NO MORE STORIES ARE TOLD TODAY I'M SORRY THEY WASHED AWAY NO MORE STORIES THE WORLD IS GREY I'M TIRED LET'S WASH AWAY

"No More Stories..." (full title: "No More Stories Are Told Today, I'm Sorry They Washed Away // No More Stories, The World Is Grey, I'm Tired, Let's Wash Away") is the 5th full-length studio album by Danish art pop/rock act Mew. The album was released through Sony Music in August 2009. The band chose Rich Costey to produce the album. He also produced the band's 3rd full-length studio album "Frengers (2003)". "No More Stories..." is the first Mew not to feature original member and bassist Johan Wohlert, who left the band in 2006 to concentrate on his family (and later on his new musical project The Storm).

The music on the album is the by now trademark sound of Mew. An artsy take on pop/rock with Jonas Bjerre's distinct high pitched helium voice in front. The band also still make use of odd time signatures in some tracks which provides the music with a semi-progressive touch. The music is still all about atmosphere and emotions though and this time around slightly less dark. At least compared to the dark atmosphere on "And the Glass Handed Kites (2005)". Like the case is with most of their output, there are some truly stunning moments on this album like "Introducing Palace Players", "Repeaterbeater" and "Sometimes Life Isn't Easy", but there are also too many tracks that don't stick before you've listened to the album many, many times. I guess I'd usually count that as a positive, as an album usually has longivity because of that, but in this case I have a feeling that it's the melodies that simply aren't strong enough.

I realize that sounds kinda harsh, but it should be noted that even the tracks that don't stand out to begin with are obviously still good quality compositions when you get to know them. I expect a lot from Mew though, so I would like to hear an album with only instantly memorable tracks like the ones mentioned above that are also intricate enough to warrant many listens.

"No More Stories..." features a professional and detailed sound production that suits the music well. Add to that the fact that the band are very skilled musicians and for the most part have written some intriguing tunes for this album and a 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is deserved.