Back to Bedlam [Bonus Disc] [Clean] (2005)

Soulful British crooner James Blunt's wistful debut infuses the listener -- in order -- with rainy-day hope, the wistful comfort of unattainable love, and finally, world-weary resignation. While his parched falsetto recalls Gasoline Alley-era Rod Stewart with a healthy dose of Antony and the Johnsons, it's the late Elliott Smith who casts the largest shadow on Back to Bedlam. Predictable but effective four-chord guitar motifs are the chosen vehicle for the ex-Royal Armed Forces soldier, and when they connect ("Wiseman," ... Read More

Soulful British crooner James Blunt's wistful debut infuses the listener -- in order -- with rainy-day hope, the wistful comfort of unattainable love, and finally, world-weary resignation. While his parched falsetto recalls Gasoline Alley-era Rod Stewart with a healthy dose of Antony and the Johnsons, it's the late Elliott Smith who casts the largest shadow on Back to Bedlam. Predictable but effective four-chord guitar motifs are the chosen vehicle for the ex-Royal Armed Forces soldier, and when they connect ("Wiseman," "Goodbye My Lover," "You Are Beautiful"), it's like a "Dear John" letter from a lover who you know will remain a close but ultimately guarded friend. Opening track "High" sets a determined midtempo pace that rarely wanes -- it's like an acoustic version of "Drive" by the Cars with a Coldplay chorus. It's a pace that would sink some records, but Bedlam's perfectly rendered, under 40-minute run time ensures that the listener doesn't suffer from a melancholy overdose. Blunt recounts his harrowing experiences as part of the NATO peacekeeping force in Kosovo on the closer, "No Bravery," and it's a shock to hear all of the romantic lyricism that informed Bedlam up to this point reduced to "Old men kneel and accept their fate/Wives and daughters cut and raped/A generation drenched in hate," but it's damn effective -- as is the majority of this fine debut. [Back to Bedlam was also released with a bonus CD, "Live in Ireland," which features in-concert versions of album tracks as well as covers of Crowded House's "Fall at Your Feet" and the Pixies' "Where Is My Mind?"] ~ James Christopher Monger, Rovi Read Less

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• CD, Fine/Like New 2006, Atlantic UPC: 075679457622 See Item Details ▾

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  	Edition: 2006, Atlantic CD, Fine/Like New	Details: UPC: 075679457622 Discs: 2 Label: Atlantic Released: 2006 Alibris ID: 17652863481	Shipping Options: Standard Shipping: $3.43 Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
  Seller's Description: Like New. Like New condition. audioCD. Case Like New. Slipcase Very Good. Quality guaranteed! In original artwork/packaging unless otherwise noted.
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2006, Atlantic UPC: 075679457622 CD See All from $9.75