Soulsavers - It's Not How Far You Fall, It's the Way You Land

The Soulsavers Follow Up their Critically Acclaimed Debut, ‘tough Guys Don’t Dance,’ With, ‘it’s Not How Far You Fall, It’s the Way You Land.’ Released on April Second and Three Years in the Making, this Time Round They have Joined Up with Mark Lanegan who Provides Vocals on Eight Songs. The Album also features a Cameo Performance by Will Oldham. It's an Eleclectic Recording, a Unique Mix of Hip-hop, Rock, Country, Soul and Gospel. Album Details

Beautiful and haunting

"It's Not How Far You Fall, It's the Way You Land" is my first experience with Soulsavers' music, and I must say that I'm really liking this album. As others on here mentioned already, it's very atmospheric, and Mark Lanagan's raspy and haunting voice goes perfectly with the beautiful melodies. It's sad, uplifting, relaxing, yet thought provoking all at the same time. All the songs & instrumentals on here sound good, though "Revival", "Ghosts of You & Me", "Paper Money", "Spiritual", "Kingdoms of Rain" and "No Expectations" (Rolling Stones cover) are exceptional, in my opinion.
July 17, 2008

Terrific Record

There is little i can say about the album without running out of superlatives within the first paragraph. In a year that saw many stellar releases, this album topped them all. Having previously never heard of Soulsavers, i had no idea what to expect upon ordering it, but even if i
had, i doubt i could have anticipated such an excellent record. It is a wonderful album, a true modern great(And i say this knowing full well how over the top that sounds).

Pointing out highlights seems a little pointless when it is an album that NEEDS to be listened to in full. Intricate, and beautifully atmospheric, each song feeds into the next to paint a dark yet elating picture.Picking out singles would defeat the purpose of the album, as it is an album in the purest sense of the word.

Right from the sublime Revival, the album does not let up, each song seemingly confronting more than the last. Even the instrumentals evoke great emotion, a feat that must be admired, as Lanegan is in outstanding form, his deep vocals hitting the very bottom of the heart.

I must make a special mention of the Rolling Stones cover, No Expectations, as the closer. The song is magnificent, completely transforming the original into a moment of ethereal beauty.

Firmly one of my favorite albums already, I cannot recommend it highly enough. It is a shame this is Lanegans lowest profile album to date, as it is probably his best. He sounds like a man trapped in his own despair, yet refuses to give in.

Incredible album. February 29, 2008

Soulful solitude

I've just now realized that the steady influx of records released by bands having nebulous membership is a really, really good thing, a case in point being both Arizona Amp and Alternator and Grinderman. Include Soulsavers to this group, since it appears that, for the time being, Mark Lanegan's vocal contribution is limited to only this album. It centers around the idea that having no expectations for future releases will make the listener focus on a finely conceived and produced piece of rock and roll solely on it own merits. And that is exactly what "It's Hot How Far you Fall..." is. It consists of one-part gravelly-toned Lanegan, mixed with a very subtle yet effective shot of electronica, creating a sound that's, while reminiscent of Tom Waits newer material, distinctive and deep. The theme of redemption and solitude throughout the album is simple yet consistent, and not over-embellished.

Lanegan definitely sets the stage with his voice, but the accompanying music is equally captivating. Crunchy guitars, a subtle organ, the slow yet methodical beats, and a gospel choir added for good measure, this album makes the most out of all of its parts. The pacing is slow for sure, but it's deep and atmospheric. Though nearly perfect, the standout tracks for me are Revival, Paper Money, Ask the Dust, Through My Sails, and No Expectations. If you like Grinderman, you'll appreciate this finely crafted release by Soulsavers. It's a little less in-your-face, but it's hauntingly good.
December 28, 2007

(reviewed as if part of the Lanegan catalog)

Pairing up Mark Lanegan's leathery croak with a trip-hop deconstruction of dustbowl gospel was a sheer stroke of genius. Lanegan furthers his bid to be the heir to Tom Waits' misanthropic, sycophantic mantle while pushing his songwriting in new directions. The restlessness evident on his recent solo recordings and work with artists as diverse as PJ Harvey, QOTSA and Greg Dulli finds another paving stone to push off of with UK production team Soulsavers. Murky cobwebs of soundscapes perfectly underpin stories of loss, regret, and religious ambivalence. The drawback of the album is, despite savvy cover choices (Neil Young's "Through My Sails," The Rolling Stones' "No Expectations," and Lanegan's own "Kingdoms of Rain"), Lanegan veers dangerously close to becoming a song stylist. Gritty metaphor and resolute, forward momentum has always been the singer's strength, falling back on hoary chestnuts threatens to be his downfall.
December 27, 2007

My Album Of The Year

I've always had a soft spot for Mark Lanegan, like Johnny Cash, he could sing the Yellow Pages and make it sound great. And this album is so atmospheric, the combination is irresistible. Think a combination of gospel, some great loops, walls of muted guitar and pump organ all lovingly assembled, with Lanegan's "120 Marlboro a day" vocals. He manages to make pain so beautiful and yet so heartfelt. I've had the album about a month now and it is still on constant rotation.
My only warning is that it does not translate well live. I saw them in San Francisco a couple of weeks back and the destroyed it with bombastic guitar, loosing all subtlety. Lanegan held it together well, but it was a disappointment. December 18, 2007

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