Malcolm Middleton – ‘Sleight of Heart’
(album review)
After hearing Malcolm Middleton’s improbable bid for last year’s Christmas number one spot, namely ‘We’re All Going To Die’, I thought, ‘Surely this is some kind of wind up.’ But, alas, to my dismay, I find in front of me ‘Sleight of Heart’: a collection of 9 songs – or rather 9 three minute long whinges – which will undoubtedly leave you questioning the point in living at all, by the end.
I have never before in my life come across someone so pessimistic. The fact that Middleton makes sure he alludes to death in every single song on this LP leaves me slightly concerned. Could this be a man in distress crying out for help? Or is he just a miserable git who is certain that the world is against him?
Don’t get me wrong, there are a few musically good moments in there, such as a nice acoustic guitar and a pleasant piano, but the way Middleton got the violins out is, to me, quite simply the ultimate act of self pity. Nothing like feeling sorry for yourself, eh?
Nevertheless, I still think that ‘Sleight of Heart’ would have potential if the tedious vocals were edited out or if Middleton stopped sounding like someone who’s mother’s just died and whose wife has just ran off with the milkman.
Unfortunately, in my opinion, the cons outweigh the pros here and the only suitable place in which this album should be played is in prison as a means of punishment for notorious criminals who, after hearing this, would never break the law again for fear of further punishment. Slightly harsh you may say but, for me, music should make you feel warm and happy inside instead of making you want to jump off the nearest bridge. A word of advice Malcolm: cheer up, it might never happen!
By Devon Bianchi
Release Date: 3/3/08
Label: Full Time Hobby
www.myspace.com/malcolmmiddleton
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I have never before in my life come across someone so pessimistic. The fact that Middleton makes sure he alludes to death in every single song on this LP leaves me slightly concerned. Could this be a man in distress crying out for help? Or is he just a miserable git who is certain that the world is against him?
Don’t get me wrong, there are a few musically good moments in there, such as a nice acoustic guitar and a pleasant piano, but the way Middleton got the violins out is, to me, quite simply the ultimate act of self pity. Nothing like feeling sorry for yourself, eh?
Nevertheless, I still think that ‘Sleight of Heart’ would have potential if the tedious vocals were edited out or if Middleton stopped sounding like someone who’s mother’s just died and whose wife has just ran off with the milkman.
Unfortunately, in my opinion, the cons outweigh the pros here and the only suitable place in which this album should be played is in prison as a means of punishment for notorious criminals who, after hearing this, would never break the law again for fear of further punishment. Slightly harsh you may say but, for me, music should make you feel warm and happy inside instead of making you want to jump off the nearest bridge. A word of advice Malcolm: cheer up, it might never happen!
By Devon Bianchi
Release Date: 3/3/08
Label: Full Time Hobby
www.myspace.com/malcolmmiddleton
Discuss this with the noize community - Sign in or Sign up! (click here)
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