What people search:
 | Title : Simple Things
Author : Zero 7
Release Date : 20011113
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $17.98
Amazon.com Price : $13.49
(25
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Editorial Reviews :
Zero 7's ability to conjure beautiful lullabies with all the romance of 1960s French pop (as found on their debut LP, Simple Things) would have made them the toast of soundtrack composers and chill-out connoisseurs the world over. Unfortunately, two Frenchmen beat Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker to the title of 'masters of comedown cool,' leaving the London duo to be forever called 'the British Air.' And this is fair; the similarities between Zero 7's lush cinematic soundscapes and those of Air's Moon Safari and the Virgin Suicides score are so strong as to sound almost intentional. Nonetheless, their debut is a truly gorgeous album. It has all the tried and tested atmospheric tricks--bleeps and whooshes layered over plodding Fender Rhodes chords, swathes of strings and tender trumpet parps--but it's Binns and Hardaker's languid grooves and the soft melancholy of their melodies that make dream-state instrumentals 'Give It Away' and 'Polaris' utterly enchanting. The real power of Simple Things, however, is in its songs. As beautiful as the ambient strains are, when laid beneath the seductive vocals of Australian diva Sia on the ethereal 'Destiny' or the heart-breaking 'Distractions,' their potency becomes apparent.
Buyer Reviews :
I heard 'Simple Things' on a listening station at my local music store. I was immediately reminded of 'Moon Safari' by Air. As I consider that a classic 90s album, I was pretty much hooked into getting this particular release by Zero 7.
'Simple Things' is really good chill-out music. I've listened to it several times since its purchase a few days ago, and it continues to stay fresh and enjoyable. The tracks are all pretty much low-key, trip-beat relaxing songs, some with vocals, some without. My favorite songs are 'Polaris', 'Red Dust', and 'This World', though I think all of the songs, with the possible exception of track 11, are quite good.
In comparing this album to Air's 'Moon Safari', I found a distinct difference. While the basic sound of the two albums is similar, 'Moon Safari' was a landscape of actual songs. 'Simple Things' derives its pleasure from tracks that are elongated chill-out sessions. There isn't a superior album in my comparison, just different artistic approaches and production styles.
So, Zero 7 has succeeded in creating its own sound, and what a pleasing sound it is.
(by Matthew Gladney)
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