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 The Heap returns... Nov 06, 2009
It's been a long four year wait, as Imogen fans haven't had an album since 2005. I personally hate waiting for long periods of time for new CD releases; but I suppose I should cut Miss Heap some slack for that. After all, she manages everything: song-writing, compositions, album production, etc., when it comes to her music. She's better for it too, as most artists these days don't even bother to write their own material. So, I'll put the irritation of a four-year wait aside as it's better that there's quality rather than a terrible rushed release.
Ellipse is out now and in true Heap style, it sure has been prone to mixed impressions by music critics. Some are downright negative, stating that Heap layers too many instrumentals into her songs distracting from her vocals. On the flip-side, there are positive statements, which praise Heap's vocals and her instrumental arrangements.
Anyways,
Despite the conflict between critics, I ordered the CD a week or two after it was released. Since then I've allowed it to sink in for a couple of months. My conclusion: this is a worthy follow-up to Speak for Yourself. There's a reason Ellipse skyrocketed to #4 on the Canadian bestselling list and hit #1 on the US release charts. It is simply marvellous. I keep coming back to it to have a listen again and again. In many ways it's like the continuing saga of SFY. It doesn't sound the same; but it carries the Heap signature. The best way I can describe it is that it feels like Miss Heap has refined her style. Ellipse has the sound of an artist progressing and finding her niche. The compositions still tell a story, wrapped up in an album.
Imogen Heap stated that she didn't want to be making the same album twice; but rather for us to enjoy another style she brought to the table. This includes new themes. There's the fun "Bad Body Double," in which Heap refers to viewing ideal beauty vs. realistic aging. "Little Bird" muses about how life can be seen through different angles. On top of all this lyrics are catchy and engaging, as Heap sings at full power. "Temporal dead zone/ where clocks are barely breathing/ yet no one cares to notice for all their yammering on/ I clam up to hold it together" nicely contrasts the forceful, but soft, "What matters to you, it doesn't matter, matter to me" as Heap switches tones in the opener "First Train Home." It sees Heap waiting for a party to end as she's having a miserable time. Naturally she wants to go home and ironically it's a song that most of us can relate to after having a bad day. If you're having one of those, take a moment to listen to "First Train Home" and you'll find yourself nodding in agreement. I know I did. It's definitely one of the album highlights.
Elsewhere there's the relaxing instrumental "The Fire," with its piano interlude overlaid with crackling sounds. "Aha" is a somewhat creepy venture - with music that could match a Halloween production. But the vocals are sung in such a different style it sounds like two different songs in one. (It reminds me, oddly enough, of some of Bjork's songs, which can get that way.) "Swoon" is more of a fun interplay as Miss Heap dreams about securing the man that she's been crushing on. It has a dancing, if not somewhat eccentric, beat to it. So there are multiple rhythms to enjoy while you're listening.
Yet, with all of this, I haven't even gotten into the 4 highlights, aside from "First train Home," that make this album even more memorable. The first of these would be the ballad "Wait it Out." It happens to be incredibly emotional, revolving around a broken heart. "We're closed to the earth till further notice," she croons sadly, as she reminisces about the breakup. "Everybody says/that time heals everything/but what of the wretched hollow," the chorus begs the question. In fact, it's so hard not to get pulled into the song because Miss Heap sings is so powerfully that it commands recognition. "Tidal" is another such gem - it can be playful and serious simultaneously. The instrumentals switch it up quite a bit during the song, adding a thundering crescendo at the end with the lines "Do what you want/Just how you like/Nobody has to know." It's thoroughly enjoyable to listen to. Third on the list would be the second single "Canvas" which is lyrically ambiguous; but seems to be referring to the hardships of life. It's the instrumentals that really shine: if I didn't know the song was on an album, I'd think it were a soundtrack score. I know that seems a bit pretentious; but I have to be honest. Finally, there's the airy "2-1/Polyfilla" track. Imogen Heap seems to be singing into dead space at the beginning as instrumentals begin swirling around her voice. The song builds as it goes along, making it impressive. Some find this song a little too strange; but I think it's wonderfully composed and sung.
Rounding off all of this, if you have the Expanded Edition, is the Instrumental CD. It's basically all the songs without the vocals. So, if you want to listen to the background music alone, it makes for an interesting experience. One final note: it's best if you play the music, for the first time, with some sort of stereo system (like a CD boombox or ipod stereo holder). I find the addition of speakers allows the listener to hear the full effect of the songs. It's vastly different than listening to it through headphones.
Well, seeing as I've gone on a tad too long, I'll leave it at that. Ellipse will not disappoint and it's worth the wait.
Get this CD! Oct 26, 2009
Absolutely great new cd from Imogen. It has all of the parts and bits that I like from her old music while also being new and fresh, each song is different, yet totally Imogen.
Wonderfully Unique Album Oct 22, 2009
I don't know how I cam across this album (maybe a Amazon recommendation), but I am so happy I bought it. I have read that Imogen Heap's artistic influences came from Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, and Björk, and you can hear it throughout this album. If you are familiar with their work then you'll know the general area of the album. 'Ellipse' is a wonderfully unique and I would agree with many of the other reviewers that it is best listened to as a whole. Also, the recording quality is top-notch. I joy to listen to.
 2nd CD Oct 05, 2009
I enjoyed the first CD more, there was more variation between tracks. However this is still a wonderful buy, and the additional instrumental CD is quite wonderful.
Holistic Hooray! Oct 02, 2009
This is a wonderfully written album, from meaty one-liners and evocative images to woven themes that bring you back to yourself and the skin you live in...I recommend it for everyone! Even first-time Imogen listeners. The raw, honest beauty of the lyrics and the depth/texture of the music & vocals delivers in a way only the fearless artist can! She also doesn't take herself too seriously to laugh and that makes her music all of the above AND accessible/approachable! Hence, hear my Holistic Hooray!
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