12 Memories [Explicit Lyrics]

 

 

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Bands who suddenly change their sound should be braced for a storm of controversy -- is their new sound good or terrible?

And Travis takes a sharp left turn in "12 Memories," a controversial evolution in the Brit-pop band's sound. It's more cynical, more sharply melancholy, more political, and experiments with their sound. While it may turn off people expecting a sunny listen, it makes up for its shortcomings with its beautiful writing and instrumentation.

"Take me away, take me away/You said that you were gonna stay/But you're always lying anyway," Fran Healy sings over a steady piano/guitar combo, sounding as cheerful as someone singing this anti-love song can. He talks casually about drinking, monotony, crazy lovers, and how "it's just the sound of one more rock star bleeding out..."

Things don't get much brighter with the soaring political pop-rocker "Beautiful Occupation," and the mournfully swirling "Reoffender." With that in hand, Travis expands into a series of musically striking, lyrically downbeat pop songs -- jagged little rockers, mournful piano pop, eerie ballads, dramatic Britpop, twinkly melodies, and a few lighter songs like "Somewhere Else," which are deliciously catchy but kinda confusing.

There's a distinct political edge to "12 Memories," despite its vaguely Beatles-esque feel to the album. Okay, it's not "All You Need is Love," but the darker, frustrated feelings in "12 Memories" are more in tune with the current times. Then, apparently having gotten their soapboxing out of their system, Travis focuses on the lonely, chilly ballads and pop-rockers.

Fran Healy's low, rough-edged voice is well-suited to the melancholy music, with its mellow swirling guitars, pianos and pretty Beatlesy harmony. And that music takes a newer, more experimental edge here, like the build-up of swirling sound in "Mid-Life Krysis" or the meandering, swelling, surreal lament and the tinkling soundscapes of the penultimate track. It adds to the moodiness, and gives the feeling that Travis is growing and changing.

The political themes may rub some listeners the wrong way, but they remain as explicit as they can be without naming names ("Half a million civilians gonna die today/They looked the wrong way"). Some songs become downright confusing ("You can't wake from this nightmare/And you invited everyone") and others are plaintive ("Hopelessly hoping our plan will wake up/Hoping it all will be fine").

"12 Memories" takes Travis to a more cynical, gloomier place, but the chilly, twilight beauty of the British pop-rock is undeniable. Not the best they have done, but certainly intriguing.

Travis takes a sharp left turn in "12 Memories," a controversial evolution in the Brit-pop band's sound. It's more cynical, more sharply melancholy, more political, and experiments with their sound. While it may turn off people expecting a sunny listen, it makes up for its shortcomings with its beautiful writing and instrumentation.

It kicks off with the mournfully catchy "Quicksand," political pop-rocker "Beautiful Occupation," and the vague, quiet "Reoffender." After the rousing "Peace the F*ck Out," they take a slightly different turn with the depressingly upbeat "How Many Hearts," the eerie "Paperclips," and the catchy but confusing "Somewhere Else." The end takes a wild seesaw between the melancholy "Some Sad Song" and the prettier, lighter "Walking Down the Hill" and "Happy To Hang Around."

The political Britpop of "12 Memories" gives a vaguely Beatles-esque feel to the album. Okay, it's not "All You Need is Love," but the darker, frustrated feelings in "12 Memories" are more in tune with the times. Then, apparently having gotten their soapboxing out of their system, Travis focuses on the lonely, chilly ballads and pop-rockers.

Fran Healy's low, rough-edged voice is well-suited to the melancholy music. And that music takes a newer, more experimental edge here, like the build-up of swirling sound in "Mid-Life Krysis" or the meandering, swelling, surreal lament or the tinkling soundscapes of the penultimate track. It adds to the moodiness, and gives the feeling that Travis is growing and changing.

And the political themes may rub some listeners the wrong way, but they remain as explicit as they can be without naming names. Some songs, like "Somewhere Else" and "Mid-Life Krysis," have lyrics that are confusing at best. But overall the writing is quite solid, and Healy's voice brings to life lines like the plaintive "Hopelessly hoping our plan will wake up/Hoping it all will be fine."

"12 Memories" takes Travis to a more cynical, gloomier place, but the chilly, twilight beauty of the British pop-rock is undeniable. Not the best they have done, but certainly intriguing.

I first heard travis when watching the trailer for the movie ( not yet out in theatres ) "Garden State" ( natalie portman, zach braff ) and it happened to have one of travis' songs toward the end, " Love will come through" Well, I have to say- I was just captured by the ingenuous mixture of soft drums( or synthesizers) and cooing voices, and the incredible intro melody.. i just had to have it... i paid about 17-18 dollars for it at barnes and nobles and it is worth every cent. I immediately grew attached to many of the other tracks on the album, including beautiful occupation and re-offender. (...)

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5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent blend of mellow and rock
Love this CD. Can't remember the last time an entire CD was so enthused with a blend of mellow and rock rolled into one. Read more

Published on Jun 24 2004

4.0 out of 5 stars Quite good
This is the first Travis album i've bought, and i think it's pretty good. Good tracks, especially Beautiful Occupation, Love Will Come Through, Re-offender, Quicksand, Somewhere... Read more

Published on May 16 2004 by sara

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best
This album is like a revolution in a distant country. It's totally different than previous ones before. Read more

Published on May 2 2004

4.0 out of 5 stars More of the same
If you love Travis, as I do, you'll be pleased to hear that they have not diverted from the sound that makes them unique. Read more

Published on April 20 2004 by Christian Buckley

5.0 out of 5 stars I love Coldplay but Travis ARE BETTER.
An instant gratification album.
I don't know why Travis haven't hit it as big as Coldplay.
But for the record this CD proves they are one step ahead of Coldplay... Read more

Published on Feb 27 2004 by Jose Bay

5.0 out of 5 stars Travis best album yet!!
I've never been disappointed by a Travis album and this one is no exception. Most of the songs on this album will have you hooked at first listen and the rest of them will... Read more

Published on Jan 30 2004 by tom

4.0 out of 5 stars Travis bring weave melodies
Music would be boring without some Brit-rock on the airwaves. British rock music has always offered a great escape from other formats and catered to everyone. Read more

Published on Jan 21 2004 by Nasser Alqatami

3.0 out of 5 stars Hardly memorable, but still very nice
Like their last album, The Invisible Band, Travis lay down charming, simply constructed songs with sophisticated melodies and the occasional employment of unique instruments (TIB... Read more

Published on Jan 15 2004 by mr_bunghole

5.0 out of 5 stars TRAVIS - Jackpot CD !
This is the first Travis CD I have listened to ... what a great CD! The flow of the CD is superb. The band reminds me of a cross between Radiohead and The Beatles. Read more

Published on Jan 14 2004 by Joe

5.0 out of 5 stars Better then ever
Scottich band Travis, return for their fourth album, and followup to the multi-platinum album, 'The Invisible Band'. Read more

Published on Jan 14 2004 by JC

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