As an indirect prelude to the ‘Sputnik Discusses’ column that is set to break the internet mid-week, here are the first 2 tracks to be heard from Florence and The Machine’s third LP ‘How Big How Blue How Beautiful’. To be released on June-1, it follows the critically acclaimed releases ‘Lungs’ and ‘Ceremonials’. First up is the title track, which is predominantly instrumental and very orchestral. It sounds like the perfect album opener to me:
However, a closer look at the track-listing for this much-anticipated 11 track release suggests that it actually slots in as the 3rd tune of the album. That feels a little strange to me, but until we hear the (pardon the pun) flow of the LP, then I’m happy to take a “wait-and-see” approach. What we do know is that it will immediately follow the lead single ‘What Kind of Man’. This one’s got everything; an alluring build-up, hooky guitar riff, blaring horns and those oh so passionately soaring vocals that have become a staple of Ms. Welch… and the video even has boobs:
02.16.15
(1) AOTY!?
(2) Klapper dibbed the album before me, so his review better be good.
02.16.15
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someguest, pretty much everything Florence does is fantastic.
02.17.15
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Oh well, at least you've gone 2x 4.5 ratings for her previous 2 LPs. I harshly gave 'Lungs' only a 4.0... Back in the days before we could go to 0.1 of a decimal point.
02.17.15
02.17.15
Also, Ceremonials is criminally underrated. Lungs has got all the big brash hits, but Ceremonials is - as far as Florence goes - exquisitely understated. Seven Devils is just love.
02.17.15
02.17.15
Great to hear you're well Alex... & also that you still frequent these parts. Although, you don't have to dig it in about your upcoming adventure. I actually like Rudy's succinct sound-off for 'Ceremonials'. Too many people see it almost as a bit of a sell-out, when it's fact the opposite, in a sense.
You sound surprised TunaBoy.
02.18.15
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02.18.15
stoked beyond words for this. both tracks are superb, but what kind of man in particular stands out to me as one of her best overall
02.18.15
'What Kind of Man' is an awesome lead single.... And if her last 2 LPs are anything to go by, subsequent singles will also rule.
But just remember, none of my puns have ever been inexcusable. I had it written into my Sputnik contract that I had free rein to make all of you cringe.
03.06.15
'Third Eye': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q3Un1gwn8U
'St. Jude': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faqAT4QLuxI
03.24.15
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St. Jude is less immediate if anything, but f**k me, it's awesome in it's own special way.
I'm convinced now that Florence cannot do no wrong.
03.24.15
St.Jude has such a haunting atmosphere, I instantly loved it. "What kind of Man" is a decent single, but not the thing I want to hear from her.
03.24.15
Anyway, because doubleposting is a lot of fun, let me harp on how great St Jude is. It would have been sooooooooo easy (and predictable) to make that song explode into something big and loud at some point. I honestly waited for that for the whole time. Instead it sticks with that almost ghostly, chilling atmosphere. I love it. Obviously Florence vocals are sublime as usual.
03.24.15
Personally, I love bombast when done right, so adored 'Ceremonials'. But I totally agree that Flo knows when to hold it back, which is a huge part of what makes her so great.
"let me harp on how great St Jude is"... Oh, I see what you did there. I totally recommend her live show, if only for the "harp" you speak of. ;-)
05.23.15
Another new song from the album has emerged:
''Delilah': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJ50rvySDCk#t=71