Best Album out of Vancouver?
by
cshawns
Artist: Maclean
Title: Talker
Year: 2009
Songs of Note: "Failure of a Positively Good Man," "Talker," "When I Saw Her Twirl," "Lighthouses Lighthouses Lighthhouses"
Tracks: 12
Length: 1 hour 5 mins
Other Albums: Hang This On Your Wall (2007)
After a year hiatus from playing shows, Langley band “Maclean” reemerges onto the Vancouver music scene with their sophomore full-length album “Talker.” Two years after their debut full length “Hang This on Your Wall” they return with an effort just as strong. No, sorry. Stronger. “Hang This on Your Wall” had several catchy songs, and had a little more of a punk vibe to it. “Talker” finds the band newly matured, comfortable in their own sound, separate from all other bands on the scene.
That being said, one could see honesty and comedy and other endearing elements disappear from a bands repertoire. I laughed out loud when hearing the line from the title track “I don’t want to drink with your brothers, they punched me in the head… knocked out, and hurt my shoulder.” Every time I hear the chorus from the fourth track on “Talker” I nearly cry, “We could be much better people than who we are,” it’s not the words that are said, but the hope in Denver Harris’ (lead singer) voice.
All twelve tracks from this album are thick with passion, history, and God given talent. It clocks in at over an hour, pretty ballsy for a sophomore album. Often long albums become boring and repetitive, but you need not worry with “Talker,” even the nine minute song “Off My Mind/Everett” keeps you enthralled with catchy melody, sweet riffs, beautifully composed instruments, and perfect dynamics.
One obvious influence is Death Cab For Cutie, and if not, they definitely sound like it sometimes, particularly in the song “When I Saw Her Twirl.” Another influence seems to be Broken Social Scene. You will have to guess at the rest.
“Talker” gets a 9/10 from me for being miles ahead of “Hang This on Your Wall,” when that album was already miles ahead of most of the music out there right now. More than you can ask for from a sophomore release.
Lyrics from song “Conversations” – “I see the sun over Vancouver, and I ask if it will go up or down.”
The sun will only rise for you Maclean.
This is truly the beginning of something great.
Vancouver's Pride
by
Scott McTaggart
Maclean is easily one of the best bands to come out of Vancouver, BC. They offer a unique flavor which enhances Canada's already original music scene. It is certainly just the beginning for this young canadian quintet. Their creativity and listenability is quickly making them a local favorite and it won't be long until they achieve recognition on the world stage.
AMAZING
by
tiffysawatz
oh my gosh you guys this album is amazing. i love it. the vocals, bass, piano, drums, guitar...all amazing!!! i love it haha its so awesome. keep up the awesome work guys!!!
