Awash in the same Britpop romanticism of their debut Love Is Here, Starsailor's Silence Is Easy strains with the weight of the band's next-big-thing status. In response to the clamor anointing them as the next Verve or Coldplay, Starsailor try to meet the expectations with sheer weight of conviction. They even lured legendary producer Phil Spector out of retirement to boost their sound into new realms of lovelorn sincerity. Occasionally, it works; "Music Was Saved" opens with a burst of sunny, Echo and the Bunnymen-like pop, as singer James Walsh sweetly layers his delicate voice through a brisk, catchy chorus. Also impressive is the title track, thick with tender emoting and soaring melodies. Too often though, the band gets stuck in syrupy sentiment, like a cover band playing to the cheap seats. Ballads like "White Dove" try for melancholy allure, but come closer to maudlin excess while emphasizing Walsh's lack of dynamic range. This may not be the big "statement" record they tried for, but getting the attempt out of their system will hopefully allow them to relax and tap their considerable pop savvy in the future. --Matthew Cooke
Silence Is Easy,Starsailor,Capitol,Alternative Pop/Rock,Britpop,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop
Silence Is Easy [Enhanced] [Extra tracks]
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Silence Is Easy
Starsailor Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00015YVJK Release Date: 2004-01-27 |
Tracks:
- Music Was Saved
- Fidelity
- Some Of Us
- Silence Is Easy
- Telling Them
- Shark Food
- Bring My Love
- White Dove
- Four To The Floor
- Born Again
- Restless Heart
- At The End Of A Show (U.S. bonus track)
- She Understands (U.S. bonus track)
Amazon.com
Awash in the same Britpop romanticism of their debut Love Is Here, Starsailor's Silence Is Easy strains with the weight of the band's next-big-thing status. In response to the clamor anointing them as the next Verve or Coldplay, Starsailor try to meet the expectations with sheer weight of conviction. They even lured legendary producer Phil Spector out of retirement to boost their sound into new realms of lovelorn sincerity. Occasionally, it works; "Music Was Saved" opens with a burst of sunny, Echo and the Bunnymen-like pop, as singer James Walsh sweetly layers his delicate voice through a brisk, catchy chorus. Also impressive is the title track, thick with tender emoting and soaring melodies. Too often though, the band gets stuck in syrupy sentiment, like a cover band playing to the cheap seats. Ballads like "White Dove" try for melancholy allure, but come closer to maudlin excess while emphasizing Walsh's lack of dynamic range. This may not be the big "statement" record they tried for, but getting the attempt out of their system will hopefully allow them to relax and tap their considerable pop savvy in the future. --Matthew CookeCustomer Reviews:
Music Was Saved.......2006-12-26
"Music Was Saved"- a short, surprising up-tempo track that begins the album. This undoubtedly faster than anything on Love is Here.
"Some of Us"- A great song with a great chorus. The beginning the song sounds very similar to "She Just Wept" from Love is Here.
"Silence is Easy"- A great title track here. Another catchy chorus that sticks with you.
Other good tracks include "Telling Them", which contains some wonderful orchestrations and the melody is gripping. "Born Again" is another excellent track, especially the ending, which builds up into a very powerful piece of music, both musically and lyrically. "White Dove", "Four to the Floor", and "Restless Heart" are also very good.
But the album isn't without weak moments. The song "Fidelity" isn't that great, and again the intro sounds a lot like another song "Fever" from Love is Here. "Sharkfood", though it's good musically, the repetition of the lyrics over and over and over began to get annoying. Four, technically only three, lines of lyric is repeated 6 times, then four different lines are repeated 4 times to end the song. So the song itself has only 7 lines of lyric. The song "Bring My Love" is another weak track. Musically, it doesn't fit well with the others, and again the lyrics aren't the best. (By the way, I wish the band would start putting the lyrics in the CD booklet!!!) But the biggest problem with this album it's length....IT IS TOO SHORT!!!! Even with the two bonus tracks, the album's length is right at 50 minutes. Only 4 songs are over 4 minutes long, one of these being the US bonus track that wasn't on the album when it was first released in the UK. And there are 3 songs actually under 3 minutes. Many songs end way too early, just when you're getting into them. I understand that some songs should remain short, and sometimes lengthening a song can make it worse, but I don't think this is the case here. "Music Was Saved" is only 3 minutes. "Some of Us" is less than 4 minutes and ends abruptly without the repetition of the chorus. "Restless Heart", is a great love song, but is only 2 minutes.
I know it may sound that I'm being too critical about this album, but all in all, this album is great. However, I don't know if it matches Love is Here. I think the track selection of Love is Here is a bit stronger and the songs flow a bit easier. Nevertheless, this album is definitely a must have, and if you haven't purchased Love is Here, then a strongly recommend that album as well.
Underrated and overlooked sophomore album.......2005-06-26
"Silence Is Easy" (11 tracks, plus 2 bonus tracks, 47 min.) came out in 2004 and has largely been ignored in the US, regretably so. It is a better album that "Love Is Here", showing main song writer and lead vocalist James Walsh has matured. The album blasts off with "Music Was Saved", one of the better songs on the album. The other stand-out track is "Four To The Floor", an irresistable hum-along "disco" song that, say, George Michael wish he could make these days, just great. Also great is "Born Again", the next track. The album has 2 bonus tracks only available on the US edition, and they are good, although non essential.
The album is now also famous for having 2 tracks produced by Phil Spector (the title track, and "White Dove"), his last work before getting engulfed in the murder trial he's now facing. That aside, this album is a great listen all the way through, although it hasn't gotten the attention of US audiences... Starsailor is a band to be watched, for sure. Can't wait for what these guys will bring next!
One Step Forward; One Step Back.......2005-05-22
Whereas Love Is Here felt like it had shoddy production that couldn't capture the vibrant beauty and spirit of the songs, Silence Is Easy's vibrancy and spirit come from the skillful production and not necessarily the songs. This makes for a more listenable album than the last, I would have to admit. It holds your attention, just not for as long as a Starsailor album should I think. Love Is Here had me enthralled at their shows, but listening on my player left a pervasive emptiness.
Music Was Saved is a brilliant opener, Silence Is Easy is a noteworthy title track, and Four To The Floor would be my favorite if not for its dance remix feeling cooler than the original...
All in all, I feel this was a step in the right direction. I enjoy each and every song. And now I know they are capable of a studio album that does justice to the excellent songwriting of the band. I will just be keeping my fingers crossed that the next time around, the songwriting will be as inspired and excellent as Love Is Here, with the forcefulness and intensity of Silence Is Easy.
Music was saved.......2005-04-12
It kicks off on a positive note, with the dancey upbeat pop of "Music Was Saved," and follows up with the electric-violin sound of "Bring My Love," and the piano-thumping title track. It's fun when these guys break out the grittier instrumentation, giving an edge to their basic melodies. Call me weird, but I like the band dark and strange.
Unfortunately, about half the songs cross the line into... well, goopiness. Often the melodies are quite pretty, with ripply guitar and airy sound effects. But James Walsh seems to be trying to wring every ounce of possible angst from the songs. In a nutshell, he sounds melodramatic, wailing above the music that someone should, "Put away your doubt,/That would help us out,/Just be sure to call before you cry." Erg.
The basic pop instrumentation is nothing special, with some nice percussion and guitar, but not much to write home about. But Starsailor spices things up a little by adding in a handful of unique musical flourishes. One song opens with a harmonica over the guitar melody, and "Telling Them" climaxes with a truly exquisite, uplifting string solo.
Starsailor is, oddly enough, not at their best when they are upbeat and poppy, or even depressed and angsty. (No emo!) "Shark Food" is perhaps the best song of the album -- eerie pop melodies, and some deeply disturbing lyrics: "Sunshine in the glory skies, when the broken men open up their eyes... We're stepping through the door, we're shooting from the heart/But if we get it wrong, they'll feed us to the sharks." Walsh delivers them in a grave, almost stoned-sounding voice.
Starsailor gets mopey in their sophomore album "Silence Is Easy," but they have some standout songs that keep it from being a tearstained sobfest. If they follow the darker, grittier paths on here, then the boys will have it made.
Perfect In Every Way.......2004-12-26
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Silence Is Easy
Starsailor Manufacturer: EMI ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B0000AEKBA Release Date: 2003-09-15 |
Tracks:
- Music Was Saved
- Fidelity
- Some Of Us
- Silence Is Easy
- Telling Them
- Shark Food
- Bring My Love
- White Dove
- Four To The Floor
- Born Again
- Restless Heart
- Could You Be Mine
- At The End Of A Show
Album Details
EMI'S Other Great UK Hope to Conquer the Us Market Gets a Further Boost with their Sophomore Set of Tunes. Production Duties Are Handled by John Leckie and Danton Suppie, Save for Two Tracks Polished by Gun Totin' Uber-producer Phil Spector. Starsailor Benefit Greatly from his Influence and have Constructed a Second Set that Streches their Musical Vocabulary and Versatility with Songs that Showcase their Increased Proficiency at the Act of Practicing their Art.Customer Reviews:
Music was saved.......2005-04-19
It kicks off on a positive note, with the dancey upbeat pop of "Music Was Saved," and follows up with the electric-violin sound of "Bring My Love," and the piano-thumping title track. It's fun when these guys break out the grittier instrumentation, giving an edge to their basic melodies. Call me weird, but I like the band dark and strange.
Unfortunately, about half the songs cross the line into... well, goopiness. Often the melodies are quite pretty, with ripply guitar and airy sound effects. But James Walsh seems to be trying to wring every ounce of possible angst from the songs. In a nutshell, he sounds melodramatic, wailing above the music that someone should, "Put away your doubt,/That would help us out,/Just be sure to call before you cry." Erg.
The basic pop instrumentation is nothing special, with some nice percussion and guitar, but not much to write home about. But Starsailor spices things up a little by adding in a handful of unique musical flourishes. One song opens with a harmonica over the guitar melody, and "Telling Them" climaxes with a truly exquisite, uplifting string solo.
Starsailor is, oddly enough, not at their best when they are upbeat and poppy, or even depressed and angsty. (No emo!) "Shark Food" is perhaps the best song of the album -- eerie pop melodies, and some deeply disturbing lyrics: "Sunshine in the glory skies, when the broken men open up their eyes... We're stepping through the door, we're shooting from the heart/But if we get it wrong, they'll feed us to the sharks." Walsh delivers them in a grave, almost stoned-sounding voice.
Starsailor gets mopey in their sophomore album "Silence Is Easy," but they have some standout songs that keep it from being a tearstained sobfest. If they follow the darker, grittier paths on here, then the boys will have it made.
Overall disappointed.......2004-01-23
Dont listen to the knockers, this is what music is all about.......2004-01-10
Here we go again - Jeff Buckley........2003-12-10
Reminds me of an Ash concert I read about - where they asked the audience "hands up! Who hates Starsailor???"
I broke out laughing when I heard the ridiculous lyric "you don't even know me..." or the techno beat on Shark Food...
sad.
hope the boat doesnt sink.......2003-11-14
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Silence Is Easy
Starsailor Manufacturer: EMI ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B00076SHRA Release Date: 2004-01-01 |
Tracks:
- Music Was Saved
- Fidelity
- Some Of Us
- Silence Is Easy
- Telling Them
- Shark Food
- Bring My Love
- White Dove
- Four To The Floor
- Born Again
- Restless Heart
- Four To The Floor (Thin White Duke Mix)
- Four To The Floor (Soul Savers Mix)
- Poor Misguided Fool (Soul Savers Mix)
- Good Souls (Two Lone Swordsmen Mix)
- Good Souls (Echoboy Mix)
- Good Souls (Soul Savers Mix)
Album Description
Limited edition of the band's 2nd album from 2001 includes a bonus CD featuring 5 rare mixes - 'Four To the Floor' (Thin White Duke mix), 'Four To The Floor' (Soulsavers mix), 'Poor Misguided Fool' (Soulsavers remix), 'Good Souls' (Echoboy remix & Soulsavers remix). Delabel. 2005.Album Details
Limited Edition Coming with a Bonus CD featuring Six Rare Mixes.Customer Reviews:
Music was saved?.......2005-08-05
It kicks off on a positive note, with the dancey upbeat pop of "Music Was Saved," and follows up with the electric-violin sound of "Bring My Love," and the piano-thumping title track. It's fun when these guys break out the grittier instrumentation, giving an edge to their basic melodies. Call me weird, but I like the band dark and strange.
Unfortunately, about half the songs cross the line into... well, goopiness. Often the melodies are quite pretty, with ripply guitar and airy sound effects. But James Walsh seems to be trying to wring every ounce of possible angst from the songs. In a nutshell, he sounds melodramatic, wailing above the music that someone should, "Put away your doubt,/That would help us out,/Just be sure to call before you cry." Erg.
The basic pop instrumentation is nothing special, with some nice percussion and guitar, but not much to write home about. But Starsailor spices things up a little by adding in a handful of unique musical flourishes. One song opens with a harmonica over the guitar melody, and "Telling Them" climaxes with a truly exquisite, uplifting string solo.
Starsailor is, oddly enough, not at their best when they are upbeat and poppy, or even depressed and angsty. (No emo!) "Shark Food" is perhaps the best song of the album -- eerie pop melodies, and some deeply disturbing lyrics: "Sunshine in the glory skies, when the broken men open up their eyes... We're stepping through the door, we're shooting from the heart/But if we get it wrong, they'll feed us to the sharks." Walsh delivers them in a grave, almost stoned-sounding voice.
Starsailor gets mopey in their sophomore album "Silence Is Easy," but they have some standout songs that keep it from being a tearstained sobfest. If they follow the darker, grittier paths on here, then the boys will have it made.
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Silence Is Golden
Brian Poole Manufacturer: Prime Cuts ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000002V7Z Release Date: 1995-08-01 |
Tracks:
- Twist And Shout
- Do You Love Me?
- Someone, Someone
- Tonight
- Silence Is Golden
- Good Lovin'
- I Can Dance
- Candy Man
- House Party
- I Want Candy
- Moving On
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Silence Is Easy
Starsailor Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B0000BVLVH Release Date: 2003-09-23 |
Tracks:
- Music Was Saved
- Fidelity
- Some of Us
- Silence Is Easy
- Telling Them
- Shark Food
- Bring My Love
- White Dove
- Four to the Floor
- Born Again
- Restless Heart
Album Description
Taken from the sophomore album of the same name. The title track, produced by Phil Spector, is backed with two exclusive non-LP tracks, 'Could You Be Mine?' & 'She Understands'. EMI. 2003.Album Details
The First Single from Starsailor's Highly Anticipated Second Album is the Title Track Produced by Phil Spector.
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Silence Is Easy
Starsailor Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B0000ARLEU Release Date: 2003-10-21 |
Tracks:
- Music Was Saved
- Fidelity
- Some of Us
- Silence Is Easy
- Telling Them
- Shark Food
- Bring My Love
- White Dove
- Four to the Floor
- Born Again
- Restless Heart
Album Description
Second album from Chorley indie band follows 2001's 'Love Is Here'. A step on from the relatively one-dimensional sound of that album, this is much more diverse, with electronic beats & psychedelic electric guitars added to the mix. Featuring production work from the legendary Phil Spector & Radiohead producer John Leckie, it includes the lead single, which is also the title track. Copy Controlled. Capitol. 2003.
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Silence Is Easy
Starsailor Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B00018D5OO Release Date: 2004-01-13 |
Tracks:
- Music Was Saved
- Fidelity
- Some Of Us
- Silence Is Easy
- Telling Them
- Shark Food
- Bring My Love
- White Dove
- Four To The Floor
- Born Again
- Restless Heart
- Could You Be Mine
- At The End Of A Show
Average customer rating: |
Silence Is Easy
Starsailor Manufacturer: EMI ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000A2PC1A Release Date: 2003-10-21 |
Tracks:
- Music Was Saved
- Fidelity
- Some of Us
- Silence Is Easy
- Telling Them
- Shark Food
- Bring My Love
- White Dove
- Four to the Floor
- Born Again
- Restless Heart
Average customer rating: |
Best of Broadway
Manufacturer: Intersound Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B00000DUNW Release Date: 1996-03-04 |
Average customer rating: |
Silence Is Easy/Four on the Floor
Starsailor Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B0002I74M2 Release Date: 2004-09-07 |
Tracks:
- Music Was Saved
- Fidelity
- Some of Us
- Silence Is Easy
- Telling Them
- Shark Food
- Bring My Love
- White Dove
- Four to the Floor
- Born Again
- Restless Heart
- Four to the Floor
- Four to the Floor [Soulsaver Mix]
- Four to the Floor [Thin White Duke Mix]
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