The Man Who by TRAVIS
Styles: Alternative Rock, Pop Rock, Birtpop
Release Date: 1999
Round: Britpop
This is the first time I've heard a Travis album, and the first thing I noticed upon playing it is the similar drumming style to Radiohead, notably “Airbag.” “Writing to Reach You” is heavily radio-friendly, but it's cute and well produced, charming in that weird radio-friendly sense because it's not bad at all. Fran Healy's voice is so melodic it's a wonder how a person can sound so calm. I had a feeling I would love the album on some level. As far as the opener went, I was very impressed. 95/100 song. And then came the second track, “Fear,” which continues displaying Radiohead influence. I suppose that won't be a surprise anymore throughout the album because they sound like a second Radiohead. The influence much heavier in “Fear,” which does not reach the rhythmatic or vocal quality of the opener. Because of this, the Radiohead influence is more heavily emphasized, almost to the point where it feels like a rip-off. So I'm gonna stop mentioning Radiohead since the whole album is possibly influenced by them, and it'll get tiring.
“As You Are” is much softer than the first two tracks. The only rhythm in the track that's worth noting is the rhythm held only by Healy's vocals. Nothing in the music does anything to emphasize the rhythm, so it feels like a simple piece of filler. However, there's a decent guitar solo. But after that, the song went back to it's old tricks (if any). I felt like skipping it. “Driftwood” seemed to take a more alternative turn, being a little heavier and more abundant on the acoustic guitars. The lyrics seem to have more meaning to them than the last few tracks. Travis does make a good group of songwriters; they just need better rhythm. And although the chorus has little to none of it, the acoustic guitars are so much fun. “The Last Laugh” is better. The vocals are more organized and the guitars actually have a legitimate tune instead of playing a note every slow beat. This has a tune, even if it's a little drowned out. “:Turn” is a complete turnaround from the lackluster filler that's been going on. It manages to differentiate itself a bit through quiet, fast paced bass in contrast to “Turn's” slow, cute guitars playing. “Why Does It Always Rain on Me” is another lackluster song needing rhythm, except continuing the emphasis on acoustic guitars. Nothing special. “Luv” is special compared to the filler. It's back up by some harmonicas. Still, it feels like cute filler like the rest. So, next. “She's So Strange” is carried by drums. And Healy goes for a different vocal trick, attempting to make himself sound more fit for alternative music buy toning down on the high pitched (most of the time), almost like Sting was singing Radiohead. Nice tune. “Slide Show” is the final track, starting out with a nice little guitar solo as Healy goes for a much more mellow approach, singing along a pair of violins. Super “alternative” if you ask me. Smart move to make the finale different from the rest so that the listener isn't left thinking “That was the same thing for 45 minutes,” especially since the guitar solo was actually quite good.
It's a cute listen, and I already mentioned many times how it's like Radiohead. But that barely saved the album from its flaws mostly consisting of the musicianship. Good to great lyrics are almost wasted on filler, but it's still enjoyable because the production is good and the album has a very appealing, calming essence. Would I recommend it? Well, if you want a nice listen for going to bed or if you want music similar to Radiohead, I do recommend it.
75/100. Voting it off. Nice way to calm my nerves, but it's the worst album in the rest of the list.