ALL THE KINGS HORSES

3.5 stars. This album was released in 2002 along with it's companion record "All The King's Men" and these guys have released a lot of companion albums over the years. I really hate not giving 4 stars to this one but it is a step down from the previous album "A Perfect Mystery" as well as the future "Seconds Late For The Brighton Line" from 2010. This album feels unique to me sound-wise with less electronics and atmosphere and the focus is on slower songs with the vocals to match. Still I like that we get more sax, bass clarinet, flute, guitar, mandolin and violin being added to their sound. This just doesn't resonate with me like usual. Some of the lyrics reflect Ka-Spel's perspective on 9/11 at the time.

While the first three tracks aren't in my top three I need to comment on them. "The Unlikely Event" is about a guy on a plane that is about to crash and is interesting to say the least. A solemn piece with piano, percussion and vocals for the most part. Some synths later when the vocals step aside for good before 2 1/2 minutes. Lots of wind here. "The Way I Feel Today" is like a Syd Barrett tune. Playful with silly lyrics and twisted melodies. Sad lyrics though. "12th" is very sad and reminds me of "The Gunner's Dream" by PINK FLOYD. Two songs about reality that melt me.

My first top three is "Our Dominion" and I just like the lyrics and it's more upbeat and kind of fun. Flute and a horn as well. "It's The Real Thing" is about being a tourist in a land of tourist traps. Second top three is "A Bargain At twice The Price" opening with experimental choppy sounds then the guitar and electronics come out of that. I like this. Sax follows then vocals. Reminds me of the German band KONTRAST here. Dissonance 3 1/2 minutes in. The guitar is incredible, quite inventive late in the song. We get the poppy "Birdie" and the interesting "Lisa Goes Surfing" led by mandolin and bass clarinet. Silly singing. "Wax And Feathers" the closer is my final top three. The longest by far at 8 1/2 minutes although from 5 minutes on it's atmosphere and wind. Samples in this one as well along with vocals and sax.

Lots to like here but again I'm just not feeling it overall. "All The King's Men" has way more atmosphere but not the songs so most put the album I've reviewed slightly ahead of it but hey get both if you can because they belong together.