Frenchy’s Favorites: Zero 7 – “Simple Things”
General Description
Artist/Band: Zero 7
Album Title: Simple Things
Year: 2001
How I Got Into This Music
The first song I heard/saw was I Have Seen and it kinda made me curious coz on the one hand it seemed a bit of a cheesy rip-off, style-wise, but then on the other hand..
So after the second video I checked out this album and boy, was I happy I did! It’s safe-as-houses mellow-heavy music that trips you into a very chilled out mood..
Tracks that got my attention:
I Have Seen
The unbelievably dark and solemn vocals by Mozez and the lush 70’s style keyboards and strings make this song into a time travel experience like no other! Love it!
Polaris
Memory lane – this song’s connected with my first day in Auckland, NZ when I was over there on vacation in 2001.
Just the long walk along the city/rural environment combined with this sweet song that changes into some great mayhem.. An imprint on the brain that no amount of alcohol can damage away.. And the bass loop.. oooooohhh…
Destiny feat. Sia & Sophie
This track’s been on all the chill out albums of that year: great moody vocals and soundscape artistry
Give It Away
Again a track that evokes mellow city vistas with simple guitar play and heavy string arrangements
Simple Things
Ghost vocals by Mozez tear at your soul, fantastic track!
Red Dust
Cheesy intro, great followthrough! Lovely instrumental, I even enjoy the flute play on this track.
Distractions
I love you, I do..
I only make jokes to distract
myself from the truth
Again Sia on vocals and such a mellow-dramatic set of lyrics and a funny, funny video: suburban fracas!
Waiting Line
Man, this voice (Sophie Barker, I’m guessing) and such a frigging sweet song
Out Of Town
Least favorite track
This World
As close as you can get to the skies without burning off your wings..
Likufanele
Rootfull feeling, great choir and easily the sweetest horn arrangements in ages…
End Theme
Sometimes a bit annoying but it surely helps getting me energised for some serious house chores (or something alike..)
Conclusion
This album was a very lucky find, and I’m glad I did take time to listen to it. The music isn’t the most challenging thing you’ve ever heard (compared to more adventurous bands like Groove Armada and such) but it gets the job done very, very nicely. The ears and mind are prompted to pay attention to all kinds of great and little things happeningin the album – you can chill out to it excellently!
For me it’s also a flashback to a great vacation I had some years ago and nostalgia is a very strong emotion..
[...] I Got Into This Music I’ve been listening to these guys since their first album, Simple Things and I was lucky enough to see them perform live at the Paradiso in Amsterdam a few years ago. [...]