Costello Music - Ireland never sounded so fun.

The Fratellis - Costello Music

Released: September 11th, 2006.

Jon Fratelli (John Lawler), Barry Fratelli (Barry Wallace), Mince Fratelli (Gordon McRory)

Genre: Alternative / Indie Rock

Suggest By: Jake


Intro

This is the first blind suggestion so far on this site, so thanks to my friend Jake for suggesting this one.  As per usual with albums that I hear for the first time, I've listened to this album 3 times before publishing this review.

This album is great. I don't think it's an album I would actively spend hours paying attention to, but it's definitely a great indie rock / alternative album. It's so upbeat and fun, and just easy to enjoy and listen to. There are a lot of little nuances that you'll either love or you'll be annoyed by. Give it a listen and figure out which you like.


Thoughts & Feelings? 

This album makes me feel like I'm watching an episode of Ted Lasso, except the volume is off and this album is playing instead. If you've never watched the show, basically it's great characters being so positive in life and everything they do, even if the circumstances are against them. It's so uplifting, (I highly recommend watching that show it's great). 

This album is great as an easy listen. I won't be in the mosh to most of these songs, but they are an easy listen. I can definitely see myself trying to learn some of these songs on guitar just to jam out to them and sing along with my friends if the time presents itself.


Smash or Pass? 

Henrietta - SMASH. This song is super fun. It's a great vibe to begin the album. It sets the tone near perfectly. This is what this whole album is going to be like. These are gonna be your standard fun, poppy indie rock songs. Sit back and enjoy the ride.

Flathead -  Smash. This song is very unique, which is something I really enjoy about this album. All songs have their own taste to it. This one uses a lot of acoustic guitar to mix in with, and that's really refreshing. Something I'm learning about is they do a lot of these acapella parts. I feel like my sister would enjoy this band a lot based on being able to sing along to these parts.

Whistle For The Choir - Smash. This acoustic ballad would be fun at parties. This song is super enjoyable and easy going. This is a slow song- but that's a good thing. It's a nice break to listen to. It almost feels like a campfire song. I can definitely imagine being drunk at the beach with a bunch of friends with this song winding the day down. There's an instrument that sounds like a mandolin that comes in later, and that's so much fun.

Chelsea Dagger - SMASH. I hate this song but not for the reason you might think- It's the Chicago Blackhawks goal theme. In all seriousness though, this song is catchy as hell, and super fun. It's not a surprise to me at all that this song is big in sports. Super sing-a-long-able, and just overall cheery. The vibes are great with this song. The bass is also sick as hell.

The Gutterati? - Smash. The guitar sounds sick in this one. I really love the fun bouncy guitar riff, but the vocals aren't the grooviest on this one. It's still a great fun song to jam to and I definitely would like to check out the tabs for this one, but I don't think this one would go in my playlist. It's still super fun though.

For The Girl - Smash. This song has a LOT of potential, but the "la la la" singing part really annoys me. Just remove that part and this song is fantastic. This song is pretty iconic in my opinion. I can remember exactly what song this is in 5 seconds just because of how unique it is. The "la la la" part has grown on me upon the 3rd listen, but I still wish it wasn't there. My sister would enjoy singing this one- the 10-year old, not the 22-year old.

Doginabag - Pass. I have a difficult time describing this song. It sounds like a Radiohead song to be honest. It's not a bad song at all, I just don't enjoy it that much. I wouldn't put this song in my playlist just because of how strange it sounds (that's a good thing, trust me). It's just constantly clashing with itself and changing itself. It can be a good listen and I would never skip this song, I just wouldn't seek out this song.

Creepin Up The Backstairs - SMASH. This song is SUPER fun, I really enjoy the feel of this one. It's like a constant train of dramatic tension but it works so well. The drums are on fucking point this song. I love how jammy this one is. This might be my favourite song on the album, but it's tough to say. I've already put this one in my playlist just because of how unique and fun it is. The guitar also sounds insanely good. This is some classic punk rock vibes, probably why I enjoy it so much.

Vince The Lovable Stoner - SMASH. This song is SO weird, but so enjoyable. I have a huge grudge with people that make drugs their entire personality so I was really prepared to hate this song out of spite, but this song is just so fun and enjoyable to listen to (as per theme with the album). The guitar is great and bouncy.

Everybody Knows You Cried Last Night - Smash. Guitar is on fucking point this song. This is another song I'm seriously considering adding to my playlist. If the vocals weren't so straight forward nursery rhyme, I probably would. The tempo changes are super cool, I really enjoy that aspect of this song.

Baby Fratelli - Smash. Hot Fuzz let's fucking go. As per usual, the guitar sounds pretty wildly good on this one. It's pretty jammy and bouncy. I'm not super fond of the chorus but it's still enjoyable. Not a lot I can say about this one, it's pretty standard by this point. Just fun and groovy. I love the bridge midway through.

Got Ma Nuts From A Hippie - Smash. The song makes me feel so sneaky. Don't ask me to elaborate. Guitar on point, super bouncy, jumpy, and fun. Anything I've said about every other song applies here. Super groovy and enjoyable. That walking bridge is super super cool. Not the most complicated thing I've heard but super neat. There's a solo in this one, and I'm glad it's the only solo to be honest. That was... interesting.

Ole Black 'n' Blue Eyes - Smash. Another campfire acoustic song similar to Whistle For The Choir. I think this song is a nice relaxing end to a very fun album. It's a nice wind down from all the pop and excitement we just heard. I don't think song is amazing but it's a nice relaxing listen. The pre-chorus is super enjoyable. There's another solo in this one and this one is actually super enjoyable because it doesn't do too much. It's just a nice melody to end it off.


Conclusion

This album is incredibly fun. If you enjoy some indie rock, this is your jam. There's a LOT to enjoy here. If you need an easy listen to get through your day, this is a good recommendation. Everything is super up beat and bouncy, it just makes for a fun time. It's no surprise that one of these songs is in Hot Fuzz, cause that's exactly how I feel this album is. Fun and silly.

As per usual, check the medal songs and get back to me with your thoughts and feelings if you give this one a listen. I enjoyed this album and as I said at the beginning, this was a suggestion. Feel free to comment your suggestion albums and I'll cover them in future articles. Thanks!

RANK: A

- Sharky

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