Atmospheric. Haunting. I find it difficult to describe Elbow's THE SELDOM SEEN BOY without falling back on vaporous language that neither describes nor illuminates. But, simply, put this is one of the most interesting albums I've listened to in quite a long time.

THE SELDOM SEEN BOY is a magnificently produced indie album that just manages to avoid being over done. The keyboards are just right, the orchestration is spot on. I found many of the gentle rhythms and melodies to be almost hypnotic.

This isn't an album of catchy pop-tunes; it took me a few complete listens before I could dig what the band was doing. But once I got into it, I loved it. It's slightly out of the mainstream; it's a little bit strange. But it sure is great once you tune in to its wavelength.

Elbow is consistently sensitive, but also rocking. Caution, though: don't listen to track 1 on this CD while you're driving, or if you're jumpy.

The more i listen to listen to this, the more i hear! Weather to fly, grounds for divorce and one day like this...Amazing songs!!

"El-Bow!"

Ok, well, I meant 3 and a half stars really, but I always tend to over-club. In this case, its fair enough I suppose. Look, what I mean is this. This album is produced and performed really well, I like the Manc grittyness of the singer because I can relate to it, I found the first 2 tracks immensely personal to me, which I always like because they reflect scenarios that I can relate to. The crush on a younger woman in "Starlings" (although I find the brass bit rather annoying) and the wonderful "Bones of You" in which the way that a hearing of a long forgotten song has the ability to transport you through space and time to a relationship long gone is wonderfully realised. The rest of the album failed to engage me as intimately and deeply as those first 2 songs however, why, I dont know. Perhaps I expect too much from my music, perhaps they set the bar so high with those opening tracks, I dont know. What i do know is that these guys deserve their success, because they are are obviously putting a lot of love, thought and care into what they are doing. I hope the dreaded curse of the Mercury doesnt hurl them into oblivion (Anthony and the Johnsons or Talvin Singh anyone?) because they are worth more than that. What in my "record collection" sounds like them? If any of you have heard "Last Good day of the year" by Cousteau or "The Honeymoon is Over" by the Cruel Sea, you are probably in the right area. They are certainly in the same solar system as Snow Patrol or Coldplay, but I dont quite see connect them too readily, certainly more in common with Bell X1 perhaps. Yes, now I come ot think of it, everybody reading this rush out and buy "Flock" by Bell X1, its great!

Saw this group playing on the Sundance Channel and took a chance on this CD based on the three songs I heard. This is a wonderful CD aimed at people longing for something not aimed at "tweens," indies or hip hop. (although some of the lyrics might make an English teacher cringe). It's rock 'n' roll like it should be for the new century - slightly bluesy, slightly sad, slightly feel good. I can't imagine the song "It's A Beautiful Day" not becoming a top 40 hit once some radio station not owned by Clear Channel takes a chance to give it air play. Look forward to seeing these guys picking up a grammy for this one in '09!