Travis - Ode to J. Smith Review

Posted by Peter Smith on 11.12.2008

Travis returns with Ode to J. Smith. The hype surrounding this record suggested that it marked a significant shift in style and substance for the band. But does it live up to the hype?

Travis:

Andy Dunlop
Dougie Payne
Francis Healy
Neil Primrose

Tracklist:
1"Chinese Blues" – 3:46
2."J. Smith" – 3:04
3."Something Anything" – 2:22
4."Long Way Down”– 2:39
5."Broken Mirror" – 3:12
6."Last Words”– 4:11
7."Quite Free"– 4:00
8."Get Up"– 3:13
9."Friends" - 3:24
10."Song to Self" - 3:46
11."Before You Were Young" - 3:19


Review:

My first introduction to Travis was around the time of their release The Invisible Band. I was seeking something mellow and had read a few positive reviews, so I decided to pick it up. I really enjoyed that record and still do, but nothing about it made me feel motivated to purchase addtional Travis records. It was a pleasant listen, but I got the impression that most of their records would offer little variation on this sound. As a result, I did not listen to another Travis record in its entirety until the release of Ode to J. Smith . I had heard that this record was supposed to represent a noticeable shift musically and so I was willing to give it a chance. You never know when new record hype is really going to add up, but I can say with certainty that the hype suggesting that this record would sound different from what Travis records generally are expected to sound like represents a realistic experience of this record.

The first track, “Chinese Blues”, exemplifies this point. It actually rocks and completely caught me off guard. There is a modest swagger in the groove, a mild distortion in the guitar, even the piano sounds a bit menacing at times. This onslaught continues and expands throughout the next three tracks as well. “J. Smith” goes from playful jangle to an eruption of squealing guitar solos, rapid drum fills, and vocal screams. No, I am not kidding. “Something Anything” stomps and grinds in the verses, rises into a delicious chorus, and lets loose with a brief, but loud guitar solo. While “Long Way Down” continues this uptempo swing before cooling off at the end. Listening to these first four tracks, I hear the difference. I hear a band that has come alive and is no longer confined to a rainy day.

There are certainly elements of the expected band though too, even in these more rocking tracks. But seasoned Travis fans will particularly enjoy songs like “Last Words”, which is one of my favorite songs on the record. The melody is strong throughout and the chorus is one of the catchiest in this collection. I could definitely see this one fitting in on the record I previously purchased. Another song that fits into this category is “Friends”, though it is not as strong of a song as “Last Words”. This connection is not a bad thing though, as I appreciate and enjoy that particular style. My issue was that there was not much variety, which is why I think these songs stand out a lot more here than they would have on other records. It is a nice contrast to some of the more moderately aggressive material displayed elsewhere on the record.

Undoubtedly this record will get lumped into comparisons between the newer Coldplay and Oasis records, which is fair. It does attempt to make a somewhat grand musical statement, much like Viva la Vida and the band’s enhanced energy is instantly discernable, much like Dig Out Your Soul. But this record deserves to be listened to on its own terms. It shows a band simultaneously stretching its own limitations and embracing its past. Ode to J. Smith sounds both new and familiar. Isn’t that what we should hope for when a band releases a new record?

Considering a purchase? Try downloading these tracks: “Chinese Blues”, “Long Way Down”, and “Last Words”. If you enjoy these songs, you will probably enjoy the rest of the record. If you do not, well…you know what to do.

The 411: There is a lot to enjoy with this record. Folks who were previously turned off by Travis' mellow vibe will perhaps be attracted to a louder, more dynamic sound. Previous Travis fans will still find a lot to enjoy as the melodies and stellar songwriting abilities are still present. Overall, this record was a very pleasant surprise.

Final Score:  8.0   [ Very Good ]