The Verve

I am a big, bif fan of Urban Hymns and was so excited to see a new release from the Verve. Just brilliant work again from these guys. If you are a Verve fan you must get this! Just love the mix of guitars, strings and piano on the songs. It is different from other Verve albums but I recommend it highly.

This album came like a ray of light bursting through the clouds (see album cover) when the music of recent times has been lacking in soul. The Verve have the ability to draw out each of our dreams and fears and lay them on a canvas that feels like sonic heroin. I have called this album the Verve's best because of its maturity, honesty, and beauty. If you have not listened to the Verve before, please... start with this album. If you listen to the Verve, Christmas has come early!

As I begin writing this review, the opening title track to Forth, "Sit and Wonder" begins as well..I'm just getting in one final listen before I attempt to write an unbiased review..believe me, as a die hard Verve fan, its gonna be hard. That's why I refrained from writing a review right when this album was released. Unless it was just plain horrible, I was gonna like it no matter what..just because its The Verve and I have longed for the day that a reunion and new album would be released. Now that day has come and gone, and I've given this record dozens of listens since then, I feel I can now make a critical review without throwing too much of my personal feelings about it. But don't be surprised if there's an occasional outburst!!
Ok...now on to the review...Well its no surprise here..I really do like Forth. To say its better or worse than any previous work is a bit hard to say. For me personally, A Northern Soul is as close to perfection as The Verve have come, with Urban Hymns coming in a close second. So no, I don't think its better than either one of those records, but its not really fair to compare a lot of The Verve's work. They're sound has evolved so much since the early years, that in some ways, it sounds like a different band. But no matter the record, there's no denying it The Verve. There's just a feeling about them, an emotion. Some people say they lost it with this new record, but I would beg to differ. I don't really understand what fans expect out of some bands. There will never be another Urban Hymns, like there will never be another Definitely Maybe, or OK Computer..Those kinds of albums don't happen to often, and its a waste of time for an artist to try to re-create it. Its just not gonna happen. So for the haters out there who say Forth doesn't sound enough like Urban Hymns, or not enough like A Storm in Heaven..get over it, its not supposed to! In fact, that's one of the main reason I like this record so much. Its like the band kind of combined all their sounds, there's a little bit of early Verve here, like the slower jam sound of "Numbness", and spacey feel of "Columbo" and "Judas". There's the more rocking tracks like "Noise Epic", and the great "Sit Wonder", which is easily one of the best tracks on the album. And of course, there's the more string arranged, uplifting tracks like that of Urban Hymns, like "Valium Skies" and "I See Houses". And of course, The Verve throw us a curve with something like "Love is Noise", which to be honest, took me a while to warm up to. So there's a little something for every Verve fan here, and its all rolled into one album. You may here a bit, and say.."hey that sounds a like this, and this bit reminds me of that song, and then here is something totally new"..all in the same song! They way they combined certain sounds and melodies still amaze me, since a number of these songs were written directly from jam sessions. And for the people out there who say that the Verve got back together only for the money, personally, I think that's a load of crap, but I don't know their motives, but whatever the reason, if they keep putting out good records like this, I could care less what their motives are!
Ok, so do I have any complaints about the record?? Well, yeah, I do. I do wish there were a bit more "heavier" tracks, like that of A Northern Soul. You got "Sit and Wonder", but then there's no really rocking out moments until maybe the end of Appalachian Springs. Also, I do feel there's bit too much solo Ashcroft sound in the album. For example, I think "I See Houses" sounds almost directly from a new Ashcroft album, in fact, it sounds a bit similar to Richard's "I Get My Beat"..just listen to the intro. Even songs like "Rather Be", "Valium Skies", and "Love is Noise", maybe a bit too much Ashcroft, and not enough of the band as a whole. (I guess its not a coincidence that was the main songwriter on all those tracks!!) Now, I'm not saying these as bad songs, not at all..In fact, there are some of the album's best, but if you're asking me to be critical, I'm just stating my opinion. And my opinion is that The Verve was at their best when everyone was involved in writing all the music. Again, I love Urban Hymns, but it did lack somewhat of a band effort, and there was an absence of Nick McCabe's stellar guitar work. I can, at least, in part, say the same about Forth. There are times on this record that the band seems to take a back seat to Richard Ashcroft. Not saying that's always bad, but... And speaking again of Ashcroft, I feel that some of the lyrics are bit weak here and there.."Appalachian Springs" comes right to mind. The song itself is real good, I think the lyrics could have been better. But again, these are minor flaws in my opinion.
So as far as my overall impression of Forth, I pretty much gave it to you at the beginning..its no surprise, I really like this album. I understand that its probably not gonna be as classic as their other work, but its still really good. They bring something new to the table, while sticking to their original formula..which is, at its best, just four guys in a room making music...that is The Verve in their purest form. I just hope that they continue to make great music for many years to come.

Key tracks: "Sit and Wonder", "Rather Be", "Judas", "Valium Skies"

I'm so disappointed in this album. I just can't put it any other way. The Verve meant so much to me, and still do. I, like many people, cherish Urban Hymns. It's one of the greatest albums of the 90's, and there was some incredible music made during that decade(ie. Nevermind, Evil Empire, Dirt, The Bends, Stereotype A). But the Verve always stood alone; emotion, beauty, feeling, destruction, love. Just a sonic earthquake. I've listened to Forth multiple times. I don't know what happened to this band in 10 years time, but they lost it. Maybe the cosmos aligned at one time. It was a long time ago. Who knows? Maybe the future could be brighter again? I'll keep dreaming.

I am an early Verve fan, admittedly crazy about their debut album (which still makes me drool). I was pleasantly blown away by this latest album, which is a nod to their early work but also keeps one foot in the contemporary music scene. I am NOT a fan of URBAN HYMNS, which seemed to me a commercial pandering (however nice the pop songs were). This album really hits in the middle: it makes us old school fans drool, but also keeps a sense of the pop perfection that really made URBAN HYMNS such a hit with folks. I don't know how they did it, but this album really is a perfect middle way, a shout-out to us old Verve fans but a stable send-out to those who want pop hits. It's just simply a marvelous rock and pop record, with a groove and a hook and a smart set of lyrics . . . I worry that this album is so good that folks won't buy it. This album really captures the essence of this band's genius. It's brilliant. Buy it. Seriously.

Bittersweet Symphony is the best song ever. I'm using the intro for my wedding march.

I don't think people normally are compelled to write 3 star reviews, normally they only write when the really are blown away or really dont like something. However as a huge Verve fan, this album, although huge, is much more mainstream and doesn't reflect the sonic beauty reflected on their earlier and unappreciated albums. As other reviews had said, Storm in Heaven (and the Verve EP), is not just the best Verve albums, but one of the best albums period. It is sonic and similar to 'shoegazer' music but somehow a warmer, lusher, gentler take on the genre than say My Bloody Valentine (i know, heresy).

Urban Hymns isn't an album in the same sense, but more a discrete collection of songs, individual, composed and mainstream. If you like Urban Hymns work your way backwards to the earlier stuff, you might be blown away. If you don't like Urban Hymns or think "bittersweet Symphony" is the Verve's highpoint, it's not, don't write them off on this forgettable offering.

"Bitter Sweet Symphony" and "Lucky Man" drew me to this album, and I think it is a good album. However, while the CD starts out really strong, it wanes towards the end. The first 6 or so cuts from the CD are very vocally driven and traditionally "modern rock band sounding," however, the last few tracks are more instrumentally driven, with unique guitar effects, almost with a modern psychedelic vibe. Not really my thing, but if you like a combination of the two, then this CD is definitely for you. Maybe I will grow to like the latter tracks and appreciate them more. I definitely think that it is worth the buy for the first half of the CD. There are some really good tracks there.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but to those who claim their is only one hit on this cd ..well you need to get your ears checked! This album is quite possibly one of the best ever released during the 90's for this genre. I consider myself quite picky when it comes to purchasing music and this is one of my all time favorites. Ashcroft's voice sounds surreal and hallucinatory as if his voice were one of the instruments. Buy this cd, hit play, close your eyes and prepare for a musical journey like no other. Do yourself a favor and buy this cd ...NOW!

I recieved my cd through the mail in just a few days time and in perfect shape. Speedy service and great customer satisfaction. I believe I will be purchasing more things from this site more often. Thank you!

I remember when i first time I saw them on second stage of Loll. back in the day. I stumble upon them, the music they were playing was great. The following day the bought the tape. Now that dating me. anyway I had to add this cd to my collection finally. Good times.

"Urban Hymns" lovers might not care for it, but this is the best of the Verve's fleeting but extraordinary and influential career. A Storm in Heaven easily makes the list of my top ten albums of all time, which is a list that spans four decades.

There's a little bit of everything in this sonic extravaganza...from softly and pyschedelically haunting to hard driving rock. I have to agree with some of the negative comments about the production work though. The vocals on some tracks are far too muted, relegating Ashcroft's incredible vocals to background instrument status. That's not necessarily a bad thing I suppose, because the multiple lush layers of guitar really shine through.

This is an absolute "must-have" for your collection.

I've been a Richard Ashcroft fan since I first heard "Bitter Sweet Symphony" but never ventured backward into the less known (in the United States) first two albums by The Verve. Since I picked up ''This Is Music: The Singles 92-98'' I've wanted to go back and listen to this album and ''A Northern Soul''. After hearing this album I could not stop listening or replaying it. The other reviewers say that this album is one of the most played in their collection and I can see why.

True to the excesses of The Verve at the time, the album has a very mellow and relaxing feel to it. It will calm you and let your mind think, but not in a negative manner. The songs are soft which allows the lyrics and melody to flow together. Some listeners won't be able to get past what seems to be similar sounds from each song or what they perceive as no real separations between songs, but those thoughts are misguided.

If you like "Bitter Sweet Symphony" because it was popular, stay away from this album. But if you would like to explore more of The Verve beyond that song and ''Urban Hymns'', check out this fantastic beginning for a band that never received the credits they deserved.

a storm in heaven is one of the most gorgeous albums i've ever heard. it is not like the verve's other albums. this is in a genre of it's own. imagine layers upon layers of soothing, swirling creamy guitar melodies and vocals drenched in reverb dreaminess that wrap around your head until you feel as though you're being gently lifted up into the clouds. listening to this album is like being in that place in between sleep and awake. you know, that state of mind when you wake up in your bed and hear the birds chirping outside, but you are still in your dream? that's what this album is like. is it musical paradise.

This album is hard to describe but hell, I'm going to try. First off, if your looking to buy this album and the only thing you know about The Vere is "Bittersweet symphony" then this album may not be for you. This is unlike anything The Verve has ever done. With "A Storm in Heaven" the Verve take a very unothadox Jazzy,psychedelic Post rock aproach to their music that is simply awe inspiring. "A Storm in Heaven" has sonic sound scapes and sound walls that would make My Bloody Valentine and Sonic Youth blush. I don't know if it is or not but I like to think "A storm in Heaven" as the spearhead album that paved the way for Post Rock acts like Sigur Ros and Godspeed. It's the first album that I really heard the true essence for what post rock would later build apon. If you're a post rock fan or just like beautiful Psychedelic mood music then this album is a must have. Your music collection will thank you.

The Verve was a British band of the 1990's who have since broken up. On this CD we have 14 of the best Verve songs from their era of existence 1992-98. I really like this album and am awarding it 4.5 stars. I first heard of this band in June 1997 when staying in London, when their justly-famous and classic song Bittersweet Symphony made the UK top 5 . Even better was the achingly-beautiful yet despairing lament The Drugs Don't Work, which reached #1 on the UK chart in September 1997. I was working as a locum doctor in a psychiatric clinic at the time in Birmingham, England, and could really relate to the heartfelt pain that this song evokes, yet it has one of the most beautiful of melodies. Third song Lucky Man was also fantastic, as was the fourth song: Sonnet. All these were off the 1997 album Urban Hymns. After really getting into these songs in 1997-98, I later found out that the Verve actually had two earlier albums I'd not heard, and from these were taken other good songs like This Is Music, History and Gravity Grave etc.

The Verve were a great band with strong choruses, trippy production, and emotive, slightly avant-garde lyrics. Their vocalist Richard Ashcroft is a distinctive and highly-talented singer/songwriter who has continued on in the 2000's as a solo artist, though I know little about the other band members.

Highly regarded compilation CD.

This collection is a good way to be introduced to The Verve but the tracks taken from the album "A Storm In Heaven," "Slide Away" and "Blue" are not so much remastered as remixed, bringing Richard Ashcroft's vocals to the forefront instead of letting them swirl through Nick McCabe's amazing guitar work as on the original album. I was incredibly disappointed by this decision as "A Storm In Heaven" is a powerful album as it was originally mixed and was I was looking forward to hearing the two tracks remastered on this collection. I sincerely hope this isn't a sign of what's to come if all three Verve albums are remastered. "A Storm In Heaven" is an amazing album and if it is to be remastered, the sound should be expanded, not re-done. Whether this is Richard Ashcroft's ego interfering and trying to re-write history (no pun intended) or just a poor choice by the album producer I'm not sure. For excellent examples of remastering work, see the remasters of the entire Slowdive catalog and The Jesus and Mary Chain. For an example of a poor remastering job where tracks were re-done, see Tori Amos' collection "Tales Of A Librarian."

I have just recently discovered The Verve. It seems that I went right through the 90's without knowing nothing about this great band. Heard Bittersweet Symphony performed by Richard Ashcroft and Coldplay at the Live 8 Concert in July 2005 in London and inmediately fell in love with this truly great song. Went on to find more about these guys who unfortunately went separate ways before the end of the century. Despite claims from rock legends (Rolling Stones) that Bittersweet Symphony was plagiarized from them, I just totally connected with this beautiful song which appearently became a symbol of a whole generation. Richard Ashcroft lyrics are great. Music also. SO if you happen to be a like me, and never heard anything by The Verve, please go ahead and start with Bittersweet Symphony.

I first heard about the brittish emo rock group 'The Verve' after listening to their hit song that had made the radio stations over and over again for a long period of time here in Australia. Their song 'Bitter Sweet Symphony' is one of the best songs ever made and its melody is surreal and enchanting. I purchased this album for that reason, it had this song on it and I really wanted it. "This Is Music" is a album consisting of 14 songs that became The Verve's singles betwee 1992-95.

The Verve sound like a cross between Coldplay and Oasis with a slightly more pop sound to them. Unexpectedly I enjoyed this album after getting over the first two songs of the album that were plain and sounded unoriginal. The third song in 'Lucky Man' has became another favourite song of mine with lyrics that are heartfelt and easy to sing along with. 'On Your Own' and 'Sonnet' are beautiful melodies about loneliness and love which are heartwarming.

But the stand out of course is 'Bitter Sweet Symphony', this song is magical and has helped me through alot of tough emotional times. The last two songs of this album are merely fillers and B-Sides. This having been my intro to The Verve, I found myself liking this band and look forward to purchase more CD's in the later future by them.

The Verve are no one-hit wonder, this is the only 90s Brit band that has three consistent albums. Better than all my other favourites, Suede, Oasis, Blur, Pulp, Dodgy and Lightning Seeds. What's missing here are great tracks like Rolling People, Weeping Willow from Urban Hymns and old gems from A Northern Soul and A Storm in Heaven. Go ahead, buy all three Verve albums, money well-spent.

As weird as it may sound, it took me probably 10 years to really appreciate this album. It is not that I did not like it at first. I really liked it after a couple of listens and afterwards I still really liked it. However, looking back at the type of songs that this album features makes me think this album is just beyond words. I would put this album as the best all time only if they included "The Rolling People" and "Let The Damage Begin" on this because they were also written, I believe, during these sessions. So many unbelievable rocking and tripped out tracks on this album such as "This Is Music", "A New Decade", "Life's An Ocean", "Stormy Clouds" and the reprise. "Life's An Ocean" is just one of the greatest songs ever written. And also their best live song in my opinion. It also has great softer songs I guess you could call them in "History", "On Your Own", and "History." Truly an album for the ages.

I hear older guys always complaining that they "don't make music like they used to." They always like to compare today's music with that which they grew up with, classic stuff from the 60's and 70's, where the music was a story, and the band made an album, not just a bunch of singles that were mashed together under the same title.

Well, this is an album, not just a bunch of singles, and it is a testament to the history and greatness of both Rock and the British Invasion.

Listening to "A Northern Soul" is a journey, reminiscent of Pink Floyd and the Moody Blues, wherein a story is told over the course of an entire album. Today's music is, yes, a bunch of singles meant to be published on the radio piecemeal by Corporate Radio and its sponsors. But the Verve have captured something far more meaningful than a handful of singles they intended to have sold separately to Corporate Listeners...they captured a feeling.

The title track is the best, undoubtedly, but you can't listen to it without the rest, and you can't listen to it jumbled; it has to flow from the first, to the second, to the third, right down to the last track.

Everyone knows "Bittersweet Symphony" is one of the best rock songs ever, and certainly one of the best in the modern era, but the Verve are much more than just that one song; they are a story waiting to be told...through haunting guitar and a timeless voice.

The Rolling Stones? With all due respect, they can kiss my @$$, because they decided to steal the Verve's well-deserved royalties for Ashcroft's incredible writing. HE wrote the song, HE deserves the credit for it, and the Verve deserve the royalties that THEY - not Mick Jagger and Keith Richards - earned.

Listen to "The Last Time" by the Stones, then listen to "Bittersweet Symphony." They're not the same song.

If you know of the Verve as the "Bittersweet Symphony" song and the Urban Hymns album, then you're definitely missing out on what the Verve is all about. A Northern Soul is in many ways, even better than Urban Hymns. Soul hads a slightly harder sound, with songs like "A New Decade","This is Music", the title track "A Northern Soul", and "No Knock on My Door". But the album also contains ballads like the excellent "On Your Own" and "So It Goes". It also contains a song that sounds a lot a track from Urban Hymns, which is "History". It also contains a few songs that sound a lot like A Storm in Heaven, their debut album, these being "Stormy Clouds", "Life's An Ocean", and "Drive You Home" All in all, the album has the right balance of sound, and at times, it's simply amazing. The album does have a weak song or two, one of which is "Drive You Home" But one of the best things I like about this album is being able to understand most of the lyrics. In their previous albums, the lyrics are echoed out and tough to hear, but A Northern Soul is much better, with Richard Ashcroft's lyrics coming to the front of the music.

Rumored to have been written, recorded, and produced under the influence of ecstacy, this album is by far one of the most haunting listens of the mid-90s, and one of the best. Richard Ashcroft and his cronies with this album crafted a challenging and incredibly rewarding listen, that will have you coming back to it again and again. As with any band that chooses to craft music characterized as subtle, as opposed to those that lay it all out there, this album demands repeated listens before you can see it for what it really is.

Perhaps one of the darkest albums of the mid-90s in texture and content, this album sends you into the middle of a psychedelic freak-out storm at sea and doesn't let up until it's over. On first listen, any expectations of The Verve you might have formed after hearing "Birttersweet Symphony", will be blown away, and you'll be left wondering if A Northern Soul is the worst album you've ever heard, or the best, or maybe somewhere inbetween. You could imagine that this is a tough album to pin down and examine, since so much of it flies overhead in the first few listens. One day though, something clicks, and then it all makes sense.

"New Decade" and "This Is Music" kick things off into high gear, signalling what's to come. Loud yet soft guitars, hypnotic grooves and rhythms, uncharted and unchartable song structures, and Richard Ashcroft's abyss of angst-ridden lyrics, with sneering delivery. What follows jumps between the two extremes of hypnotic bass driven bluesy numbers "Life's An Ocean" and "Take You Home", to the other extreme of total psychedelic storms "Brainstorm Interlude" "A Northern Soul".

This album is a voyage into an endless well of angst brought on by loneliness and drugs, and that angst is displayed in an epic scope that easilly rivals that of Layne Staley and his own drug-fueled demons on the album "Dirt". Thankfully there is some kind of resolution to it however, encapsulated in the song "Sotrm Clouds", where Ashcroft tells us his story of "how his life seemed to change in a matter of days" asking "Why does change always seem to bring the rain?". If weren't for the resolution on this disc, it would be the next In Utero, perhaps the most alienating experience in music as we know it. A Northern Soul is a well-rounded, epic listen, one that anyone who has ever been plagued by angst can relate to, and even learn from. It's an enlightening listen.

If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding listen, as well as brutally honest emotional rock music, as opposed to radio-ready mainstream music of the present, I can only ask you why you don't have this cd already?

this album just has everthing. massive guitar riffs, incredible rhythm section, richard's vocals at his very best and layered to the max in the right places. songs about living and dying on your own and being a miserable selfish human. but actually there are moments of great beauty and honesty. it makes you feel happy or sad depending on your mood. this album was pretty much overlooked by the mainstream at the time and yet it wipes the floor with ubran hymns. shows what the media and the general public really know doesn't it?
nick mcabe, what a guitarist.

Every track on this album is beautiful. The best track probably being the intense version of "Gravity Grave" live from the Glastonbury Festival in '93(Speaking of this track, you can find a three minute video excerpt of this track from the Festival on the Glastonbury the Movie DVD.Very Cool). This EP is better than the Verve EP because the tracks sound better and more developed. A Storm in Heaven is a perfect companion CD to this album. In fact, if you really wanna have the true early Verve experience put both albums on one disc and prepare to sway. If you dig this album then go out and get A Northern Soul, if you haven't already, and prepare for a sonic assualt mixed with classic Verve-style spaciness. Then, if you must, buy Urban Hymns. Don't get me wrong, this album is good, but it lacks early Verve tendencies and sounds really poppy.

Verve at their greatest, If you like Storm In Heaven this is even better! Watch out it will put you in a trance and then, you will be awakened by Gravity Grave live at Glastonbury 93 (track 8), Verve must have been amazing live. Anyway, if I were only going to buy two of Verve's albums they would be Storm in Heaven and this one. If you like early Verve make sure you check out The Verve [EP] too!

Just got it. Awesome CD. Listened to it last night twice.

Verve is a band that invented the most complex orquestration of the four modern electric instruments: guitar, bass,drum and keybord. listen to their 93'b-side(their b-sides are always better than a-sides)'No Come Down'. it's simple, but it's complex at the deepest sense by any means.you can be familiar with the song within one listening, but after 100 listenings, you still can't dig out all the orquestration they put in it. that's the magic: bass-lines just vibrate, guitar floating in the space,drums in the edge of sleeping and wakeup, and the keybords add some killer efects when your heart is in a really indefensive state...in front of Verve,all you can do is wait, wait them to descompose you, in the most musical mean.
well, i think there are really few british bands can match Verve, but Charlatans and Primal Scream may deserve a try.

Please listen to the S.J's bass lines in the first track. as i put in the review of the UH, S.J is the best artist of this band. his bass lines really tell me something. i don't know what but you know, the music die when you can describe it with words, as the music is other dimention of the words, if you can replace it by other medium, then it just lose its reason of existence. ok, just try this album, it's good enough to say 'WO!'

REMINDS ME OF PINK FLOYD'S UMMAGUMMA AND ATOM HEART MOTHER (ONLY THE SPACY SECTIONS)

Released in 1992, this is the Verve's first significant release. It is an EP and is only 30 minutes long (I generally knock down EP's by a star, because they aren't good values).

This is churning guitar driven space rock. It reminds of the spacier parts of Pink Floyd's Ummagumma and Atom Heart Mother. However it has more of an ambient sound.

The music here is a lot like the Verve's first full length album, A Storm in Heaven (although that one is more along the lines of Pink Floyd's More).

The only real problem with this EP is that it is not very distinctive and sounds a lot like A Storm In Heaven. I played this CD right after A Storm In Heaven, and thought that I accidently played the same CD twice. I had to back and check the CD's and the song titles to see that they were actually different. That is why I only give this 3 stars. It is short and not essential. You could get A Storm in Heaven and have a lot more of the same.

The Verve (not to be confused with Verve Pipe) lasted about 6 years. They put out 3 full length CD's and a ton of EP's. I have a CD compilation where the band was going accoustic and singing actual songs! It is not very good.

YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHECK OUT FRANCIS MONKMAN, JAM. THE MUSIC IS SIMILAR, ONLY A LITTLE HARDER (AND I THINK A LITTLE BETTER).

Assuming you have Storm in Heaven and/or Urban Hymns - you NEED this album. The excerpts do not do justice to this EP-that-feels-epic. Storm in Heaven was very atmospheric, dreamy... but 4 out of the 5 songs here - except A Man Called Sun - BUILD UP.

Gravity Grave, She's a Superstar, Endless Life, and Feel are simply amazing songs created by the band and produced by Barry Clempson. (It has an autumn-feel to it.)

In short, at a little over 30 minutes this EP is never tiresome to listen to every year.

Verve were one of the most overlooked bands of the enitre decade. America only took notice of the wigan quartet when they would go on to release their Bitter Sweet Symphony single and album Urban Hymns. In that time Verve amassed a catalogue that in my opinion, is the greatest of all time. There's no other artist in history that matters or means as much as Verve. This EP is a great start, in fact I would advise any newcomers to the band to start right here and progress forward, because each album in their discography exudues self awareness and confidence in changing sounds and you would be better off starting at the beginning.

Here's what you'll get in alll

Gravity Grave - It's an epic recodring, with the trance-like bassline that Simon Jones gets into its clearly a danceable song. Nick Mccabe brings in the brilliant use of his guitar to full effect, with delay and reverb in tow. The overall sound of the guitarwork is incredible, i can't imagine a better guiotar player ever in history then Nick Mccabe. Also, the lyrics are just heavenly, "to me you're like a setting sun, you rise then you're gone." Richard Ashcroft again dazzles me with his vocals which are insanely perfect.

A Man Called Sun - Another brilliant track, this song is a clear example of the brilliant work that Nick Mccabe can do with a minimalistic approach. Richard Ashcroft sings with a silenced voice, he does that a lot on earlier Verve recording such as this and A Storm In Heaven, it adds to the atmosphere.

She's a Superstar - This is pure cosmic bliss. In a perfect world people would have been listening to this slow, surreal ballad instead of the grunge rock music. This is a gorgeous song full of beauty in shiny guitars and again vocals that are just epic. This isn't just a record, its already a classic, beating out anything before it and anything afterward.

Endless Life - A beautiful atmospheric tone introduces the song and takes you into a meditative state. The song gradually builds up to a climax and Verve are taking us for one wild journey. Rochard Ashcroft is singing very muted almost, but it adds once again to the aurreal effect, like it's happening before you and you're a part of it all.

Feel - The closing song is over 10 minutes in length, and incredible song in it's own right. The beautiful shimmer of Nick Mccabes gutiar work still clearly evident. Also the brilliant use of the id section where a funnel of feedback is sed to introduce the end, it just shows how experiemtnal this band was in their make- up.

Clearly put, the greatest EP release ever and a classic none can top, this is except for Verve.

"A Man Called Sun" may be the best produced song ever. Previously "Riders On The Storm" by The Doors got my vote, but this song is just about perfect.

I love the last two songs ENDLESS LIFE and FEEL. Lyrics didnt really mean a thing to Verve at this time. They were just used as another instrument to compliment the atmosphere of the music. Using pauses, drawing out words flow like the guitar. I really like the drumming on FEEL, it has a hypnotic quality that draws you in and keeps your head bobbing. the song is 10 and half minutes long but it goes by fast. A MAN CALLED SUN is very spooky and very good.

Bittersweet Symphony is the best song ever. I'm using the intro for my wedding march.

I don't think people normally are compelled to write 3 star reviews, normally they only write when the really are blown away or really dont like something. However as a huge Verve fan, this album, although huge, is much more mainstream and doesn't reflect the sonic beauty reflected on their earlier and unappreciated albums. As other reviews had said, Storm in Heaven (and the Verve EP), is not just the best Verve albums, but one of the best albums period. It is sonic and similar to 'shoegazer' music but somehow a warmer, lusher, gentler take on the genre than say My Bloody Valentine (i know, heresy).

Urban Hymns isn't an album in the same sense, but more a discrete collection of songs, individual, composed and mainstream. If you like Urban Hymns work your way backwards to the earlier stuff, you might be blown away. If you don't like Urban Hymns or think "bittersweet Symphony" is the Verve's highpoint, it's not, don't write them off on this forgettable offering.

"Bitter Sweet Symphony" and "Lucky Man" drew me to this album, and I think it is a good album. However, while the CD starts out really strong, it wanes towards the end. The first 6 or so cuts from the CD are very vocally driven and traditionally "modern rock band sounding," however, the last few tracks are more instrumentally driven, with unique guitar effects, almost with a modern psychedelic vibe. Not really my thing, but if you like a combination of the two, then this CD is definitely for you. Maybe I will grow to like the latter tracks and appreciate them more. I definitely think that it is worth the buy for the first half of the CD. There are some really good tracks there.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but to those who claim their is only one hit on this cd ..well you need to get your ears checked! This album is quite possibly one of the best ever released during the 90's for this genre. I consider myself quite picky when it comes to purchasing music and this is one of my all time favorites. Ashcroft's voice sounds surreal and hallucinatory as if his voice were one of the instruments. Buy this cd, hit play, close your eyes and prepare for a musical journey like no other. Do yourself a favor and buy this cd ...NOW!

I recieved my cd through the mail in just a few days time and in perfect shape. Speedy service and great customer satisfaction. I believe I will be purchasing more things from this site more often. Thank you!

I liked their use of different styles for each song. Most new pop bands all sound the same. In one song they'll bring in a keyboard, in another a strong guitar lead and I really like the dominance of the drums. Haven't seen that since my day.

this is a somewhat accurate representation of The Verve Pipe.
it's missing some great songs, but it's a great place to start if you are interested in the band.
the cool thing is that each recording with this band was progressively better than the last. Although The Freshmen was the biggest hit and had several great tunes, the last CD titled, UNDERNEATH, was a much better record. i own them all and wouldn't give a single one of them away

The Verve Pipe were a local favorite here in my home town of Kalamazoo Michigan for quite a few years. They released several independent albums and constantly played the Southwest Michigan / Chicago club circuit. Then in the mid 90's the band signed to major label RCA releasing "Villains" in 1996. The album shot straight to the top of the charts riding the coattails of the singles "Photograph" and "The Freshmen, a song that the band had already released on a previous album and had been a local hit. After this version was released it became the band's signature song. The album was produced by Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads fame and features really well done songs that would probably be categorized as alternative rock. The band would hit their peak commercially with this release and then quickly fade back into the shadows after two more albums. They still get together to play the occasional local show now and then, but I don't think that they are still a full time band. Overall this album is a collection of just plain well written rock songs, delivered with emotion and verve. I always enjoy pulling this album out on occasion.

Wow, I haven't been this disappointed in an album in a long time. Granted the song "The Freshman" is a timeless classic, but the rest of the album is far from it's greatness. The album lacks melody and is infested with poor song writing. If you like "The Freshman" buy the single, stay clear of "Villains".

Thought this was a great effort by The Verve Pipe. I really thought there wasn't a bad song on this one. Unlike most, I didn't really like "The Freshman" that much, maybe because I heard it ten thousand times that year. However, it was a decent song and there are some definite great ones on this album. My favorites are "Cup of Tea" and the last song "Veneer." Great alternative album definitely. It's too bad these guys didn't take off more.

And, to the reviewer who gave one star, why did you rate 3 songs 4 stars or higher on the album if you gave it such a low rating?

This album came out while I was in middle school, and I'm not sure I listened to much else back then. I originally purchased the album for "The Freshmen," but I think it's now the least-listened to song (thanks to the overplaying of it on the radio). My music collection has added several thousand songs since then, but I still find I listen to this album more than just about anything else. The transition they make from gentle gentle lyricism to surging melodies and back again has given me a true appreciation of versatility at a time when there's so much that sounds the same. The Verve Pipe has a truly original sound that just can't be duplicated.

I bought this CD for $2.50. It was worth that, but it is definitely departing from my CD collection. I was so disappointed with this CD. I see many reviews saying how this is a good CD, and it is TVP's best. If this is their best, then I don't wanna touch their other stuff. Songs:

1. Barely If At All (2/5) - Nothing to offer. Sounds like a song you would expect on a first album maybe, not this one.

2. Drive You Mild (1/5) - Sounds like the previous song, only worse.

3. Villains (1/5) - Quieter than the last two, but still awful. And TVP decided to make this their title song?

4. Reverend Girl (2/5) - Better than the last two, with somewhat decent music, but still a below average song.

5. Cup Of Tea (3/5) - Right when I thought all was lost, I actually somewhat enjoyed this one.

6. Myself (2/5) - Drops off down into the level of their first four.

7. Freshmen (5/5) - I've heard a better version of this song, but without a doubt the best song on the CD. One of my favorite all-time songs. Lead vocalist is very passionate in this one.

8. Photograph (1/5) - One of the worst on the album. Very bad choice sitting this one next to 'Freshmen'.

9. Ominous Man (4/5) - Quickly rebounds from 'Photograph' to bring the second best song on the album. Fun to listen to.

10. Real (1/5) - Back into the musical famine. By this point I wanted to just stop listening.

11. Penny Is Poison (1/5) - Not very good lyricism at all. No good music. No passion in the song at all.

12. Cattle (4/5) - The last good song on here. Cool music and good lyrics. Displays some passion and meaning in creating the song.

13. Veneer (1/5) - Horrible way to end it. Worst song on the album. Nothing at all to offer and leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

Overall, don't get this CD. If you insist, it may be worth the $2.50 total you pay on here for those few good songs. If you want to get a CD by these guys, get the 'Freshmen' single CD. That CD is amazing.