Starsailor

Interesting sound...interesting vocals...
But I liked it better the first time around...
when it was called "The Verve"!

Well, on the contrary, maybe this band was inspired by Jeff Buckley's father, Tim Buckley, rather than Jeff himself. Then again, I have neither heard or read any interviews of the bands influences nor do I hear the influence itself come from their music. I say this because Tim Buckley was "star sailor". Star Sailor was an album by Tim Buckley, one of his earliest. This album is mediocre at best. It has a certain aura that accompanies Jeff Buckley's Grace album. I would have to agree with an earlier comment, Jeff was amazing. I wont base the bands rating on a level with Jeff or Tim but am giving it their own.

I can't say more than the other people who have already written here praising this CD. What got me interested in this band in the first place is the song Way to Fall. This was the song used in the ending credits of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, and when I first heard it, I really liked the sound and pacing of it. Definitely recommend this.

I don't see the comparison to Jeff Buckley AT ALL! That was a singer who had more talent in his little pinky than this band has on the entire album. All the songs are much too similar, the guy's voice gets boring to listen to after a while and, if you remember London Suede, has a very similar sound to them (though I will say that London Suede was MUCH better). No one has come close to the pipes of J. Buckley (or even Tim B., for that matter) in years and this doesn't count any where near that, either.

I am a definite Starsailor fan now that I have seen them live twice and own both of their albums. They are a bit of that excellent Britrock I crave with the insanely beautiful vocals that put James Walsh in his own league (I don't buy comparisons to Robert Plant; Jeff Buckley is a little closer; and though I like Richard Ashcroft a great deal more, they do not sound similar to me).

The problem here is not the songs - it's the album. I saw them open for the Charlatans UK and I was so affected by their performance, I immediately bought tickets to see them headline, which I did not think they could possibly do at the same venue in the same season! It was one of the best shows I've ever seen. They were blowing through a single album, and one that I did not even know at the time, and somehow it felt epic. The vocals soared into that falsetto realm and the music was so vibrant and powerful that I left quite stunned. What happened between their live act and their studio act or vice versa, I cannot say for the life of me.

It took me a few listens just to recognize which songs matched with the ones I was so taken by live. On Love Is Here, it's all so soft and slow and toned down. Live, songs rushed into your head with a hungry fervor that let me know Starsailor was one to keep in consciousness for the ages. Fever was an incredible thrashing rock ballad (I swear they even called it by a different name - "The Dukes Of Hazzard Got A Fever!"), whereas on the album it is just a rock ballad. This is exactly what seems to have happened to the majority of songs, with the exception of Goodsouls which still appears to be very radio-friendly, (perhaps they did not expect to release other singles? I don't get it...). I feel that Tie Up My Hands is the most interesting song on the album, as it is slowed down and sounds different enough from what I knew to be the song in concert, and manages to be the only one that works for me in this new, pure melancholy state. It still has the aching desperation and wondrous vocals, without the infectious rhythm that first pulled me in. But something about this works quite well for this isolated track.

I was left dumbfounded at first listen, and sadly am still, after these years since its come out, quite the same. All I can do is attribute it to shoddy production that makes their sound lost in a sort of low melancholy drone with the occasional appeal of Walsh's singing or a nice riff. They have the capacity to go way beyond this. It saddens me that there is no other version of these songs out to fulfill their extreme potential. As far as the new album goes, I feel it lacks the poorly produced feeling this one has. All of the songs are tight and the music stands out for each track, however, the songs are perhaps a bit less inspired or distinguished. I'll still be waiting for that perfect live release; their fantastic live performance is already starting to feel a bit mythical...

2 1/2

Starts off as a reasonably strong follow up to the emotional Brit-boys well received debut with well sung vocals complimenting simple but effective guitar-and-piano arrangements, but takes a progressive nosedive after the fourth track and never really recuperates from a mediocrity prevalent in their saturated production coupled with blatant songwriting limitations.

"Silence is Easy" was the second album from young English band "Starsailor". The band has often been compared to both Coldplay and Radiohead, and given there is an unmistakeably British sound to their music. Personally I feel that a comparison with Suede and Brett Anderson would be more obvious; especially on the ballads.

The album starts off very strongly with 4 great songs. The optimistic up-beat "Music was Saved" is the perfect opener - strange that the song was not picked as a single. Two short, but strong ballads follow. "Fidelity" and the beatiful waltzy "Some of Us".

Then comes the Phil Spector produced hit-single and title-track "Silence is Easy".

The following tracks are by no means bad, though a few of them are a little weighed down by heavy strings-arrangements.

The extremely catchy disco-type pop-hit "Four to the Floor" is probably the most memorable of the last part of the album - actually it is very different from the usual Starsailor sound and style.

The half-acoustic "Shark Food" may not hit you the first two or three times you hear it, but there is a good chance it will turn into a favourite eventually.

A very strong album from one of the most promising new English bands.

First off I would like to say that Starsailor hasn't got the credit they derserve as being one of the best British bands around today. I like Coldplay, but it's clear that Coldplay has kinda stolen the spotlight from other British bands that are trying to have success, especially in America. Starsailor's debut, Love is Here, is a very excellent album, and I was very excited about this album's release, however, this album has a slightly different feel than Love is Here. But much like their debut, Silence is Easy is a great album, with beautiful music and lyrics. Standout tracks are:
"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.

Starsailor blasted onto the music scene with their 2002 debut album "Love Is Here", which even made some waves in the US, and their follow-up album was hotly anticipated.

"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!

I think Silence Is Easy is a very good album. However, as with the last, I feel there is something missing. This time, it is not a lack of tightness or energy by any means. I feel that just when they've rid themselves of one major problem, they've come upon another, sadly.

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.

Starsailor is first and foremost a band best experienced live. Audiences are drawn to the raw energy of the band, especially lead vocalist James Walsh. With their first two albums, it seemed difficult for the band to replicate the potency of their live performances. "Good Souls" from Starsailor's debut album Love is Here is a good example. This song, which ends each live performance is well-written and well-rendered on the album, but lacks the energy cum edginess immediately apparent when heard live.

On the Outside on the other hand, comes much closer to proffering the listener a sense of the live Starsailor. It has a raw, immediate feel to it, yet it does not forgo a tightness and flow that also marks their live appearances. Until Starsailor releases a live concert album, On the Outside is an excellent effort. Starsailor fans will see it as yet another step in their maturation as artists, and newcomers will receive a great introduction to the band.

Note: If you are unfamiliar with Starsailor, you might recognize the first track of On the Outside, "In the Crossfire." It has been getting airplay on alternative stations in the States, they performed it for their Tonight Show appearance last summer, and it was featured on the CBS television network promoting its Sunday night fall lineup. After their own tour in the States and Canada, Starsailor also supported James Blunt during a portion of his U.S. concert tour late in 2006. Just recently they opened for the Stones in Europe.

I got to say, with their 2 previous albums, Starsailor became one of the best British pop/rock bands around. This excellent album continues to catapult them onward to potential greatness. Though, its a long way off from being completely different from the previous 2 albums, Starsailor have "bulked up" a bit on this release with a more rocking sound. Electric guitars and faster tempos are more present here, examples as "In the crossfire", "Keep Us Together", and "Faith, Hope, and Love". The album is probably the most up-beat album yet. However, one of the best tracks on here may be the slowest and calmest of them all. The excellent acoustic "Jeremiah" is amazingly beautiful as well and haunting. There is nothing dramatically different from their previous albums. You're getting just want you've come to expect from this band: Well-written, catchy, melodic, under 5 minute pop/rock songs. Its hard to say if this album is their best so far, I don't think it beats out Love is Here, but its still VERY good. Basically, if you like Starsailor's previous stuff, there's absolutely no reason not to like this. Definitely recommended for fans of Travis, Coldplay, Keane, Richard Ashcroft, etc.

Starsailor broke out in England and had massive success earlier this decade right around the same time as another melodic band from that country, Coldplay. But unlike Chris Martin and the boys, Starsailor's debut single stateside, Good Souls, failed to get as much play as Yellow and their follow up Silence Is Easy wise widely ignored here two years ago as another similar band Keane gain notoriety with Somewhere Only We Know. Now Starsailor is back to see if the third time is truly the charm with the release of On the Outside.

On the new album the band takes a decided harder sound, but instead of the crunching guitars or piano that Coldplay in known for, Starsailor instead assaults you with a wall of noise. Not coincidentally the inventor of the Wall of Sound, Phil Spector helmed their previous two albums, but wasn't around for this one. Instead the disk was produced by Rob Schnaph who has worked with the like of Beck and Elliot Smith. The one-two punch of In the Crossfire and Counterfeit Life come out you full force while lead singer James Welsh is found screaming at times which only builds the effect even more and isn't afraid to reach for notes throughout the album. The emotion in the music and the singing never lets down on the whole album which could be attributed to the record being record live in the studio.

But it's not all a melodic wall of noise, I Don't Know is a straight ahead rocker filtered through American blues that is reminiscent to mid-eighties U2. Get out While You Can goes from a haunting acoustic guitar and piano verse to a more melodic chorus and back again. Jeremiah is a slow moving acoustic song with a lyric, "And every time I see the sun go down I think of you," that can easily get stick in your head and is a great way to cap off the album (bonus track excluded). Speaking of the bonus track, Empty Streets, it is the closest song on the album that has the same melodic feel as previous works such as Good Souls.

There is anger in the lyrics that coincide with the harder sound whether it's love, "See that poor girl with the glint in her eye, she could turn you that way" (I Don't Know), political, "I don't see myself when I look at the flag. Thank God for that" (In the Crossfire), globalization, "A war for corporate glory re-told as a fairy story" (Counterfeit Life), and life itself, "Tired of living in this modern land, too many ideals to meet with its demands" (Faith Love Hope). On the Outside may be a step backwards in trying to get commercial success stateside, but it is a step in making better music.

"On the Outside" again demonstrates classic Britpop from James Walsh and company. Interesting is a greater sense of the Charlatans UK.

"On the Outside" is a new follow-up to 2004's "Silence is Easy". The band is really coming into their own; however, there are very few tracks which are "radio ready".

Be that as it may, Counterfeit Life, This Time, Keep Us Together and White Light are the stand-out tracks.

Finally, as an import: the cd is "protected".

If you're on Windows, insure that you either hold the "Shift" key when you insert the CD OR (better) turn-off "Auto Play" of Audio-CDs.

If you're on a Mac, track one will be a bit jittery, but, otherwise things should be OK.

... a very good 3-track single ... a very expensive (import) 3-track single. The music is wonderful -- if you enjoy acts like Jeff Buckley and the current crop of melodic British/Scottish bands like Coldplay and Travis, you won't be disappointed. But Amazon needs to be a little bit clearer about exactly what you're buying here -- a 3-track single. A very good 3-track single ...

This is the BEST album I have heard in awhile! I cannot wait to see them live. If you like ColdPlay, Radiohead, Travis, Ride, or The Verve, you will like Starsailor...

As a devotee of "Eli Stone" I was anxious to find the song that was
in the final episode when they were all in the hospital with Eli.
Well, this CD has it as a "bonus" and it's quite moving.
Thanks to amazon and STARSAILOR.

Starsailor is first and foremost a band best experienced live. Audiences are drawn to the raw energy of the band, especially lead vocalist James Walsh. With their first two albums, it seemed difficult for the band to replicate the potency of their live performances. "Good Souls" from Starsailor's debut album Love is Here is a good example. This song, which ends each live performance is well-written and well-rendered on the album, but lacks the energy cum edginess immediately apparent when heard live.

On the Outside on the other hand, comes much closer to proffering the listener a sense of the live Starsailor. It has a raw, immediate feel to it, yet it does not forgo a tightness and flow that also marks their live appearances. Until Starsailor releases a live concert album, On the Outside is an excellent effort. Starsailor fans will see it as yet another step in their maturation as artists, and newcomers will receive a great introduction to the band.

Note: If you are unfamiliar with Starsailor, you might recognize the first track of On the Outside, "In the Crossfire." It has been getting airplay on alternative stations in the States, they performed it for their Tonight Show appearance last summer, and it was featured on the CBS television network promoting its Sunday night fall lineup. After their own tour in the States and Canada, Starsailor also supported James Blunt during a portion of his U.S. concert tour late in 2006. Just recently they opened for the Stones in Europe.

I got to say, with their 2 previous albums, Starsailor became one of the best British pop/rock bands around. This excellent album continues to catapult them onward to potential greatness. Though, its a long way off from being completely different from the previous 2 albums, Starsailor have "bulked up" a bit on this release with a more rocking sound. Electric guitars and faster tempos are more present here, examples as "In the crossfire", "Keep Us Together", and "Faith, Hope, and Love". The album is probably the most up-beat album yet. However, one of the best tracks on here may be the slowest and calmest of them all. The excellent acoustic "Jeremiah" is amazingly beautiful as well and haunting. There is nothing dramatically different from their previous albums. You're getting just want you've come to expect from this band: Well-written, catchy, melodic, under 5 minute pop/rock songs. Its hard to say if this album is their best so far, I don't think it beats out Love is Here, but its still VERY good. Basically, if you like Starsailor's previous stuff, there's absolutely no reason not to like this. Definitely recommended for fans of Travis, Coldplay, Keane, Richard Ashcroft, etc.

Starsailor broke out in England and had massive success earlier this decade right around the same time as another melodic band from that country, Coldplay. But unlike Chris Martin and the boys, Starsailor's debut single stateside, Good Souls, failed to get as much play as Yellow and their follow up Silence Is Easy wise widely ignored here two years ago as another similar band Keane gain notoriety with Somewhere Only We Know. Now Starsailor is back to see if the third time is truly the charm with the release of On the Outside.

On the new album the band takes a decided harder sound, but instead of the crunching guitars or piano that Coldplay in known for, Starsailor instead assaults you with a wall of noise. Not coincidentally the inventor of the Wall of Sound, Phil Spector helmed their previous two albums, but wasn't around for this one. Instead the disk was produced by Rob Schnaph who has worked with the like of Beck and Elliot Smith. The one-two punch of In the Crossfire and Counterfeit Life come out you full force while lead singer James Welsh is found screaming at times which only builds the effect even more and isn't afraid to reach for notes throughout the album. The emotion in the music and the singing never lets down on the whole album which could be attributed to the record being record live in the studio.

But it's not all a melodic wall of noise, I Don't Know is a straight ahead rocker filtered through American blues that is reminiscent to mid-eighties U2. Get out While You Can goes from a haunting acoustic guitar and piano verse to a more melodic chorus and back again. Jeremiah is a slow moving acoustic song with a lyric, "And every time I see the sun go down I think of you," that can easily get stick in your head and is a great way to cap off the album (bonus track excluded). Speaking of the bonus track, Empty Streets, it is the closest song on the album that has the same melodic feel as previous works such as Good Souls.

There is anger in the lyrics that coincide with the harder sound whether it's love, "See that poor girl with the glint in her eye, she could turn you that way" (I Don't Know), political, "I don't see myself when I look at the flag. Thank God for that" (In the Crossfire), globalization, "A war for corporate glory re-told as a fairy story" (Counterfeit Life), and life itself, "Tired of living in this modern land, too many ideals to meet with its demands" (Faith Love Hope). On the Outside may be a step backwards in trying to get commercial success stateside, but it is a step in making better music.

"On the Outside" again demonstrates classic Britpop from James Walsh and company. Interesting is a greater sense of the Charlatans UK.

"On the Outside" is a new follow-up to 2004's "Silence is Easy". The band is really coming into their own; however, there are very few tracks which are "radio ready".

Be that as it may, Counterfeit Life, This Time, Keep Us Together and White Light are the stand-out tracks.

Finally, as an import: the cd is "protected".

If you're on Windows, insure that you either hold the "Shift" key when you insert the CD OR (better) turn-off "Auto Play" of Audio-CDs.

If you're on a Mac, track one will be a bit jittery, but, otherwise things should be OK.

Starsailor is first and foremost a band best experienced live. Audiences are drawn to the raw energy of the band, especially lead vocalist James Walsh. With their first two albums, it seemed difficult for the band to replicate the potency of their live performances. "Good Souls" from Starsailor's debut album Love is Here is a good example. This song, which ends each live performance is well-written and well-rendered on the album, but lacks the energy cum edginess immediately apparent when heard live.

On the Outside on the other hand, comes much closer to proffering the listener a sense of the live Starsailor. It has a raw, immediate feel to it, yet it does not forgo a tightness and flow that also marks their live appearances. Until Starsailor releases a live concert album, On the Outside is an excellent effort. Starsailor fans will see it as yet another step in their maturation as artists, and newcomers will receive a great introduction to the band.

Note: If you are unfamiliar with Starsailor, you might recognize the first track of On the Outside, "In the Crossfire." It has been getting airplay on alternative stations in the States, they performed it for their Tonight Show appearance last summer, and it was featured on the CBS television network promoting its Sunday night fall lineup. After their own tour in the States and Canada, Starsailor also supported James Blunt during a portion of his U.S. concert tour late in 2006. Just recently they opened for the Stones in Europe.

I got to say, with their 2 previous albums, Starsailor became one of the best British pop/rock bands around. This excellent album continues to catapult them onward to potential greatness. Though, its a long way off from being completely different from the previous 2 albums, Starsailor have "bulked up" a bit on this release with a more rocking sound. Electric guitars and faster tempos are more present here, examples as "In the crossfire", "Keep Us Together", and "Faith, Hope, and Love". The album is probably the most up-beat album yet. However, one of the best tracks on here may be the slowest and calmest of them all. The excellent acoustic "Jeremiah" is amazingly beautiful as well and haunting. There is nothing dramatically different from their previous albums. You're getting just want you've come to expect from this band: Well-written, catchy, melodic, under 5 minute pop/rock songs. Its hard to say if this album is their best so far, I don't think it beats out Love is Here, but its still VERY good. Basically, if you like Starsailor's previous stuff, there's absolutely no reason not to like this. Definitely recommended for fans of Travis, Coldplay, Keane, Richard Ashcroft, etc.

Starsailor broke out in England and had massive success earlier this decade right around the same time as another melodic band from that country, Coldplay. But unlike Chris Martin and the boys, Starsailor's debut single stateside, Good Souls, failed to get as much play as Yellow and their follow up Silence Is Easy wise widely ignored here two years ago as another similar band Keane gain notoriety with Somewhere Only We Know. Now Starsailor is back to see if the third time is truly the charm with the release of On the Outside.

On the new album the band takes a decided harder sound, but instead of the crunching guitars or piano that Coldplay in known for, Starsailor instead assaults you with a wall of noise. Not coincidentally the inventor of the Wall of Sound, Phil Spector helmed their previous two albums, but wasn't around for this one. Instead the disk was produced by Rob Schnaph who has worked with the like of Beck and Elliot Smith. The one-two punch of In the Crossfire and Counterfeit Life come out you full force while lead singer James Welsh is found screaming at times which only builds the effect even more and isn't afraid to reach for notes throughout the album. The emotion in the music and the singing never lets down on the whole album which could be attributed to the record being record live in the studio.

But it's not all a melodic wall of noise, I Don't Know is a straight ahead rocker filtered through American blues that is reminiscent to mid-eighties U2. Get out While You Can goes from a haunting acoustic guitar and piano verse to a more melodic chorus and back again. Jeremiah is a slow moving acoustic song with a lyric, "And every time I see the sun go down I think of you," that can easily get stick in your head and is a great way to cap off the album (bonus track excluded). Speaking of the bonus track, Empty Streets, it is the closest song on the album that has the same melodic feel as previous works such as Good Souls.

There is anger in the lyrics that coincide with the harder sound whether it's love, "See that poor girl with the glint in her eye, she could turn you that way" (I Don't Know), political, "I don't see myself when I look at the flag. Thank God for that" (In the Crossfire), globalization, "A war for corporate glory re-told as a fairy story" (Counterfeit Life), and life itself, "Tired of living in this modern land, too many ideals to meet with its demands" (Faith Love Hope). On the Outside may be a step backwards in trying to get commercial success stateside, but it is a step in making better music.

"On the Outside" again demonstrates classic Britpop from James Walsh and company. Interesting is a greater sense of the Charlatans UK.

"On the Outside" is a new follow-up to 2004's "Silence is Easy". The band is really coming into their own; however, there are very few tracks which are "radio ready".

Be that as it may, Counterfeit Life, This Time, Keep Us Together and White Light are the stand-out tracks.

Finally, as an import: the cd is "protected".

If you're on Windows, insure that you either hold the "Shift" key when you insert the CD OR (better) turn-off "Auto Play" of Audio-CDs.

If you're on a Mac, track one will be a bit jittery, but, otherwise things should be OK.