Athlete

Wow, this is a great album, from beginning to end. I especially love the first two tracks "Chances" and "Half Light," which immediately make the album a must-have. But with tracks like "Wires", "Street Map," and "Modern Mafia," Athlete proves they have the endurance and talent to be around for a long time. Even though this group is under the radar, I have the feeling they are one song away from breakout and we'll find people buying this album and their others once that happens. I don't really see the Coldplay comparison, except maybe musically in early Coldplay CD's. They seem a little closer to Embrace, but let's face it. This CD is just good British Rock, so you can find pieces of bands like Radiohead, Oasis, Snow Patrol, and Keane mixed into their sound. One of my favorite things about this CD are 1) the way that lead singer Joel Potts phrases his lyrics. Often, he will pause between words or in the middle of the word and the effect keeps the vocals from being boring, and 2) the bass guitar of Carey Willetts. The bass is pounding and I love his bass lines, especially the one in "Half Light." When you hear the song, you will know exactly what I am talking about. Go ahead and buy this CD. I bought it used, since it is a little pricey on Amazon ($14.98). I am now waiting on "Beyond The Neighbourhood" to come in the mail to me.

This album makes me want to walk, not run, a marathon. There's nothing jarring about Tourist, but somehow it makes you want to stand up and say, "Man, I wish I were wearing pants." The song Tourist is a rousing anthem that, if you don't like it, I don't think we are going to be friends.

What a shame? Such a great band with no world wide recognition,they should be way bigger than they are,why didn't the Brit awards nominate them or something?! They came up with amazing tracks,this band produced singles that became very popular cause they are so damn good,my fave would be "You got the style","Westside" and "Beautiful",this album is as good,i only heard "Wires" before getting the album,but then i discovered the whole album is actually great,it should be a world wide best seller, not only in the UK,you got classics in this album,there is something about his voice,i just don't what it is,soothing and relaxing,i miss hearing them from time to time,this rarely happens to me with music,they are simply as good as Coldplay,Keane and Snow Patrol.You won't regret getting this album,you'll thank moi...

I have bought this album for like 10 people, it is great. love it. I think they will be big in the us at some point, i'm hoping that it is after i get to see them live in a small venue. They have a great electro-groove. if you like coldplay you'll dig it up.

A year and a half along after first listening to this album, it still remains on my playlist. What strikes me is not the depth of the lyrics, which can sometimes be described as lacking depth (still much more mature than Vehicles and Animals). But rather, the fact that the music is moving for when you're in a particular mood...brooding when listening to Street Map or Trading Air, singing/humming along to the more energetic Half Light or If I Found Out.

Sigh...the music still harks me back to the times when I listened to it frequently last year, riding around on the Tube and trains while living in London.
(I had the fortune of watching them at their concert at the Hammersmith Apollo, which did not stray far from the original score and arrangements. I would have hoped for some variation and creativity, but perhaps that will come in future tours)

I may not be the most discerning listener, but regardless, Tourist remains one of the choice albums of my music collection.

I must have told a thousand people how wonderful Athlete's first album was. It was quirky, unique, melodic, I could not have been more effusive than I was, when talking about it. I gritted my teth when "Tourist" came out, and tried ever so hard to like it, but the depth of "Vehicles and Animals" was definitely not present on this second cd. Then "Beyond the Neighbourhood" was issued. What a huge disappointment. Athlete had held so much promise, and now, they seem as if they are just another band putting out sappy radio songs. I do not mean to denigrate those who gave this recording a positive review, but please listen to "Vehicles and Animals." It is truly one of the greatest pieces of popular British music to be released in twenty years. "It's the simple things like the robots Stevie G. draws...."

don't expect this album to change your perspective on the world but its good for a few spins. Airport disco is probably the track that you will really attach yourself to. if you own their previous album you will find this one in a different musical location. this album is a little more studio produced sounding than the tourist. bottom line you can let it play and not change tracks every for minutes.

Admittedly, I am a pretty big Athlete fan, and have been since Tourist. While some of their prior releases (read Vehicles & Animals) were nothing really new - although still very good - Beyond the Neighbourhood is quite a step towards a more guitar driven/electronic sound. And it is awesome. There are a lot of different genres mixed together on several tracks, but a good mix of pop/rock really is the main feature. Whereas track 1 and 3 offer electronic mixes with what seems to be a bit of disco beat involved, Track 2- Hurricane, is just a great rock-n-roll tune that in my humble opinion is one of the best singles this year. The great tracks continue on, from start to finish. This is a must-have for any Athlete fan, and although I might recommend 'Tourist' for a new listener to get into the band, this would be a close second.

For those whom are expecting this album to sound like the previous, Tourist, the first track on Beyond the Neighbouhood is a good indicator that Athlete's sound has somewhat eveolved. It is more electronic than their last album, yet it doesn't alienate those familiar with the Tourist album. Joel Pott (lead vocals) is far more subtle with his English accent and constant glisses on every note than on previous albums. Beyond the Neighbourhood is a good album to pick up if you need some new music to listen to, as I found out for myself.

After reading several reviews from magazines and articles on the web I was "slightly" skeptical upon picking this up. Now after listening to this I realize what so many critics were hoping for; a release to contain something "generic" that would propel this band into the pop spotlight.

Thankfully that's not the case. Athlete have managed to retain their honest, soulful sound that hopefully will keep me listening to this disc as I do with "Tourist". For anything to have longevity it has to have soul and that's why so many huge acts in the past 10 years fade away quickly. But I have a feeling even if Athlete never become a big success, people after 10 years are going to still enjoy this band.

Admittedly there's nothing ground breaking here, or maybe even original but there's something about their songs that just work, they're well crafted. I also had the opportunity to see this band live in a small venue in Toronto. They sound just like, if not better than their recordings, live which to me is always the sign of a "real" great band.

Truthfully, how often do you buy an album that is full of great songs? Most have...what?...three or four decent ones? If that?

Finally, the trend is broken.

Athlete's sophomore effort TOURIST provides 11 tracks of some of the best music in any genre for quite some time. The musical stylings are reminiscent of Coldplay but the lyrics of each song surpass those of the more well-known group. Another reviewer touched on it: Athlete is Coldplay, if Coldplay's songs had emotion.

The title track "Tourist" is sure to see time on the charts as are some of the others, but the strongest songs on the album are "Chances" and "Street Map". Nothing is better than a song whose lyrics hit home on the first listen and these songs do just that. If nothing else, TOURIST provides 11 straight tracks of musical brilliance. No need to push the 'skip' button on the CD player...that is, unless you want to go straight to your favorite song...and it's almost assured that one of the 11 will become one of your favorites.

I went to a U2 concert in Amsterdam, and came away an ATHLETE fan for life. Athlete was booked as an Opening Act. When they got through with their 'shorted' one-hour+ set, I left the stadium wondering if U2 even played.

From first to last song, Athlete plays as seasoned performers. The melodies layed on keyboard echo full, and true alongside the harmonics intoned on vocals. The CD clips along, and frequently plays twice, or more before realizing the CD-auto repeat is on... From resounding/anthemic sing-a-longs to booming-rockers, this CD does not disappoint.

I've also bought MP3's from "Vehicles and Animals" and find flashes of brilliance that "Tourist" captures throughout. Will look for tickets whenever/wherever Athlete performs for years to come...

This album is totally great. I don't usually write reviews for music, but I make an exception with athlete. There are very few albums that I like almost every song on them. But this is one of them!

If you listen to the Sample know that their a dynamic band their song are not completely the same through out. the 30 second samples don't do them justice.

Be warned though, if you've lost the girl recently in this album is like kryptonite. It will destroy you. But if you like easy listening British pop. This is the good stuff. Check out their web site their forums are pretty happening. I think his band to be party big someday.

PS buy the one with the DVD it's only like a dollar more and the DVD is nice. The of interviews are good. You do see some of the instruments they play and has a couple live tracks from their other album deftly worth a dollar.

Have some fun and get it done

This is the new album Coldplay wish they had made instead of the boring "formula" drivel of "x & y". I hadn't heard the first Athlete cd when I bought "Tourist". I was quite moved by this album on first listen. Successive listens have shown that this is a classic album. If they walked out on stage and performed the entire record from beginning to end, noone would walk away unsatisfied. The songs are fantastic, the arrangements perfect, the electronic embellishments are interesting, the lyrics are moving, and the vocals are beautiful. Definitely will be in my top 5 for 2005! The last album I couldn't stop playing (and still haven't) is The Shore-S/T Debut from last year, and "Tourist" is right behind that album in excellence. So, after loving this new record I put on the first Athlete cd and was shocked at what rubbish it is! It was so bad I could barely get through it. Even an Elbow remix couldn't save it! (and I LOVE Elbow). It is amazing to me that they progressed in a year from trash to creating this masterpiece. I would run, not walk to the nearest store to buy "Tourist"!!

I stumbled upon Wires on Virgin Radio UK recently and absolutely fell in love with the lyrical content as well as the voice of the lead singer.
I've never heard of Athlete before but will know them present and future as this is one album that is most unreal. I bought the album with no thought except of Wires and have been completely satisfied with each song on the record. I'd compare Athlete to the likes of Coldplay and U2, music that is everlasting. Definately one of my favourite albums in my very long list of music that I have. Highly rated.

Athlete has a different sound but one that definately puts a smile on your face.

Like their 2005 follow-up, *Tourist,* *Vehicles and Animals* is a terrific album. Compared to the pre-packaged dross that passes for most American popular music -- including those interminable garage bands with grinding guitars and howling lead singers who are dubbed "alternative" -- this is a breath of fresh air. The UK music scene is sooooooooooooooo much more interesting than the pap we are subjected to on this side of the pond. Of recent English bands, Athlete rate at the top. Don't believe the blah reviewers below. This is a terrific album that mixes different musical styles. The songs often take an unexpected turn. The title track is just fantastic. Highly recommended to those with a discerning ear.

The problem with musicians who love to dabble in experimentation with feedback and techno touches within pop is that they often forget that melody is paramount. They allow all the "edgy" touches to obliterate the feature that makes a song repeatedly listenable: a great melody and killer hook. Athlete dodges that pitfall and makes an album that's highly listenable and one I expect will continue to wear well on my ears. (NOTE: The U.S. version of this one adds on bonus track "A Few Differences" and a video for "You got the Style")

HIGHLIGHTS:
"El Salvador" starts the disc in fine style as the band looks for a day away from the touring life. It slowly builds to its "Fly to El Salvador/don't know why and I don't what for" chorus. "Westside"'s philosophy of fame is cheeky enough to actually have the band scream "CHORUS!" gleefully before the hook observes "Whenever you look you can see/that everybody wants to be part of the rock scene.." "One Million" wallows in self-regret as the singer recalls the girl he never took a shot at, the "one at the top of a pile of one million". In the end he concludes "It was just one of those things/I needed to deal with...". If you can listen to "You got the Style" without singing "Oh..it's getting hot in here/There must be something in the at-mo-sphere" then you're a stronger soul than I. The title track celebrates childlike innocence. ("I need my vehicles and animals/And I will be alright/Take me back to 1979 so I can/Find my open eyes..")

LOWS:
"Beautiful" is a nice melody but it looks as though they couldn't be bothered to write more than 2 short verses and a somewhat weak hook (which is repeated ad infinitum). "Dungeness" drones on for 4 minutes without any real hook or much in the way of lyrics.

BOTTOM LINE:
There are plenty of nice melodies here on nearly every track, but they do have a tendency to allow the songs to go on past the point at which they're interesting. If they learn to trim the lengths of the songs to match the lyrics more often, they'll have more winners. Most of the songs I didn't like weren't "bad" per se...just overlong. It's not a "must have" but Brit pop fans will probably love it as will fans of Semisonic and like-minded pop leaning "alternative" bands.

3 1/2 stars

This is perfect accompaniment for the following activities: Writing letters, chopping onions, recycling old clothes.

Athlete are not groundbreaking by any means, rather, they are quite downtown, having fallen into the kind of lyrics one would suspect Blur or The Beautiful South to leave on a C-sides greatest hits CD. OK, that's not saying much, but the brilliance is in the simplicity. This is end-of-summery easy listening for urbanites and city-wannabes. Best singles are "You Got the Style" and the somewhat similar "One Million." The video for "You Got the Style" is remarkable for its cartoon character, which pouts and juts its head much like the way the music on Vehicles & Animals takes one-steps up and down the staircase and over the carpet. This is not to say the record is dull by any means, rather, it is an apropros accompaniment to the mundane.

In sum, this CD is not to play in the car. It's not good to jog to. It's not good to select from the jukebox. When you're done with the CD, you can put it in its case and think about life for a second, and then get back to the rest of whatever it was you were doing.

A date played "You Got the Style" for me (it worked), which inspired me to find the whole CD. At best, Vehicles & Animals is fun, uplifting and catchy, but after a while the sing-song quality of many of the songs starts to sound the same and it gets a little monotonous. It's a shame to say it, because I love "You Got the Style" and "Salvador," but I don't think the album is anything special, unless you want some mellow, cheerful background music.

James Yorkston's melancholic vocals and soft melodies are the perfect antidote to todays up-tempo, hi-profile, style obsessed, substance starved artists. Walking a non-existent line between early folk, blues, and some form of pop, he comes to a halt in a joyously confusing melting pot of genres, fine musicianship and wonderfuly melodic, guitar based genius. Now i use the phrase genius loosley as this is only his first complete album, however it is fascinatingly addictive and gentle as a summers day spent lying on a grassy hill, surrounded by rabbits while staring aimlessly at the clouds. Sounding fresh and original is a tall order of late, yet Yorkston manages to fashion something very fresh and exciting with the familiarity of something old. The album complements any circumstance, its perfectly suited to sunny days, dark nights, warm rooms, cold breezes, with friends, with enemies, with no-one, whatever, wherever, this album is the perfect accompaniment. He's an old soul with a new sound, and thats too good to miss.

James Yorkston's *Moving Up Country* is a pastoral album of wandering meadows, roaming fields, and babbling brooks. This is all fitting given that Yorkston grew up around the countryside of the British Isles. His vocals are reminiscent of Beck's on *Mutations* and *Sea Change* - weary enough from the burdens of the labor of love but forward enough to keep pursuing the dream. "Tender To The Blues" even sounds as if it could've been lifted from Mr. Hansen's songbook. Title track, "Moving Up Country, Roaring The Gospel" and "Cheating The Game" have an old saloon feel to them while "I Spy Dogs" is easily the most raucous cut centered on a soul-like piano melody. Unfortunately Yorkston puts some of the least accessible tunes at the beginning of the disc which makes *Moving Up Country* initially slow to appreciate, but repeated listens prove an album worthy of the beautiful landscape it depicts.

I was in a Rough Trade Records store in Notting Hill when i noticed this album in a stack of cd's. The clerks there said it was phenomenal and when I got back stateside and investigated, they proved to be right. One of the best albums to come out in 2002, Yorkston mixes quality lyrics with beautiful folk music. Every track is simply a delight. Highlights would defiently be St. Patrick and the title track. Lots of cellos, harmonicas, shakers and other smooth sounding instruments. A+++

I have had this CD since last fall but pulled it out again after I saw James Yorkston perform in NY earlier this week. If you like Nick Drake but want something that sounds more hopeful, James Yorkston is it.
There's really gorgeous, gentle arrangements that are delicate as air and continue my love of contemporary Scottish bands. Acoustic guitar, harmonium, piano, violin and percussion form the background but Yorkston's got this soft plaintive voice that's heartfelt and sincere.

I first saw James and his Athletes supporting David Gray in Dublin. I was really impressed - it was an unusual choice of support, but the songs stood out for themselves. I bought a copy of "moving up country" on the way out of the gig, and it's been my "discovery" of the year. 3 of the songs they played are on this album - "Tender to the blues", "Sweet Jesus" and "6:30 is just way too early". Each one is a pure marvel, but why they didn't play "St. Patrick" (from the album) is beyond me, it has to be the most beautiful song i've heard for years. Even my boyfriend admits to liking it!
I strongly recommend you buy this album and fall in love. it's my most rewarding purchase since "White Ladder"
bye!!

Length of Play - 45:38
"Vehicles and Animals" is worth buying for the marvelous "El Salvador" alone, but there is PLENTY of great stuff here. From the swinging "Westside" to the wistful closer, "Le Casio", there is no filler at all and always a stunning hook waiting just around the corner to knock you off your feet. Tracks like "One Million", "New Project" and "You Know" are just overflowing with pensive, melodic, enrapturing music, and the anthemic numbers "Vehicles & Animals", "You Got The Style" and "Dungeness" are absolutely blissful as well. A sticker on the cover of this album with a quote from Q Magazine calls "Vehicles and Animals", and I quote, "life-affirming...pick any of the 12 songs and there is something to love." That's about as good and succint a description I can come up with. Definitely check this one out, I highly recommend it to all.

This is one of the best debut albums I've heard in a long while. Athlete compares favorably with Travis in my opinion, when Travis is more upbeat on songs like Why Does It Always Rain On Me and Sing. El Salvador, Westside, You've Got The Style and the title track Vehicles & Animals are all first class alternative rock songs and deserve to be on the charts here in the U.S. I saw Athlete at the Glastonbury Festival last summer, having never heard of them before, and definitely wish I'd had a chance to hear this cd first to really appreciate their performance.

This is by far the best cd ever... the tunes get stuck in your head you just would not stop listen to it..............BUY IT NOWWWW

Borrowing and improving on the Beta Band's idea of blending folk-rock and sing-a-long choruses with subtle, whirring electronics, this four-piece band from South London have put together an astonishing debut. It sounds fresh, and it's fun to listen to. STandout tracks: "You Got The Style", "Westside", "One Million", "Shake Those Windows".

You must get this record. It is well-worth the import price, a delightfully mellow Brit Pop record with melodies that will stick in your mind for days. It is as soothing as a morning enema.