El Radio
is Chris Garneau’s follow-up to his 2007 debut, Music for Tourists. The addition of an orchestra as well a feeling of new quirky inventiveness in the whole music structure make this release an absolute gem. The balance and feel is spot on. The Leaving Song opens the album with a beautifully orchestrated introduction. Despite being an unusulally sad and moving song to open an album with, it does catch your attention and make you wonder what else you’re in store for. He pours his heart out in that first track, almost a signal to those that have heard his previous album that you are in for something entirely different. Dirty Night Clowns tops that with a great contrasting shiny brilliance and lays the path well for the rest of the album.
The Leaving Song
[audio:http://www.box.net/shared/static/ej6psvxgpy.mp3|titles=The Leaving Song|artists=Chris Garneau]
Dirty Night Clowns
[audio:http://www.box.net/shared/static/mcs51kl23x.mp3|titles=Dirty Night Clowns|artists=Chris Garneau]
I’m not going to give a blow by blow account but the brilliance of those openers is not isolated. Chris Garneau continues to work his magic throughout although I have my favourites including No More Pirates and Fireflies. If any of you have heard Music for Tourists, prepare to be blown away by El Radio!
Fireflies: Also Official selection of the 2010 SXSW Film Festival