Saw them recently when they opened for Morrissey in Columbus OH. Very impressive. Bought CD without hesitation. Can't wait for more from these guys.
This gets better and better and better as time goes by. I have had it in constant rotation in my car for months. Very Smiths like, but heavier guitar. Extremely catchy sounds. Great voice and lyrics. You can turn it up LOUD.
I saw The Courteeners open for Morrissey last Sunday. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed the opening band's set, but enjoy is probably too tame a word for the experience. I ordered this album upon coming home from the show.
St. Jude is captivating. Each time I listen to the album, I find there is a lyric or melody I hadn't noticed before. The sound is layered, melodic. Of course, the vocalist sings with a definite Mancunian accent. "Us" sounds like "oo-s". Charming. They remind me of James, without sounding just like James.
I don't get The Smiths references. I can see why Morrissey is impressed with these guys. Their lyrics are intelligent, with just the right amound of saltiness added for fun. I wondered at the explicit lyrics label when I got the cd. Of course, once I'd adjusted to the accent, I understood. Their sound, while clearly influenced by so many other bands, is all their own. There's a rustic touch to the actual music here that, being a Smiths/ Morrissey fan for most of my life (I'm 34), I can't equate with The Smiths.
Okay, so I'm not a professional music critic. I love this album and look forward to more from The Courteeners.
