RIDE LIKE THE WIND - CHRISTOPHER CROSS 12. SOUL MAN - THE BLUES BROTHERS DISC 3: 1. RADAR LOVE - GOLDEN EARRING 2. RAMBLIN MAN - THE ALLMAN BROTHERS 3. ALL RIGHT NOW - FREE 4. SATURDAY NIGHTS ALRIGHT FOR FIGHTING - ELTON JOHN 5. ROCKY MOUNTAIN WAY - JOE WALSH 6. I'M JUST A SINGER (IN A ROCK & ROLL BAND - MOODY BLUES 7. TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS - BTO 8. IN A BIG COUNTRY - BIG COUNTRY 9. BAD CASE OF LOVING YOU (DOCTOR, DOCTOR) - ROBERT PALMER 10. WILD THING - THE TROGGS 11. THE LETTER - JOE COCKER 12. FREEBIRD - LYNYRD SKYNYRD

Average customer rating:

Faces Down (+ Bonus DVD)
Sondre Lerche
Manufacturer: EMI Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Chamber Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00006G9ZC
Release Date: 2004-04-27

Tracks:

Dead Passengers
You Know So Well
Sleep On Needles
Suffused With Love
Side Two
Modern Nature
Virtue And Wine
On And Off Again
No One's Gonna Come
All Luck Ran Out
Things You Call Fate

Average customer rating:

Faces Down
Sondre Lerche
Manufacturer: EMI Japan
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Chamber Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00008KL4T
Release Date: 2003-04-07

Tracks:

Dead Passengers
You Know So Well
Sleep on Needles
Suffused with Love
Side Two
Modern Nature
Virtue & Wine
On & Off Again
No One's Gonna Come
All Luck Ran Out
Things You Call Fate
Don't Be Shallow

Album Details

Japanese Version featuring a Bonus Track: "Don't Be Shallow".

Average customer rating:

Attention: personality and talent in sight

Faces Down
Sondre Lerche
Manufacturer: Virgin
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00005ULSQ
Release Date: 2002-07-29

Tracks:

Dead Passengers
You Know So Well
Sleep On Needles
Suffused With Love
Side Two
Modern Nature
Virtue And Wine
On And Off Again
No One's Gonna Come
All Luck Ran Out
Things You Call Fate

Customer Reviews:

Attention: personality and talent in sight.......2002-09-05

Sondre Lerche was only 16 when he wrote these 11 songs. It should not mislead you: this is not another 'teen musician' TRL likes so much. The result is surprisingly mature. If you like guys who write good folk-rock guitar melodies and care about their lyrics, this one is for you. Mix Bruce Springsteen, Toploader and Pete Yorn with Prefab Sprout (Sondre worships Paddy McAloon) for the music and Beck for the voice and you will get a rough idea. Frode Unneland on drums, Jørgen Træen at keyboards and programming and Morten Skage on bass (among other musicians) are all doing an excellent job backing up Sondre on this project.

The evident singles "Dead Passengers" and "Sleep on needles" have gotten regular airplay on Belgian alternative rock radios. "Suffused with love" is a great mid-tempo ballad with ghost synth and guitars. "Side Two" is totally acoustic with just guitar and vocals. On the fresh upbeat "Modern Nature", Sondre shares vocals with Lilian Samdal, the feminine touch bringing variety. The drums solo 'tap dancing noise' imitation in the middle of the song gives a humorous feel to the ensemble. "Virtue and wine" starts slowly with piano and strings to turn into a rocky tune. The pace changes inside of this song show the mastery of this young man in writing melodies. I also like a lot "All luck ran out" quick rock pace. "You know so well", "On and off again" and the excellent (9:25 long) "Things you call fate" complete this first album.