| Falling Down a Mountain is the eighth full-length album release by Tindersticks.
The vocals of Stuart A. Staples are reminiscent of the smooth, smoky sound of
Luther Vandross, complete with vibrato and soul. As an album, Falling Down a
Mountain presents very tender, mellow compositions that would be appealing to a
serene and breezy mood. Many of the tracks present an orchestral element,
introducing strings, horns and various percussion. The tracks carry impressive
song structures, with interesting layering of multiple stringed and brass
instruments in unique patterns.
The title track starts the album off with a long instrumental intro,
permeating with atmospheric percussion and occasional, splashy horn blasts. Once
the vocals join this jazzy concoction, the ethereal feel of the melody is
accentuated by the repetitive chorus, eliciting an almost trance-like
disposition. "Harmony Around My Table" shifts away from the tranquility into an
upbeat ditty with sweet harmonies, a clean rhythm and swooning vocals. "She Rode
Me Down" is another notable track with a different sound that conveys a Western,
cowboy semblance featuring hand claps, menacing horns and clarinet behind an
elegantly sung melody. The record offers an engaging, soothing experience, while
maintaining a complicated intermingling of instrumentation and smooth melodies.
(4AD/Constellation Records)
http://www.myspace.com/tindersticksofficial
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