Aqualung - Memory Man

Rating

single starsingle starsingle starsingle starhalf star

RIYL

Coldplay
Brand New
Interpol

Label

Sony

Tracklist

1. Cinderella
2. Pressure Suit
3. Something To Believe In
4. Glimmer
5. Vapour Trail
6. Rolls So Deep
7. The Lake
8. Black Hole
9. Outside
10. Garden Of Love
11. Broken Bones

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To conceive of an aqualung is to imagine a life submerged in the depths of the ocean, surviving amongst sea creatures that are both elusive and mysterious. The notion of such an existence is a dreamer's concept – both romantic and unattainable as far as human biology is concerned. It would seem that if an individual spent enough time pondering the value of said aqualung, this same person would be one who puts a fair amount of emphasis on romanticism and, therefore, values artistic quality quite highly as a means of expression. If both of the above statements are true then the result is Memory Man. In fact, Memory Man follows both of the previous statements fairly closely – intertwining the two in order to create an experience that is more than memorable for the listener.

One might remember Aqualung from their previous release entitled Strange and Beautiful, a fairly successful jazz based release that warranted another record from Matt Hales because of tracks such as “Strange and Beautiful” and “Brighter Than Sunshine.”

The essential jazz sound that was so evident on the previous release seems to have been abandoned if not simply pushed into the rear of the musical realm on this record. This is what allows Memory Man to be such an improvement over its predecessor. The adult contemporary feel that previously drew in listeners has been transformed into something with seemingly more depth and intrigue, as well as passion and reflection. Simply put, the record draws heavily upon what was missing in his previous release and adds levels of intellect to develop an exceptional record.

Memory Man follows a formula that is more consistent with a piano-based, independent, soft rock act than the traditional corporate stylings of emotionally charged artists like James Blunt or Michael Buble (considering Hales previous release, this seems to be the path that was seemingly set out before him). Fortunately the formula he chose to pursue does much more for his artistic ability – not to mention the genre of independent soft rock as it is currently known. It is a record that recalls independent sensibilities while utilizing the freedoms and sound that come from a corporate budget.

The record has an epic sound that fades in and out throughout making for some interesting concepts and definitely one of the album's many strong suits. From the opening piano melody and guitar part it is clear that this disc has merit that transcends genres and the music based economy. It encompasses moody rock with sensitive balladry and a brilliance rarely seen in music today. As far as instrumentals are concerned, Hales should be applauded as a talented musician as all of the tracking seems flawless and professional, filled with an energy that keeps an uplifting tone, showcasing talent that echoes throughout, and stands out on, tracks such as “Pressure Suit.” Overall, Memory Man is an album that should not only be noted for its improvement on previous releases, but because of the composition and musical talent that make it one of the strongest soft rock releases this year.

--Chad Quenneville

Author

Composing
Last updated: 09/29/2009 08:55PM

Comments

Jeremy Deal
03/16/2007
06:33AM
Age: 32
I thought this album was pretty good. I, however, don't think it's a 4.5. It's a 4 at best... moreso a 3.5 in my book. To each their own - it's all opinionated, but 4.5 is a near flawless record in my book.. and this one, while entertaining, didn't grab me that much. Otherwise, interesting lead-in to the review.

"These are our lives, but did they ever even matter - are we worth remembering?"
- "Tip The Scales"
Rise Against

Composing
03/16/2007
06:54AM
Age: 25
Location
Waterloo, Ontario
I though it had a really great flow to it. To me it just seemed really powerful and mellow at the same time - it just really stood out to me compared to some of the other reviews I've done. Plus the vocals on Garden Of Love sound like they could have been done by Meatloaf! How cool is that?

Top Ten of 2009 http://www.decoymusic.com/users/3747/top_tens/2009

Rick Gebhardt
03/16/2007
06:58AM
Age: 31
Location
Minnesota
Composing
the vocals on Garden Of Love sound like they could have been done by Meatloaf!

That alone should keep this release from getting a rating higher than a 3.

Find me EVERYWHERE:

Jeremy Deal
03/16/2007
07:20AM
Age: 32
Composing
I though it had a really great flow to it. To me it just seemed really powerful and mellow at the same time - it just really stood out to me compared to some of the other reviews I've done. Plus the vocals on Garden Of Love sound like they could have been done by Meatloaf! How cool is that?


Now, while I loved Rick's response to this, as I'm not a Meatloaf fan either.. I will say that it did seem to hold a potent amount of power for as low-key as the music was (the album that is, not just the one song). I may grow to like it more with more listens, but after about 3, I would speak well of it, but don't find myself dying to put it back in the player right this second.

"These are our lives, but did they ever even matter - are we worth remembering?"
- "Tip The Scales"
Rise Against

Roncag
03/16/2007
09:06AM
Age: 32
Location
Anytown USA
I loved this disc.

You play to win the game.