Audio CD review:
Idlewild - Hope Is Important

Idlewild - Hope Is Important

Band: Idlewild Title: Hope Is Important Rating: Release Date: 1999-10-12 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: You've Lost Your Way 2: Film for the Future 3: Paint Nothing 4: When I Argue I See Shapes 5: 4 People Do Good 6: I'm Happy to Be Here Tonight 7: Everyone Says You're So Fragile 8: I'm a Message 9: You Don't Have the Heart 10: Close the Door 11: Safe and Sound 12: Low Light

the foundation of something great Hope is Important is their transitional album in many ways; the songs range from the absolutely beautiful acoustic "I'm Happy to be Here Tonight" to snot-nosed punk thrashings such as "4 People do Good. before idlewild had mastered the art of the indie rock song, they were essentially a punk band. " there are also many fine songs too edgy to be called pop, particularly the ever-intense "Film for the Future," whose guitar riffs are amongst the best the band has to offer. fans not familiar with idlewild's older work might be taken aback by the style of this record; most noteably, singer roddy woomble's vocal tactics are very different from those he adapted in on later albums. however, if you are a fan of idlewild it is quite necessary that you own this album. and if you are a fan music that does justice to the punk genre, you must, in fact, own this album. When Idlewild were punk However, if you seek to discover why Idlewild were once called a punk band, or how they have a reputation for rollicking live shows, check out their first full-length LP, Hope Is Important. Idlewild's new record 'The Remote Part' is very pleasant, and a very accomplished record. Opener 'You've Lost Your Way' is the punkiest on the album; it actually sounds a lot like the Sex Pistols and it a short, sharp, visceral blast. Meanwhile, however, the anthems 'When I Argue I See Shapes', 'Paint Nothing' and 'Everyone Says That You're So Fragile' show that Idlewild can write catchy punk-pop choruses to match anyone else out there; moving along at breakneck speed and sounding as cool as anything. Meanwhile, the heavy-rock (but not punk) direction taken on 100 Broken Windows is hinted at on 'A Film For The Future', while one beautiful indie-pop ballad, the lovely 'I'm Happy To Be Here Tonight', is the only direct link to the softest sections of the new record. 'I'm A Message' and 'Low Light', however, both show the heartbreaking beauty that is evident on Remote Part, while still rocking thoroughly. Overall, this is a brilliant, carefree, totally cool punk debut and while Remote Part may be more mature and accomplished, and 100 Broken Windows may be their greatest, most ambitious work, all 3 are necessary to really get every side of Idlewild into the picture. 4 stars. Buying this album is important They not only write amazing songs on their own, the albums never get dull. This album is as superb as their others. I've had this album years and i still don't skip tracks. That's not something I can say about many albums i have. Go with Broken Windows Idlewild made a huge quality leap from Hope is Important to 100 Broken Windows, which is why I would recommend skipping this CD and going directly to Broken Windows, an all-time favorite of mine. This album is like boys playing, while Idlewild's 100 Broken Windows album is like men rocking. Excellent. Don't ask questions. But the songs- they're just quality. I don't reccomend as having this as a favorite band, as the lyrics aren't that interesting and have no real point when you think about them. Don't doubt it, go with it, and it'll be nice to you. You can see a complete list of all Idlewild discography, or go back to the Idlewild tabs