From Every Sphere [Enhanced]

Amazon.com
The biggest problem with being a prodigy is that, eventually, your talent stops being mentioned in relationship to your tender age, and your work is judged purely against that of your peers. Or, in the case of prolific young romantic like Ed Harcourt, that of the masters you seek to emulate. By the time he was 23, he’d already earned a prestigious Mercury Prize nomination for his major-label debut, Here Be Monsters, and a reputation for writing songs faster than Ryan Adams (over 300 and counting at the time). Released three years after this initial adulatory wave, From Every Sphere opens with a gorgeous slice of orchestral pop called "Bittersweet Heart." It would work well in a set by Rufus Wainwright or Badly Drawn Boy , but in melody and attitude it doesn’t add anything new to a sound Brian Wilson pioneered close to 40 years ago. Nothing wrong with that, of course, but hardly the stuff of musical revolutions. And that’s both the charm and limitation of From Every Sphere’s 12 songs: They’re all pretty good, but you could easily imagine them being done by someone else, whether it’s Turin Brakes, Eric Matthews, or High Llamas. From Every Sphere is tasteful and even rewarding at times; it just doesn’t expand much on Harcourt’s promise. --Keith Moerer

From Every Sphere,Ed Harcourt,Astralwerks / Emd,Adult Alternative Pop/Rock,Bass,Bassoon,Bells,Bowed Bass,Cello,Clavinet,Double Bass,Flute,Glockenspiel,Indie Rock,Korg Synthesizer,Omnichord,Organ (Pump),Piano,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop,Slide Guitar,Tambourine,Viola,Violin,Vocals

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From Every Sphere [Enhanced]

Average customer rating: hit and miss. 3.5*'s Incredible talent and catchy songwriting! The subtle man i was inspired! good by comparison

From Every Sphere Ed Harcourt Manufacturer: Astralwerks ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Lo-Fi | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music Similar Items: Here Be Monsters Strangers Beautiful Lie Maplewood Lovers ASIN: B000095J1F Release Date: 2003-05-20

Tracks:

1. Bittersweetheart
2. All Your Days Will Be Blessed
3. Ghostwriter
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
13. The Hammer And The Nail
14. Watching The Sun Come Up (Enhanced Video)

Amazon.com

The biggest problem with being a prodigy is that, eventually, your talent stops being mentioned in relationship to your tender age, and your work is judged purely against that of your peers. Or, in the case of prolific young romantic like Ed Harcourt, that of the masters you seek to emulate. By the time he was 23, he'd already earned a prestigious Mercury Prize nomination for his major-label debut, Here Be Monsters, and a reputation for writing songs faster than Ryan Adams (over 300 and counting at the time). Released three years after this initial adulatory wave, From Every Sphere opens with a gorgeous slice of orchestral pop called "Bittersweet Heart." It would work well in a set by Rufus Wainwright or Badly Drawn Boy , but in melody and attitude it doesn't add anything new to a sound Brian Wilson pioneered close to 40 years ago. Nothing wrong with that, of course, but hardly the stuff of musical revolutions. And that's both the charm and limitation of From Every Sphere's 12 songs: They're all pretty good, but you could easily imagine them being done by someone else, whether it's Turin Brakes, Eric Matthews, or High Llamas. From Every Sphere is tasteful and even rewarding at times; it just doesn't expand much on Harcourt's promise. --Keith Moerer

Customer Reviews:

hit and miss. 3.5*'s.......2006-02-10

take a little bit of Tom Waits' jazzy piano, throw in some Morrissey croons and a little Rufus Wainright drama and you've got a fine mix! if that sounds good to you...then you should certainly try and get your hands on any Ed Harcourt album. From Every Sphere is his second record and it stands up pretty well. the songs are very well-written and full of nice little hooks and some beautiful melodies. the instrumentation is varied and the players are above exceptional. Ed's first record Here Be Monsters seems to be a more balanced feel and therefore has a stronger hold on me. upon initial listen From Every Sphere did not have the same kind of impact; it starts off well and good with a handful of strong tracks...but by the time we get to "Sister Renee" it we hit a boring patch that doesn't get the magic back until 4 songs later. the album length of From Every Sphere does come across a bit heavy-handed and seems a little too long for it's own good. some of the songs could have been trimmed down in order for the album to be more easily digestable...but when he hits gold, Ed Harcourt's music shines brightly.

Incredible talent and catchy songwriting!.......2004-08-02

I recieved this album first as a promotional item through the recording company, and upon first listening I didn't find it particularly appealing. I thought it was too dark, and I didn't think the melodies were very catchy. A few years later, I decided to listen to the album again to see if my opinion of the album would change considering my perspective had changed over the years. The more I listened to the album the more I came to appreciate the production, the songwriting, and even found myself humming those very melodies which I found unattractive before. Now I am a definite fan of Harcourt's music and I am recommending to most of my friends that they buy his music and so should you!

The subtle man.......2004-04-21

Ed Harcourt is a musical genius. His first record, Here Be Monsters, was nominated for the Mercury Prize. He was said to have written five hundred songs in a year when he first started. That would be in 2000. So quickly enough we have the second installment of his romantic vision. There was also an important EP in there. Oddly enough, Ed Harcourt worked with Tim Holmes of Death in Vegas on his first album. That satanic experience produced a very musical effort that was parts Tom Waits and part Randy Newman. It's odd that Ed is only twenty-five years old. The new record seems more mature and direct. Songs like "Bittersweetheart" and "Sister Renee" are mostly just voice and piano. "Ghost Writer" has hiphop sounds on it. He has the help of Jimi Goodwin of Doves and Lisa Germano. On his recent tour, he just played piano and guitar by himself. Previously he played live with a full band. Any way it comes, any way he can channel the good vibe, his new album is more perfect and more fully realized vision of his art of simple songs with complex emotions. This has become one of my favorite albums of this year. I actually ran into Ed Harcourt on the street in New York City. He was kind enough to give me a free pass to see Fischerspooner. We were soon upstairs at Irving Plaza sitting next to Michael Stripe. That was an odd night indeed. Art is hard, indeed.

i was inspired!.......2004-02-10

Unlike other reviewers who proclaim this album was uninspiring, i have to disagree. this is the best investment ive made this year, discovering him while i was in london ( being from the states) i was in tower records when i heard " watching the sun come up" a great rock song that has an addictive beat and sound, i still cant get enough of. of course, ed is an artist you appreciate for his quirkiness, whether it be his interesting use of orchestra and play on words in his lyrics, or his dark melodic tunes that could be compared to sparklehorse or songs ohia, but although some songs are dark, they are beautifully written and leave you wanting more. It did take me a few times to apprecite this album to its fullest...but that is the beauty of this album, to discover each song individually. his music is so sexy, dark at times, with beautiful melodies, his voice breaking at just the right moments, but also playful at times. He incorporates rock, jazz, soul, pop, and classical music all at once.
if you are a pacient listener and eager to hear a new sound,
try ed out.

good by comparison.......2003-08-28

Harcourt's second album isn't nearly as endearing as his first, which was a turn off to me at first. Yes, this album is "darker;" he definately hasn't come out with a new "Apple of My Eye," but that doesn't mean this album should be discarded. Ed's stuff generally takes a couple of listenings to get your head wrapped around it, but it's not for everyone. People who want instant grafitication (or who have been brainwashed to believe that only catchy, radio ready songs are the only ones worth listening to) should probably keep to the garbage in their CD players -- they wouldn't get this album.

While I, personally, enjoy Harcourt's first album more than From Every Sphere (hence the 4 of 5 stars), his skill at orchestration and general musical prowess should not be overlooked. Harcourt's talent is undeniable, but it's not necessarily for everyone. (When compared to all of the other crap that's floating around on TV and the radio, however, From Every Sphere would easily earn 5 stars with anyone who appreciates the subtleties of good music.)

Average customer rating:

From Every Sphere ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00008VHBB Release Date: 2003-05-16

Tracks:

1. Bitterweetheart
2. All Of Your Days Will Be Blessed
3. Ghostwriter
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
13. The Ghosts Parade (Bonus Track)
14. Angels On Your Body (Bonus Track)

Amazon.com

The biggest problem with being a prodigy is that, eventually, your talent stops being mentioned in relationship to your tender age, and your work is judged purely against that of your peers. Or, in the case of prolific young romantic like Ed Harcourt, that of the masters you seek to emulate. By the time he was 23, he'd already earned a prestigious Mercury Prize nomination for his major-label debut, Here Be Monsters, and a reputation for writing songs faster than Ryan Adams (over 300 and counting at the time). Released three years after this initial adulatory wave, From Every Sphere opens with a gorgeous slice of orchestral pop called "Bittersweet Heart." It would work well in a set by Rufus Wainwright or Badly Drawn Boy , but in melody and attitude it doesn't add anything new to a sound Brian Wilson pioneered close to 40 years ago. Nothing wrong with that, of course, but hardly the stuff of musical revolutions. And that's both the charm and limitation of From Every Sphere's 12 songs: They're all pretty good, but you could easily imagine them being done by someone else, whether it's Turin Brakes, Eric Matthews, or High Llamas. From Every Sphere is tasteful and even rewarding at times; it just doesn't expand much on Harcourt's promise. --Keith Moerer

Album Description

Japanese edition of his 2003 album features two bonus tracks, 'The Ghosts Parade' & 'Angels On Your Body'. 14 tracks in all including the singles, 'All Of Your Days Will Be Blessed' & 'Watching The Sun Come Up'. Copy Controlled. Heavenly.

Average customer rating: Harcourt deserves the label of "talented" More great songs...

From Every Sphere Ed Harcourt Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Lo-Fi | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music Alternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Here Be Monsters ASIN: B000088NF7 Release Date: 2003-03-04

Tracks:

1. Bittersweetheart
2. All Of Your Days Will Be Blessed
3. Ghostwriter
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
13. Bonus Track 1

Amazon.com

The biggest problem with being a prodigy is that, eventually, your talent stops being mentioned in relationship to your tender age, and your work is judged purely against that of your peers. Or, in the case of prolific young romantic like Ed Harcourt, that of the masters you seek to emulate. By the time he was 23, he'd already earned a prestigious Mercury Prize nomination for his major-label debut, Here Be Monsters, and a reputation for writing songs faster than Ryan Adams (over 300 and counting at the time). Released three years after this initial adulatory wave, From Every Sphere opens with a gorgeous slice of orchestral pop called "Bittersweet Heart." It would work well in a set by Rufus Wainwright or Badly Drawn Boy , but in melody and attitude it doesn't add anything new to a sound Brian Wilson pioneered close to 40 years ago. Nothing wrong with that, of course, but hardly the stuff of musical revolutions. And that's both the charm and limitation of From Every Sphere's 12 songs: They're all pretty good, but you could easily imagine them being done by someone else, whether it's Turin Brakes, Eric Matthews, or High Llamas. From Every Sphere is tasteful and even rewarding at times; it just doesn't expand much on Harcourt's promise. --Keith Moerer

Album Description

Sophomore album, & followup to 2001's 'Here Be Monsters', for the critically acclaimed singer/songwriter. 12 tracks including the first single, 'All Of Your Days Will Be Blessed'. Heavenly. 2003.

Album Details

The Sophomore Album from the Highly Prolific Singer/Songwriter Shows his Talent, Creativity and Studio Prowess Growing in Exponential Proportions. Like his Heralded Debut, this One is also Bound for Critical Glory and Will Make Your Head Turn When You Hear It.

Customer Reviews:

Harcourt deserves the label of "talented".......2003-07-04

For his second release Ed Harcourt brings us yet another album full of beautifully written, fantastically involved songs that grow on the listener with every play of the disc. The arrangements and styling of each song are very carefully attended to, and the song order makes this a listening experience that the "random" button would only take away from. From wistful "Bittersweet Heart" to the atmospheric beauty of the title track, Ed Harcourt proves he is in a class by himself and comparable to songwriters like Tom Waits for his ability to go from haunting fantasy ("Ghostwriter" and "Undertaker Strut")to sincere emotion ("Metaphorically Yours") in his lyrics and compositions without breaking the continuity of the record, and without taking his subject matter to pretentious levels. We often throw the word "talent" around these days even when an entertainer doesn't actually merit it, but Ed Harcourt is truly talented and sincere about the music that he makes.

More great songs..........2003-06-08

I like this better than Ed Harcourt's first effort. The songs are interesting, catchy, and highly enjoyable. I'm glad I got it months earlier than the US release, but now I'm missing out on the extra song and the video.

Average customer rating:

From Every Sphere ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000A29B5S Release Date: 2002-10-07

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