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Review: Coming Up For Air
With the upcoming release of David Potts’ new double A-sided digital single, ‘Monkey In The Rain/Roll Up!’ (also includes two extra tracks) I thought I’d have a few listens to his first solo album under his own name, released around six months ago at the end of January 2007 and give it a 'retrospective' review.
'Self-Important Little Shite!'
David Potts – ‘Coming Up For Air’
Maximum Records: DPCD01
With the upcoming release of David Potts’ new double A-sided digital single, ‘Monkey In The Rain/Roll Up!’ (also includes two extra tracks) I thought I’d have a few listens to his first solo album under his own name, released around six months ago at the end of January 2007 and give it a 'retrospective' review.
I’m very glad I did, as the thirteen tracks it contains are all well worth consideration, the most notable among these are the first five offerings, including his first single, ‘I’m the Greatest’ and one part of the next, ‘Roll Up!’. This is where I find the only problem with this album. The first five tracks are actually so good, that I kept back-tracking to listen to them again, which meant that the other eight didn’t get quite so many plays.
To properly enjoy this album, one needs to have some self-discipline and allow it to run in its entirety, so I made myself do just that.
The whole package has an incredibly ‘up-beat’ vibe to it that that gets your foot tapping fr4om the very start with a fantastic drum intro to 'Got To Be Someone' and shows British music to be just as good today as when bands like ‘The House Of Love’ and ‘The Chameleons’ were around in the 1980s to early 90s.
David Potts shows himself to be a talented singer/songwriter and musician. He played the majority of the instruments on the album, including recording ten of the drum tracks in his living room. That's dedication and tolerant neighbours for you…
The influences that immediately spring to mind are mainly those of the Beatles and many bands in the ‘Mod’ vein, although the album does contain a few surprises. So, is it really a 'must-buy'?. I wondered if I was right in thinking that, but friends who I've played the album to have agreed that this really is worth several listens and a definite purchase.
What are the tracks like? Well, let's take them one by one:
Got To Be Someone
It's always good to start off an album on a strong note. The instant attack of the thumping drums does just that here - Paul Kehoe really 'goes for it' and carries on throughout. Covering the drums is a somewhat 'sparse sounding' layer of guitar and bass. It works very well indeed - simplicity at its best. Pottsy's vocals on this track make it both strong and vulnerable at the same time - great lyrics. The track trails off, lulling one into a false sense of security, before attacking again with a brief instrumental and chorus.
I'm The Greatest
The title sounds big-headed, doesn't it. However, when you prefix it with the words, 'She said…' it doesn't seem so bad. Like the first track, this is one that you can tap your foot and bop your head to. It's very up-beat and was the first single released from the album. It's still available from David Potts' Online Store, but I have the feeling that stocks have now become limited.
World Isn't Over
This is where the album slows down briefly. The time in many albums where I disappear for a cup of tea or if the album looks like it will be really good, a beer. I stopped the CD at this point and got two beers from the fridge, sat down and back tracked to the first two songs again. When 'World Isn't Over' came on again, I was impressed by the jaunty nature of the track, complete with banjo (!). Hey, don't knock it until you hear it. The lyrics are great too. You'll find yourself humming the tune and later, singing it to yourself on the way to and from work.
Roll Up!
Maybe the track that many people will fast forward to, as it features New Order's Peter Hook on second bass (no sniggers at the back please). At first I thought it was very similar to some of the better Monaco material and Pottsy agrees - I suppose it's difficult to avoid the comparisons as basically, it's played by Monaco. Then again, this track would sit quite comfortably alongside those from Electronic's Twisted Tenderness. Complete with harmonica, 'twinkly' keyboard breaks and an attack straight back into guitar laden riffs, this is the track that will convince you if you're into either Monaco or Electronic - it's what the best mixture of both bands would sound like.
Faces
A sort of swing beat to this one at the start and the lyrics show that David Potts is not only talented but sometimes rather introspective. I won't even try to decipher the meaning of the lyrics. Why not do what I did - listen, interpret them for yourself and enjoy it as a track that means something to you? The music has a few slightly rougher breaks that push the song along, giving it that feel that you get at a festival, where you just can't help jumping up and down a bit!
Richard Parker
The album slows down a little here and looks inwards more. It's quite a sad track, thanking an ex-partner for the time spent together. The music echoes The Beatles' 'Sergeant Pepper' era, but with a modern twist. At any moment, you expect a brass section to join in. They don't. But it shows that Pottsy is influenced by many styles and eras, something with which he happily agrees. The good thing is that in keeping with the rest of this album, it works very well indeed. Cello and violin (provided by Rich Torr and Lizzie Hoskin respectively) join the guitars at the end and make this track rather special. It even has a repeat ending in the same way as Joy Division's 'Isolation'.
Free Yourself
This track is a little bit more up-tempo, but maybe not so up-beat. 'Cold start today…' it features sampled vocals as well as Pottsy's main vocals. I find this a slightly confusing track. Not really sure what's going on - maybe a little too much, but then, I've never been good at multi-tasking. It's a good track, but for me, the odd one out on this album as I'm afraid it's the one that doesn't quite sit as comfortably as the others. Trouble is, even saying that, I still like it.
So Low
This starts off with simple piano and vocals, lovely harmonies and a bit of tambourine for good measure. When the drums come in, the track is pulled along by its collar a bit, before slipping back into the piano and vocals. This is a bit like a musical tug-of-war and I'm not really sure who wins. Both sides hopefully, as it works as a song. It's a fairly short offering at around two and a half minutes, but one that you'll want to go back to, even if you just want to make sure that you heard it right!
And I…
'And I Will Always Love You From Afar' - that sets the tone for the track. It's fairly slow moving, but in one of those relaxed, summery ways. A bit like trying to wake yourself up from a summer morning's dream. Good, lazy stuff.
My Favourite Onion
I know what you're thinking. 'What the hell is THAT title about?' Again, a Beatles style to it, especially the effect on the vocals at the start - the 'loudhailer' one… 'you’re my Favourite Onion' hmmm… well, I took it to be talking about someone being multi-layered in their personality, but maybe I'm wrong. It has been known on occasion. This is a really pleasant song that no matter what mood you're in, will at least put a small smile on your face.
Warm And Happy Soul
I think this has become my favourite track on the album. 'I sit around and talk the same old crap' are the lyrics that start it off. This really does have a warm feeling to it. I was at first slightly disconcerted as a short keyboard insert reminds me of part of Philip Glass' 'Koyaanisquatsi' but thankfully, it's only a 6 second segment. Two other aspects I love about this track are the rhythmic tribute to The Beatles' 'Ticket To Ride' and the re-introduction of the banjo. If you've heard the theme tune to the TV show 'Scrubs' then you'll know the happy, jaunty style that I'm on about. This is a very varied track in its sounds and tempos. For all it borrows from influences, this is a wonderfully original track. I love it.
Kite
This almost reminds me of some of the Kinks' material - that guitar and drum sound, you know? 'I'll find time to get high' sings the 'kite' of the song. This would happily hold its own as a single. It has that certain something that makes it stand out from the kind of tracks you hear on the radio nowadays. Maybe because it has an 'Oasis' style ambience to it, but I find it far less abrasive than anything I've heard by the Gallagher Brothers. 'Oh why…?' sings David Potts - Because we like it, that's why. Now keep singing.
Dream Away
So, he does keep singing. The last track is, as the title suggests, rather dreamy. It flows gently towards the end of the album. Not the best track offered here, but it still has a certain 'something' including the rather interesting synth sounds, bells and 'heartbeat'. It also becomes more upbeat towards the end, with the banjo and harmonica both making a surprising, but welcome return. With these, the album fades into the distance, making you hope it will come back - maybe more than once.
Overall, this is an incredibly good debut album and so far, the best album I've heard from anyone this year. I have a feeling that no one will beat it. It's been on constant repeat in my house for ages and I'm pretty sure I know all the lyrics by now. It's most definitely worth buying and you can get it at a discounted price, plus a free CD EP or 7" single.
You’d either have to be tone-deaf or just not a lover of music if you couldn’t find something good to say about this album. It’s quirky, varied, tuneful, well composed, well produced, energetic and exciting. But overall, I’d say ‘well played’ to Mr Potts and friends.
One last piece of advice - play it loud and dance!
Chris Nash
NewOrderOnline 2007
David Potts – ‘Coming Up For Air’
Maximum Records: DPCD01
With the upcoming release of David Potts’ new double A-sided digital single, ‘Monkey In The Rain/Roll Up!’ (also includes two extra tracks) I thought I’d have a few listens to his first solo album under his own name, released around six months ago at the end of January 2007 and give it a 'retrospective' review.
I’m very glad I did, as the thirteen tracks it contains are all well worth consideration, the most notable among these are the first five offerings, including his first single, ‘I’m the Greatest’ and one part of the next, ‘Roll Up!’. This is where I find the only problem with this album. The first five tracks are actually so good, that I kept back-tracking to listen to them again, which meant that the other eight didn’t get quite so many plays.
To properly enjoy this album, one needs to have some self-discipline and allow it to run in its entirety, so I made myself do just that.
The whole package has an incredibly ‘up-beat’ vibe to it that that gets your foot tapping fr4om the very start with a fantastic drum intro to 'Got To Be Someone' and shows British music to be just as good today as when bands like ‘The House Of Love’ and ‘The Chameleons’ were around in the 1980s to early 90s.
David Potts shows himself to be a talented singer/songwriter and musician. He played the majority of the instruments on the album, including recording ten of the drum tracks in his living room. That's dedication and tolerant neighbours for you…
The influences that immediately spring to mind are mainly those of the Beatles and many bands in the ‘Mod’ vein, although the album does contain a few surprises. So, is it really a 'must-buy'?. I wondered if I was right in thinking that, but friends who I've played the album to have agreed that this really is worth several listens and a definite purchase.
What are the tracks like? Well, let's take them one by one:
Got To Be Someone
It's always good to start off an album on a strong note. The instant attack of the thumping drums does just that here - Paul Kehoe really 'goes for it' and carries on throughout. Covering the drums is a somewhat 'sparse sounding' layer of guitar and bass. It works very well indeed - simplicity at its best. Pottsy's vocals on this track make it both strong and vulnerable at the same time - great lyrics. The track trails off, lulling one into a false sense of security, before attacking again with a brief instrumental and chorus.
I'm The Greatest
The title sounds big-headed, doesn't it. However, when you prefix it with the words, 'She said…' it doesn't seem so bad. Like the first track, this is one that you can tap your foot and bop your head to. It's very up-beat and was the first single released from the album. It's still available from David Potts' Online Store, but I have the feeling that stocks have now become limited.
World Isn't Over
This is where the album slows down briefly. The time in many albums where I disappear for a cup of tea or if the album looks like it will be really good, a beer. I stopped the CD at this point and got two beers from the fridge, sat down and back tracked to the first two songs again. When 'World Isn't Over' came on again, I was impressed by the jaunty nature of the track, complete with banjo (!). Hey, don't knock it until you hear it. The lyrics are great too. You'll find yourself humming the tune and later, singing it to yourself on the way to and from work.
Roll Up!
Maybe the track that many people will fast forward to, as it features New Order's Peter Hook on second bass (no sniggers at the back please). At first I thought it was very similar to some of the better Monaco material and Pottsy agrees - I suppose it's difficult to avoid the comparisons as basically, it's played by Monaco. Then again, this track would sit quite comfortably alongside those from Electronic's Twisted Tenderness. Complete with harmonica, 'twinkly' keyboard breaks and an attack straight back into guitar laden riffs, this is the track that will convince you if you're into either Monaco or Electronic - it's what the best mixture of both bands would sound like.
Faces
A sort of swing beat to this one at the start and the lyrics show that David Potts is not only talented but sometimes rather introspective. I won't even try to decipher the meaning of the lyrics. Why not do what I did - listen, interpret them for yourself and enjoy it as a track that means something to you? The music has a few slightly rougher breaks that push the song along, giving it that feel that you get at a festival, where you just can't help jumping up and down a bit!
Richard Parker
The album slows down a little here and looks inwards more. It's quite a sad track, thanking an ex-partner for the time spent together. The music echoes The Beatles' 'Sergeant Pepper' era, but with a modern twist. At any moment, you expect a brass section to join in. They don't. But it shows that Pottsy is influenced by many styles and eras, something with which he happily agrees. The good thing is that in keeping with the rest of this album, it works very well indeed. Cello and violin (provided by Rich Torr and Lizzie Hoskin respectively) join the guitars at the end and make this track rather special. It even has a repeat ending in the same way as Joy Division's 'Isolation'.
Free Yourself
This track is a little bit more up-tempo, but maybe not so up-beat. 'Cold start today…' it features sampled vocals as well as Pottsy's main vocals. I find this a slightly confusing track. Not really sure what's going on - maybe a little too much, but then, I've never been good at multi-tasking. It's a good track, but for me, the odd one out on this album as I'm afraid it's the one that doesn't quite sit as comfortably as the others. Trouble is, even saying that, I still like it.
So Low
This starts off with simple piano and vocals, lovely harmonies and a bit of tambourine for good measure. When the drums come in, the track is pulled along by its collar a bit, before slipping back into the piano and vocals. This is a bit like a musical tug-of-war and I'm not really sure who wins. Both sides hopefully, as it works as a song. It's a fairly short offering at around two and a half minutes, but one that you'll want to go back to, even if you just want to make sure that you heard it right!
And I…
'And I Will Always Love You From Afar' - that sets the tone for the track. It's fairly slow moving, but in one of those relaxed, summery ways. A bit like trying to wake yourself up from a summer morning's dream. Good, lazy stuff.
My Favourite Onion
I know what you're thinking. 'What the hell is THAT title about?' Again, a Beatles style to it, especially the effect on the vocals at the start - the 'loudhailer' one… 'you’re my Favourite Onion' hmmm… well, I took it to be talking about someone being multi-layered in their personality, but maybe I'm wrong. It has been known on occasion. This is a really pleasant song that no matter what mood you're in, will at least put a small smile on your face.
Warm And Happy Soul
I think this has become my favourite track on the album. 'I sit around and talk the same old crap' are the lyrics that start it off. This really does have a warm feeling to it. I was at first slightly disconcerted as a short keyboard insert reminds me of part of Philip Glass' 'Koyaanisquatsi' but thankfully, it's only a 6 second segment. Two other aspects I love about this track are the rhythmic tribute to The Beatles' 'Ticket To Ride' and the re-introduction of the banjo. If you've heard the theme tune to the TV show 'Scrubs' then you'll know the happy, jaunty style that I'm on about. This is a very varied track in its sounds and tempos. For all it borrows from influences, this is a wonderfully original track. I love it.
Kite
This almost reminds me of some of the Kinks' material - that guitar and drum sound, you know? 'I'll find time to get high' sings the 'kite' of the song. This would happily hold its own as a single. It has that certain something that makes it stand out from the kind of tracks you hear on the radio nowadays. Maybe because it has an 'Oasis' style ambience to it, but I find it far less abrasive than anything I've heard by the Gallagher Brothers. 'Oh why…?' sings David Potts - Because we like it, that's why. Now keep singing.
Dream Away
So, he does keep singing. The last track is, as the title suggests, rather dreamy. It flows gently towards the end of the album. Not the best track offered here, but it still has a certain 'something' including the rather interesting synth sounds, bells and 'heartbeat'. It also becomes more upbeat towards the end, with the banjo and harmonica both making a surprising, but welcome return. With these, the album fades into the distance, making you hope it will come back - maybe more than once.
Overall, this is an incredibly good debut album and so far, the best album I've heard from anyone this year. I have a feeling that no one will beat it. It's been on constant repeat in my house for ages and I'm pretty sure I know all the lyrics by now. It's most definitely worth buying and you can get it at a discounted price, plus a free CD EP or 7" single.
You’d either have to be tone-deaf or just not a lover of music if you couldn’t find something good to say about this album. It’s quirky, varied, tuneful, well composed, well produced, energetic and exciting. But overall, I’d say ‘well played’ to Mr Potts and friends.
One last piece of advice - play it loud and dance!
Chris Nash
NewOrderOnline 2007
From the NewOrderOnline archive.
