Aqualung

I love his arrangements and its soo different from the music out there. If, you like originality and something soothing to listen to this is the album to buy. I use it to relax and take my mind of stuff.

I've been a customer at Amazon.com for years now and have been an 100% customer. I've recieved my orders in described condition, fast mailed to me and if something happened that I didn't get my order (which has been rarely) I immediately get my refund. Amazon.com, you guys ROCK! thanks for making a shopping experience so easy and trustworthy.
Peace out!

Erik

this is just an amazing cd all-around. the title track is, by far, one of the best songs ever written. if you can't relate, well, you're just retarded.

I've listened to this album a few times and I always felt like Matt reminded me of another artist. I finally realized that he sounds like a male version of Aimee Mann, IMHO. So if you like her, chances are you'll like Aqualung.

Better late than never! I discovered Aqualung through a Scrubs soundtrack. "Easier to Lie" grabbed my attention and I thought the voice sounded a bit like Thom Yorke's but the style was so sweet and hopeful, it couldn't be Radiohead... The arrangement was nuanced and layered. I immediately did more research on Aqualung and just. fell. in. love. I found myself needing to hear Brighter than Sunshine all day long. It alone is worth this purchase.

And then there's "Left Behind" which unexplainably tickles my brain. I love it to itty bitty pieces. "If I Fall" is poetic, soothing and does something to my heartbeat. "Strange and Beautiful" is hauntingly languid. I could go on...

There are lots of comparisons to Keane, Coldplay, Radiohead, Death Cab for Cutie and even Muse. I don't see how this can be a bad thing. They all coexist quite nicely in my playlists.

Between this album and Memory Man I have 14 favorite songs, which is extraordinary in my personal experience (usually I'll love only around 3 songs from any album). I cannot wait for their next move.

Matt reminds me of Thom Yorke in that he puts out two brilliant albums, then he does a "Kid A". Hello? I guess they both just get tired of putting out such awesome albums and feel their fans don't deseve such genius, and instead put out albums that test their fans' loyalty in following them on some experimental journey into discordance and aimlessness! I never did warm up to "Kid A" or "Amnesiac", I doubt I'll like "Words and Music" anywhere as well as "Memory Man" either. Oh well, I hope he doesn't follow Thom Yorke's example and venture further and further into that experimental morass, but it doesn't look good. I guess they're both looking for something deeper than to just put out awesomely stimulating works of some of the finest music on the planet. Oh well, our loss. I gave it 3 stars because anything Matt spends time doing is at least worth 3 stars. Especially compared to all the drivel topping the charts these days.

If Memory Man was spacey, Words and Music is homey.

After many little clues he gave to what this album would be like, it came out just as promised: a selection of lungsongs from the first records in an acoustic style, a few new songs and a song by Paul Simon.

"Can't get you out of my mind" and my favorite baby ballad "Everything changed" come from the first album, Lullaby "Good goodnight" and eclectic and catchy "7 keys" from Still Life. These versions are warmer and more acoustic but not drastically different.

I finally got to listen to "When i finally get my own place" and the grand "Nothing else matters" which were b-sides. These sound very classic and kind of Beatlesy.

Still Aqualung, still Matt's soothing voice. More of the exquisite arrangements that build up and come down to a whisper and keep things interesting. In contrast to Memory Man, this one sounds Beatlesy and sometimes folky. As promised, it feels like hot cocoa and coming home.

Watch out for Arrivals, though. If you let it, sweet tears will well up in your eyes. The kind that feel good.

I can't tell you enough how good this album is. Probably his most focused work to date, and one of the most genuine albums I have ever heard. It's stripped down, yet has an incredible incorporation of eclectic instrumentation. "7 Keys", "On My Knees", and "Nothing Else Matters" are probably the finest songs he's ever released, the Paul Simon "Slip Sliding Away" cover is breathtaking and aches with realism, and the beginning of "Arrivals" gives me chills (actually the whole song does). This song will reaffirm your hope in songwriting, music, and humanity in general. Please Listen.

Matt is back and so is the incomparable exquisite writing, perhaps one of the best songwriting of his generation. While I agree with some that "Words and Music" seems more like a detour than a new venue for Aqualung's future, it is a beautiful detour. "Everything Changed" indeed since Memory Man. One of the best qualities of Aqualung is that he rejects the impulse to recreate the magic of the last great song and travels towards melodic riddles.

"When I Finally Get My Own Place" is high up there with other intuitive songs about the anticlimactic experience of adulthood. "Mr Universe" made me think of the Beatles for obvious reasons (the beat, the harmonies, Matt's falsettos) but also because it had the goofy, jovial quality that we can seem on Aqualung's persona but don't get to hear through his songs. It made me think of the White Album. Strange, I know !

"Good Goodnight" is a great example of how most of these songs could've been little love notes. The good old "Love is the answer" quality of Aqualung's songs are well represented by this track. If you are also a musician, you got to appreciate how Aqualung has allowed himself to include longer and longer solos and chops of his great talent.

True; no "Pressure Suit" or "Something to Believe" this time. No great track to keep on singing way past your ipod batteries died. However, whether you are a die hard fan like I am, or you just discovered Aqualung...there is something fundamentally..."vanguardish" (yeah, I just said vanguardish) about it. Buy the Album. Listen once and once again. Listen it over tea. Listen it in the way home.

This album is a detour after all. That does not mean it can't lead those that love great music...home.

In March, 2007, Matt Hales (the one-man band behind Aqualung) released an epic album "Memory Man", which was one of my "best of 2007" albums, and which I thought might position Aqualung to greater commercial/mainstream success. But alas, it didn't happen, despite several outstanding tracks. Now comes the next Aqualung album, seemingly out of the blue (I picked it up today while shopping at my record store, I had no idea that a new album was on the way).

"Words and Music" (10 tracks, 43 min.) is first of all not to be confused with the Hugh Grant movie soundtrack of last year.... That cleared up, I was quite surprised by the overall tone of the album. No "Cinderella" or "Pressure Suit" to be found on here. Instead, the album opener "7 Keys" is a very low-key affair, and sets the tone for the rest of the album. The Paul Simon cover of "Slip-sliding Away" is pleasant but nothing ear-catching. The intimate songs follow, and "On My Knees" is just about the only up-tempo song on here. I don't understand where Matt Hales is going with this album. "Memory Man" set the table for a more forceful sound, and Matt Hales has retreated from it on this album. This is not a 'bad' album, but I was disappointed by it, period.

I saw Matt Hales/Aqualung on the "Memory Man" tour last year, and then it seemed clear to me that even bigger things were to follow. But "Words and Music" has not fulfilled that promise. Strange album. Not bad, but not that great either. Color me disappointed.

So, amidst the release of Arcade Fire's epic "Neon Bible," The National's mini-masterpiece "Boxer," Radiohead's sonic sweep "In Rainbows," and Kings of Leon's rock'n'roll rampage "Because of the Times," another fantastic indie-rock album came out that was all but equal to each of them.

Matt Hales's "Memory Man" is genuinely one of the best albums of the past five years, despite the lack of splash it made in the media waters upon its release. In fact, two or three days after it went on sale, Hales's record label informed him that, due to his lack of blockbuster sales, he was being dropped.

This is bizarre as all get out - "Memory Man" is an evocative, ear-massaging, staggering feat. Others have described it well enough.
I'm just going to say:
BUY IT.

And I can't believe record labels nowadays.

I purchased this CD this past week, after hearing Aqualung's "Pressure Suit" on a compilation CD, in an acoustic form; I had never heard of Matt Hales before, but I was left breathless listening to that song, and literally replayed it over and over and over. After playing "Memory Man" in the car this past week, it's really growing on me. My favorite song is still "Pressure Suit," but the composition of this album is solid, offering a great mix of sounds, from heavy to lush to delicate. The album pushes you into a mood, taking you elsewhere because of the atmosphere it provides. As a new fan, I'll have to check out more of Hales' work.

There's NO filler in this album, which is rare these days! This is the best album I've heard in a good while! I didn't think I would like it as well as Strange and Beautiful, but it's actually more solid, and it all fits together better than S&B. Take Keane's albums, for example, Keane albums have some beautiful songwriting, but the songs don't have a common theme, a common goal, they're all over the place emotionally. Alot of your one mand bands, like Aqualung more or less is, fail in this respect. However, this album is more like a Sargeant Peppers in that it pulls you in, and keeps you there, the whole lenght of the album! It doesn't drop you, or push you out of the mood, like so many albums do, but holds you in it's spell the entire length of the album. That is a really tricky thing to do, especially by a one man band, and is getting more rare. Radiohead did it with OK Computer, the Beatles did it with many of their albums, and the Who did it with Tommy. Those albums you come from feeling there was a theme, a common messaqe that was imprinted, not just a bunch of disjointed songs slapped together. With those kind of albums you feel like you get your money's worth. So it is with Memory Man.

Nine out of eleven, that is how many of the songs from this album have effortlessly made their home in my main playlist, which means I can't get tired of listening to them.

It IS different from his previous albums, there's less piano and more guitar; faster and louder songs, and a darling surpise in the middle. (creamy filling, perhaps?)

My single-worthy picks are:
Something to believe in - The third Aquasong I ever heard. Like Brighter than sunshine in that it feels like an instant classic.
Glimmer- So uplifting. It just soars.
Vapour Trail - Great build up, nice change of style, keeps things interesting.
Rolls so deep - You can't help but feel good and smile. A lovely surprise.
Outside - Their self-described "fast" song. Veeery good.
Cinderella - Fabulous arrangement, love the strong guitar and the quiet/loud contrasts.

The songs that bear more resemblance to their first album are IMO "Broken Bones" and "The lake". Quiet and melancholy with a fine melody.

A fantastic and diverse album, you won't be disappointed.

Aqualung has been one of my favorite artists for the longest time. Matt Hales really knows how to write beautiful lyrics and gorgeous melodies that only get better with each listen. Ever since I heard "Easier To Lie" I was hooked. I am so glad I found Aqualung and couldn't love this CD any more. It is well worth every cent!

I recently discovered Aqualung a few months ago and I can't put their music down. I absolutely love it. Their music is very mellow and easy to listen to. I can't say anything bad about their music this is an excellent purchase I now have all of their cds. Enjoy.

This album is beautiful and heart felt. Great song writing ability is seen and heard in each song. I was trying to make a mix cd recently and looking to put one of these songs on there and I couldn't decide on one because they are all so great. Please take the time to listen to this album and also check out Strange and Beautiful.

I love Aqualung. I became hooked when I was backpacking through Spain two years ago and met two English guys and we were exchanging music. One of them had this album and I was totally spellbound! I've been trying to spread the word to all my friends since being back in seattle. Then to my surprise recently it showed up on some show like 'the OC.' I was really happy they are getting some recognition in the states like they deserve. Two amazing albums in a row. I was bummed I missed they while they were touring with Dido. Definetly check this album out!!!!!!

I once read a review of Aqualung where the reviewer describes Matt Hales as sounding like he was in exquisite pain. That's true, he does, but in a very listenable way. This is not an upbeat album in any way, but the lyrics and the sentiment are very cathartic (sorry for the cliche). It's a quiet, intimate album that you're almost afraid to listen to with any one else around. I would recommend this album over the first Aqualung CD.

I discovered Aqualung through the WB's show Smallville. They played Strange and Beautiful (I've never been much of a commercial watcher, so I missed it when that happened). I searched, and listened to some of the other songs and I've fallen absolutely in love. A worthwhile investment, all around!

Where most Artists release a song, and then the other tracks are increasingly different from the sound you fell in love with, Aqualung is refreshingly (instead of stagnantly) consistent with their mesmerizing sound.

Aqualung got my attention with "Easier to lie", "Brighter than sunshine" and "something to believe in" which are all in other albums. But once I was converted and listening to all the songs, I find myself returning to several songs from this album, over and over. They're just so soothing and inspiring, like a massage or an embrace. Some are deceivingly simple, with many layers to savour.

"If I fall", "just for a moment", "everything changed", "gentle" "halfway to the bottom" and "nowhere" are my faves.

I'd recommend having a playlist with this and the other albums, to balance the soothing and delicate with the extra oomph and excitement from his latter stuff.

Matt Hale, like Chris Martin can really put his emotions into song. Amazing... although I'm not liking his second album, he should really stick to heartfelt and leave the fast catchy stuff to others.

I havent got to listen to the whole thing but what i have listened to has proven to be very well harminized and sung. The lead singer has a unique voice and can sing a wide variety of scales. it's something thats rare to hear now a days. i would recommend purchasing this CD and their other to anyone. They're a mix of Phantom Planet and Cold Play. Either way you chose to look at these guys this band is an excelent choice to listen to.

This the album of the year. Every person in the planet should own a copy of this cd. Please buy it

Here's Aqualung aka Matt Hales' debut album, and the subject matter of romance and unrequited love comes up again and again in this record, while the feeling of helplessness and chilled-out aura is created primarily by minimal piano sounds, acoustic guitars and lavish string productions. Hale's brittle vocals are bound to be compared to Thom Yorke's, and songs such as 'Just For A Moment' could easily be lifted off OK Computer. However, Hale's lonesome lyrics add to the desolate feel of the album, and his depressing and self-conscious songwriting is repeatedly moving. The anguish and heartbreak that surrounds the Volkswagen-sponsored 'Strange and Beautiful' makes it the stand-out track of the album, with Hales' recurring minimalist use of instruments in effective form. The whole album drips with melancholy and dryness, with 'If I Fall' and 'Gentle' as prime examples of that. However, this may be the where the shortcomings of the album is found. Despite the sad atmosphere that hangs around the whole record, Hales never really pushes the boundaries, and we are left with a record that genuinely moves the listener, but never truly inspires. An open and honest look into the fragilities of the heart, Matt Hales has provided a mesmeric debut brimming with bleak beauty and reflections, and he must be praised for that.

Ricky

If you're in a melancholy mood, this is the perfect CD to listen to. If you're not, then this CD will make you wistful. The music and lyrics have a calming affect and his voice lulls you to slow down.
Comparisons to Coldplay? Perhaps it's the just piano and falsetto--I don't know if Aqualung does uptempo music. Aqualung and James Blunt are the newest additions to the sensitive angsty singer category. I liked this CD. Is it destined to be a classic. I think not. But, will I buy another Aqualung CD? If he comes across as sensitive and not whiny then more likely than not.

How could they leave out songs like... If i fall, Everything Changed.... Gentle, Nowhere, Can't get you out of my mind... there are only 4 tracks the same.. it's like a different album and I think is more disjointed because of it.

Seek out.. track down the original Album on B-Unique records and be rewarded

Beautiful yes...strange? No.
And it doesn't sound anything like Coldplay.
But this is one beautiful assemblage of music.
Makes me feel like kissing my wife...all night long. ;)
Keep it up Matt, you're on your way to stardom!

I bought the CD because I had heard and liked the track "Brighter Than Sunshine." Unfortunately, there are no other songs on the CD that have the same tempo; everything is so slow that it sounds like whining. Not for me.

To be fair, I got this late in the day on a rainy gray Seattle afternoon when I was already tired. I slipped it into my car CD player and almost immediately felt my eyes starting to close.

I think it was my expectations and not the album's fault. I really like the song Brighter than Sunshine and figured I'd take a chance on the album based solely on it. I was expecting that the song was sort of like Boulevard of Broken Dreams on Green Day's American Idiot and would be the exception, rather than the rule.

Was I ever wrong. Brighter than Sunshine is one of the more rousing songs on the album. My 18 yo son was with me (I am a 46 yo female)and remarked that it was "sort of a Cold Play album". Which for many people is a recommendation. For us it is not.

I am sure there will come a perfect time for me to listen to this album again and appreciate it, maybe a Saturday afternoon after a hectic week and morning when I feel like mellowing out. Unfortunately, last night it was the wrong album at the wrong time.

It is not bad. I found no fault with the lyrics or the musicianship of technical aspects. It is simply not what I want to listen to for an entire album.

Glen Phillips, "Gather"; Ozomatli, "(Who Discovered) America?"; The Ditty Bops, "Ooh La La"; Los Lobos, "I Got Loaded"; Jamie Cullum, "twentysomething"; Rachel Yamagata, "Paper Doll"; Steve Earle, "The Revolution Starts Now"; The John Buttler Trio, "Zebra"; Train, Medley, "Whole Lotta Love/Ramble On/Walk on the Wild Side"; Marc Broussard, "The Wanderer"; Amos Lee, "Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight"; Kenny Wayne Shepherd, "Deja Voodoo"; Aqualung, "Brighter Than Sunshine"; Madeleine Peyroux, "Don't Wait Too Long"; Collective Soul, "Better Now"; Ray LaMontagne, "Trouble".