The Horrible Crowes
Elsie


4.5
superb

Review

by Atari STAFF
August 3rd, 2012 | 11 replies


Release Date: 2011 | Tracklist

Review Summary: "Elsie" will still be playing on my Ipod long after I've grown tired of "Handwritten".

With all the hype surrounding the new Gaslight Anthem album it's possible some people have already forgotten about Brian Fallon's side project The Horrible Crowes, but that's their loss. Their debut album Elsie is catchy, full of great lyrics, and drenched in emotion.

When listening to "Elsie" the listener is reminded of why they fell in love with Brian Fallon in the first place. He wears his heart on his sleeve and his lyrics come across as honest and heartfelt. And although he's not singing about classic cars or Miles Davis this time around, his lyrics are as good as ever. Ian Perkins fits in perfectly on guitar but the album also has organ and string sections as well as other instruments that help give it a different feel than The Gaslight's typical outing.

Brian Fallon also offers up some of his best vocal work to date in this album. Just go listen to "Go Tell Everybody" or "Mary Ann", and you will hear the gruffest vocals he's ever put on a record. For those who prefer his softer side there's still plenty to be enjoyed here. Songs like "Cherry Blossoms" and "Sugar are much more relaxed but help show how amazing he can sing when he slows things down. There's a lot of experimentation on this record but luckily there's not a bad song to be found.

Anyone who enjoys The Gaslight Anthem should check this out. If you don't like them Elsie will likely do little to change your mind. However it's hard to deny Brian Fallon's song-writing ability. Those who have heard "The '59 Sound" know how in-depth his songs can be and "Elsie" is up to par with the best lyrics hes ever written. Due to the outstanding vocals, variety of instruments and song-structures, "Elsie" will still be playing on my Ipod long after I've grown tired of "Handwritten".



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user ratings (293)
4.1
excellent
other reviews of this album
1 of
  • BigHans (4.5)
    Be still my heart, I age 5 years at the mention of your name....

    mallen- (4.5)
    I was a man of great sympathy when I loved you baby, but tonight all my sympathy is gone...

    AliW1993 (3.5)
    A worthy side project which provides further proof of Brian Fallon's growing songwriting c...

    Devotedzak2 (4.5)
    A direct shot from nowhere........

  • Zakusz (4.5)
    When given the chance, Elsie proves to be a near-masterpiece lacking in very little, and o...



Comments:Add a Comment 
Atari
Staff Reviewer
August 3rd 2012


28007 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Hey all, this is my 2nd review. Any feedback would be great.

MagmaWalrus
August 3rd 2012


243 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

I'd try to make your reviews a bit longer, but this is all good, pos.

Atari
Staff Reviewer
August 3rd 2012


28007 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Thanks Magma! Yeah I guess it is kinda short....maybe I'll edit it later.

MagmaWalrus
August 3rd 2012


243 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

No problem. I know what you mean about the gruff vocals, they're awesome.

Atari
Staff Reviewer
August 3rd 2012


28007 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Yeah the vocals are sick on this.

ABjordanMM
August 3rd 2012


1756 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Good review. Love this album.

Atari
Staff Reviewer
August 4th 2012


28007 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Thanks man

Zakusz
February 28th 2022


1838 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

I threw this on for the first time in quite a while last night and it still holds up after all these years as just a quick block of superb songwriting that knows exactly what it is the whole run time. Great stuff, wish they would come back out with at least one more after all these years.

JWT155
March 19th 2023


14967 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Underated album.

Zakusz
March 21st 2023


1838 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Absolutely, I still return to this bad boy a couple times a year and find myself in the exact same frame of mind as ten+ years ago when this was released. Lot of attachment to this record for various reasons.

onionbubs
April 28th 2023


21997 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

much as i love gaslight anthem, this will always be my fav album of brians



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