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.

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.