Travis - The Boy With No Name

Belmit · 09-05-2007, 14:54

Back in '99, '00 and '01 I was one of the biggest Travis fans around. Their first three albums were superb and I eagerly awaited the fourth; 12 Memories. Sadly I felt it was a step down from their previous efforts. The standout track ('Quicksand') wasn't even released as a single and a lot of the rest either felt like they weren't trying hard enough, or trying too hard.

Shortly after, they released the singles album, which of course I didn't need, and assumed we'd see a wind down to an eventual split. A few days ago I was surprised to hear that a new single was being released ('Closer') but was unsurprised when I heard it and was fairly uninspired by it.

A couple of days later I received a confirmation email from play.com to let me know that my Travis pre-order had been dispatched. Eh?! Gah, I must have done that months ago and forgotten all about it. Drunk again no doubt.

I'm pleased to announce that 'Closer' is one of the weaker tracks on the album. Whereas with previous Travis albums I've listened through and thought 'Nope, not a patch on the last', and they've grown on me with every listen, this one is more of an instant hit. Of the first three tracks, I'd say 'Closer' is the weakest. Favourite track at the moment is 'Eyes Wide Open'. This album is much less angry than previous efforts and more eclectic than the others - seems to contain elements from all the other albums. It has the heartfelt songs, rocky ones, and even a rare 'fun' effort of the same ilk as 'Tied to the 90s' and 'U16 Girls', called 'Selfish Jean' (track 2).

Overall, a great comeback. Recommended.

Haly · 09-05-2007, 14:57

Hmm might have to try that album.
Used to love Travis a few years back but like you say, they lost it somewhere and became very uninspiring.
Hopefully this album is a good sign of things to come.

Zirax · 09-05-2007, 14:58

Hmmm interesting, I was never a massive Travis fan, but I have listened to most of their songs. I'll give this one a try

Tommy · 09-05-2007, 21:45

Got this yesterday but haven't given it a proper listen yet. I saw Travis soon after their last album, and they put on a great show. It was my first proper gig, I think. But more to the point, hearing the newest album I thought it sounded pleasant, but unadventurous.

Belmit · 09-05-2007, 21:52

Travis live give so much more than their albums do. The songs are noticeably faster, they add more distortion and practically bounce around the stage. Fran explaining the songs before they play them adds a big part to the experience as well.

09-05-2007, 14:54	#1
Belmit The Mouse King of Denmark Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: The Winchester Posts: 6,476	Travis - The Boy With No Name Back in '99, '00 and '01 I was one of the biggest Travis fans around. Their first three albums were superb and I eagerly awaited the fourth; 12 Memories. Sadly I felt it was a step down from their previous efforts. The standout track ('Quicksand') wasn't even released as a single and a lot of the rest either felt like they weren't trying hard enough, or trying too hard. Shortly after, they released the singles album, which of course I didn't need, and assumed we'd see a wind down to an eventual split. A few days ago I was surprised to hear that a new single was being released ('Closer') but was unsurprised when I heard it and was fairly uninspired by it. A couple of days later I received a confirmation email from play.com to let me know that my Travis pre-order had been dispatched. Eh?! Gah, I must have done that months ago and forgotten all about it. Drunk again no doubt. I'm pleased to announce that 'Closer' is one of the weaker tracks on the album. Whereas with previous Travis albums I've listened through and thought 'Nope, not a patch on the last', and they've grown on me with every listen, this one is more of an instant hit. Of the first three tracks, I'd say 'Closer' is the weakest. Favourite track at the moment is 'Eyes Wide Open'. This album is much less angry than previous efforts and more eclectic than the others - seems to contain elements from all the other albums. It has the heartfelt songs, rocky ones, and even a rare 'fun' effort of the same ilk as 'Tied to the 90s' and 'U16 Girls', called 'Selfish Jean' (track 2). Overall, a great comeback. Recommended. __________________ Last edited by Belmit; 09-05-2007 at 15:12.

09-05-2007, 14:57	#2
Haly Do you want to hide in my box? Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 14,941	Hmm might have to try that album. Used to love Travis a few years back but like you say, they lost it somewhere and became very uninspiring. Hopefully this album is a good sign of things to come. __________________ Halycopter

09-05-2007, 21:52	#5
Belmit The Mouse King of Denmark Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: The Winchester Posts: 6,476	Travis live give so much more than their albums do. The songs are noticeably faster, they add more distortion and practically bounce around the stage. Fran explaining the songs before they play them adds a big part to the experience as well. __________________

09-05-2007, 14:58	#3
Zirax Goes up to 11! Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 4,577	Hmmm interesting, I was never a massive Travis fan, but I have listened to most of their songs. I'll give this one a try

09-05-2007, 21:45	#4
Tommy Long Island Iced Tea Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nagoya, Japan Posts: 150	Got this yesterday but haven't given it a proper listen yet. I saw Travis soon after their last album, and they put on a great show. It was my first proper gig, I think. But more to the point, hearing the newest album I thought it sounded pleasant, but unadventurous.