Century Ends

Amazon.com
David Gray's sudden success, on the heels of White Ladder's much-deserved platinum sales, has suddenly created demand for his older work. Happily, this has resulted in the rerelease of his 1992 debut record, A Century Ends, along with its followup, Flesh, and a new compilation, The EP's 92-94. Despite the impact Century had upon its release, gaining Gray a devoted following that included more than a few influential admirers (after hearing Century, Joan Baez proclaimed him "the best lyricist since Dylan"), the record had gone largely unnoticed until Ladder finally hit the mark. Leading off with the stunning anthem "Shine," Gray indelicately chews on his earnest words with a thick Welsh accent, soaking up every syllable like a sip of fine wine. Throughout, the intensity and schmaltz-free poignancy of Gray's music can be heard in the hard-edged folk of songs like "Birds Without Wings," as a simple acoustic riff drives a growling, soaring vocal through its paces. Like most of his work pre-Ladder, Gray's approach here is sparser, often featuring only voice and guitar, and even more akin to the naked poetry of folk-music soulmates like Van Morrison. There are exceptions, as the up-tempo rocker "Wisdom" could easily fit on White Ladder if its earthy drum sound was leavened with a little more of that record's subtle electronica. Regardless of his arrangements, Gray's music can always be counted on to avoid easy sentimentality while still rending hearts and reaching for universality. --Matthew Cooke

Product Description
U.S. reissue of the 1993 debut album for the British adult alternative sensation who finally got the attention his music deserves with his 1999 album 'White Ladder'. Ten tracks on this CD, including his first single, 'Birds Without Wings'.

Century Ends,David Gray,Caroline,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

Century Ends

Average customer rating:

The First of Many Brillant Albums!!!!
Oh my! He did it again!
David 'SHINES'
Stunning, overlooked debut
Birds w/o wings

A Century Ends
David Gray
Manufacturer: Caroline
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Welsh Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Singer Songwriters | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Flesh
Lost Songs 95-98
A New Day at Midnight
White Ladder
Life In Slow Motion

ASIN: B00005KB4U
Release Date: 2001-07-10

Tracks:

Shine
A Century Ends
Debauchery
Let The Truth Sting
Gathering Dust
Wisdom
Lead Me Upstairs
Living Room
Birds Without Wings
It's All Over

Amazon.com

David Gray's sudden success, on the heels of White Ladder's much-deserved platinum sales, has suddenly created demand for his older work. Happily, this has resulted in the rerelease of his 1992 debut record, A Century Ends, along with its followup, Flesh, and a new compilation, The EP's 92-94. Despite the impact Century had upon its release, gaining Gray a devoted following that included more than a few influential admirers (after hearing Century, Joan Baez proclaimed him "the best lyricist since Dylan"), the record had gone largely unnoticed until Ladder finally hit the mark. Leading off with the stunning anthem "Shine," Gray indelicately chews on his earnest words with a thick Welsh accent, soaking up every syllable like a sip of fine wine. Throughout, the intensity and schmaltz-free poignancy of Gray's music can be heard in the hard-edged folk of songs like "Birds Without Wings," as a simple acoustic riff drives a growling, soaring vocal through its paces. Like most of his work pre-Ladder, Gray's approach here is sparser, often featuring only voice and guitar, and even more akin to the naked poetry of folk-music soulmates like Van Morrison. There are exceptions, as the up-tempo rocker "Wisdom" could easily fit on White Ladder if its earthy drum sound was leavened with a little more of that record's subtle electronica. Regardless of his arrangements, Gray's music can always be counted on to avoid easy sentimentality while still rending hearts and reaching for universality. --Matthew Cooke

Album Description

U.S. reissue of the 1993 debut album for the British adult alternative sensation who finally got the attention his music deserves with his 1999 album 'White Ladder'. Ten tracks on this CD, including his first single, 'Birds Without Wings'.

Customer Reviews:

The First of Many Brillant Albums!!!!.......2007-02-22

Like many, my first David Gray album was "White Ladder". When looking for anything I could find of his I came across this album. I remember being worried that the stuff before "White Ladder" may not be as good. I thought there had to be a reason he wasn't world known before that and it was probably because his first 3 albums were weaker. Boy was I wrong. It turns out it was because of sucky marketing on the record companies part. As a matter a fact, had there been any justice to the world, he would have been known and praised by the world from the first note of the first song from this first album. It's shocking how great and powerful this whole album is. While wonderfully raw, due to the fact that it's mostly Gray and his guitar dominating the songs, it never feels like his first attempt at an studio album. His writing is cryptic yet full of pictures and his guitar playing is perfectly powerful when need be and subtle other times. Every song is an anthem to be cherished and sung proudly. It shows how all you need for a great album is a fantastic songwriter who sings and plays with passion. Don't hesitate to rush and get this and all his albums. You'll be forever glad you did.

Oh my! He did it again!.......2005-10-01

Amazing. Gets better with repeated listenings. I recommend this CD to anyone who appreciates good songwriting, great melodies and a unique voice. I saw David Gray in concert a couple of years ago. The same quality you find on his recordings you find it live. Great perfomer.

David 'SHINES'.......2005-08-10

Anyone who's heard 'White Ladder' or 'A New Day At Midnight' knows that David Gray is a GREAT singer/songwriter with heartfelt lyrics and not an ounce of pretense. He sings, writes and plays and we know that he's a smart, insightful, humble person. However, not as many people have heard 'A Century Ends' which is a shame because it's definitely Gray's best album. It's truly heartfelt. There isn't a bad track on the album -- it's really a strong, strong debut. It's one of my favorite albums of all time and no adult alternative/folk/acoustic fan can go on listening to music without picking this album up first. If you don't believe me, listen -- the album speaks for itself!

Stunning, overlooked debut.......2004-12-01

If you (like me) were attracted to David Gray through "White Ladder," you most likely became interested in finding some of his other music. Luckily, "A Century Ends" doesn't disappoint, and even rivals the electronica-folk-pop sound of "Ladder." Gray's style is similar to Van Morrison and 60's/70's Dylan--he uses acoustic and electric guitars, along with piano and organ to rock out with a folky edge. The album's opener, "Shine" is a gorgeous breakup ballad in open tuning. Throughout, the album provides solid rockers with VERY poetic, beautiful, and meaningful lyrics. The title track rocks, and contains some great societal commentary, as does "Let the Truth Sting." Throughout, Gray sings with a youthfull passion sometimes less evident on his later works. "Gathering Dust" and "Birds Without Wings" are sublime ballads with very smart lyrics and excellent imagery. Gray's arrangements are all of similar style, but the album's overall cohesion is very strong and even. This record is recommended for a deep, emotional ride that will appeal to fans of Springsteen, Dylan and Van Morrison, and hopefully expand the horizons of fans of "White Ladder." Check it out!

Birds w/o wings.......2004-11-27

This dude broods. "Birds Without Wings" is the five star song -shows how far you can get just strumming. Glad he mellowed out, though. This CD is a young man's gray day.

Average customer rating:

A Quilter Compendium

Manufacturer: EMI Classics Imports
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000DB55C
Release Date: 2004-02-03

Average customer rating:

Very pleasing

All the Ends of the Earth

Manufacturer: Signum UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000CS3R50
Release Date: 2006-06-27

Customer Reviews:

Very pleasing.......2006-07-23

Very pleasing. I had heard no samples of this recording so the purchase was blind, but what a delight it turned out to be. It moves back and forth between traditional sacred music presented as pure tribute and such music used as a springboard to something modern. The end result yields both the comfort of the familiar and the excitement of the new. Worth a listen . . . and not just for those who consider themselves religious (I don't).