Archive for the ‘Constantines’ Category
Constantines – Kensington Heights Review
I have not been a fan of the Constantines, the reasoning is because I just never bothered. There are a lot of fans out there and especially due to the fact that they originated out of Guelph. I actually don’t cover that many Canadian artists and I’m trying my best to do so.
Kensington Heights, named after the street in Toronto (I think) was released all the way back in April 15th of this year and it has been on my computer for a long time. I’ve had trouble really liking it and I’ve put off reviewing this album for at least 2 months. Today I decided to review this album instead of CSS’s Donkey.
From the get go, I hated the first track “Hard Feelings”. This is a personal thing but I’ll try to explain why I hated the intro. First we get these synths, followed in synchronizing by the a strong brash bass sound that just consumes my mind and I can’t concentrate of anything else. After awhile I just get a headache. So it’s more of a brain thing. I really don’t like the vocals though, they don’t really stand out. Musically it’s decent (after I get my past my brain issue) but before long I’m forced to press the next button so I don’t shoot myself. No hard feelings right? Million Star Hotel is almost like Hard Feelings but without the driving me insane aspect, it’s a decent track.
Trans Canada changed the pace, with a cool bass line throughout the song. Otherwise, it doesn’t do much for me. Shower of Stones has elements of noise rock and the vocals really blend with this song. It’s a cool track, decent again but nothing earth shattering.
Our Age is probably my favorite track, granted it’s the softest and the reason why is that I feel like I’m suffering for some reason (I’m trying to ignore it). I Will Not Sing A Hateful Song turns out to be a decent track but I have to say that it’s such a bad title for a song name. It just gives it away and lyrically it feels weak when I listen to the song play out.
This album has things I like but it’s in bits and pieces and then there’s are things that I dislike. Vocally it doesn’t mesh well with the music and I find myself gravitating to other things which explains why it took me so long to review this album.
I’ve been told the Constantines other albums are much better and that they are awesome live… so I don’t feel quite as bad giving a Canadian band a poor review. Still some stuff worth pursuing but as an album, I really struggled with this one. It’s not crap in the least bit but it’s in the middle where I know it’s decent/talented/creative but I just can’t get myself to like it no matter how hard I try.
Rating: 2.75 out of 5
Constantines and Feist – Islands in The Stream Cover
I was visiting The Constantines myspace recently because I know they’re from Toronto but I’ve never listened to them before. The first track they had was a track recorded with Feist covering “Islands In The Stream” a song by Kenny Rogers sung with Dolly Parton.
I’m totally in love with this cover…granted I’ve never heard the first version. I usually dig duets vastly especially of the male/female variety. It’s an awesome love song and it made me realize that Mya sings this part in Pras’ Ghetto Superstar (I didn’t even need wikipedia for it!).
Anyway, I don’t normally like posting singles especially if its like “Violet Hill” or CSS’ new single unless I’ve got a great excuse. I don’t want to be a lame duck blogger either because everyone else is doing it. Not too many bloggers have discussed this track.
Just enjoy a great single, not original but it’s fucking lovely.
