Neil Halstead

very excited for the mew Mojave album this fall, as well as the Rachel Goswell album out next spring.

I don't think the solo album is particularly impressive. It's not rubbish but it's a little low on the thrilling melody front.

I don't see the Drake comparisons except that they could both be classified as "British Folk". Halstead's guitar-playing and arrangements are much simpler, for one thing.

I don't understand the criticism of the album as cheerful (wtf?) or bland. Unlike Mojave, where it seems the emphasis (at least post-Ask Me...) is on craftmanship (possibly a reaction to the ridiculous criticism that Slowdive was all style...ummm, you try writing something like "Altogether" or "Waves") the album is very heartfelt and mostly downcast. It's really a break-up album but the main emotions are acceptance, love and forgiveness rather than the self-pity and adolescent anger you usually get from such exercises. (Not that those don't have their place as well!)

There's just something about his attitude, his wisdom, and his music that makes Neil one of the coolest guys around. "Hi-Lo and Inbetween" is one of the more beautiful songs I can think of and a definite mix-tape/CDR highlight when you want to bring the mood and pace down a little bit.

This is one of my favorite songs too!

I think he's admirable, he has a certain attractive aura that just brings people in.

new album - oh! mighty engine - sleeping on roads pt2 .

another nick drake/elliot smith kinda thing, which rises 2 opposite reactions:
1. doesnt the world have enough of this folky-always sound the same- record style already?
2. but he is good in doing that old formula.

so i guess it comes down to how much you can bear another (good) twee-folk-drake record.

i posted about this here a few days back:

slowdive: classic or dud?

That 1st one was so good that I'm gonna lap this up in any case.

Sad that he's on Jack Johnson's pet artist label and touring with him. How the hell did that happen? But beautiful new album. Sleeping on Roads, pt. 2 indeed. "Elevenses" and "Paint a Face" are both stand outs. He does the sleepy, dreamy folk thing better than just about anyone.

Why is anyone surprised this is on Jack Johnson's label?

I mean, I love me some Mojave 3, but c'mon guys, don't delude yourselves.

It's a damn near perfect fit

Slowdive is great, solo is pretty good, Mojave 3 is tolerable

Yeah, it's a valid comparison in that they are two guys who play guitar.

i'm going to see this guy tomorrow at the media club.

ooooh i still need to pick up this record.

will be released September 11, 2012 on Universal Republic.
http://www.israbox.com/uploads/posts/2012-08/1345736289_folder.jpg

Track Listings
1. Digging Shelters
2. Bad Drugs and Minor Chords
3. Wittgenstien's
4. Spin The Bottle
5. Tied To You
6. Love Is A Beast
7. Palindrome Hunches
8. Full Moon Rising
9. Sandy
10. Hey Daydreamer
11. Loose Change

Deluxe CD edition is exclusive to Amazon and is limited to 500 copies worldwide. Presented in a notebook style format with a chipboard front and back cover, the release features Neil Halstead's handwritten lyric sheets as well as open space for your own ruminations as you listen to the album. This is Neil's third solo album after a storied career with Slowdive and Mojave 3. AllMusic has called Neil "one of Britain's most respected songwriters".

Yup. Look for a review from me soon.

open space for your own ruminations as you listen to the album.

tee hee

my wife realllllly likes his solo stuff, and doesn't really care for mojave 3 or slowdive. weird, i know! so i've heard his albums a bunch. it's ok, cozy sweater folk.

his solo stuff, and doesn't really care for mojave 3

kind of baffling

i know! she doesn't dislike mojave 3, just doesn't seem interested in it. mysterious.

Well it is the most straightforward stuff he's ever done, I'm not surprised that's what might appeal.

he has such a nice voice

tbh I rate his first solo lp way above any of the M3 albums

Out.

ned's review: http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/17036-palindrome-hunches/
good fall record! the season, not the band. you know.

Ha, thanks! Yeah I need to publicize that review a bit here...

great review, Ned. And the "cozy sweater folk" thing is spot on - never thought I would but I think you've made me want to get this

definitely a record where it comes on and my first instinct is kinda "yawn" but then I end up loving it.

Anyone else (UK) pre-order it from Sonic Cathedral? I got the 7" with it, will be able to report on the album when I finally get the shrinkwrap open.

The album is very nice. I think I like it more than 'Oh, Mighty Engine' at the moment.

Saw him last night, good show. Seems like an all around good guy. He played Alison and 40 Days for the encore

i don't like how he went from shoegaze to wuss-rock... though some of his wuss-rock is ok, i guess.

Re-listened to his solo debut for the first time in 15 years. Such a great front-to-end record. Probably up there with Souvlaki in his discography.

Yeah Ive always thought this record was underrated. I could never get into any of his other solo stuff but consider this a minor classic.