Keane - Hopes and Fears

So one could say you aren't keen on this album? If one did say this, one would probably be called Richard Whiteley.

I can't believe I had to read that twice.

Having just listened to the album, a rating of 4 is just too generous. I'm usually a huge fan of Brit-Pop (I still love Oasis and Coldplay and all that) but this is so devoid of anything. I thought I would find highlights to want to hear again, but I couldn't find any.

Okay, I'm a sucker for this sappy stuff, namely "Somewhere Only We Know", especially when it sounds as lush as its predecessors "Yellow" and "In My Place". Something about that plaintive minor key (sighhhhh!). There must be a name for this genre spawned by Radiohead and Coldplay. Is it simply Brit pop? I'm pretty out of the loop on music critique (but I find it fascinating), I hear bits on commercials or syndicated radio programs. In fact, I only heard a clip of the catchy chorus line just few days ago and have had it in my head since. The "music factory" certainly did its job and got to me.

These guys are awful. I had the misfortune to see them live supporting Travis last year I was underwhelmed. They also inhabit the radio waves like an incurable cancer, so needless to say I have heard more than the recommended dose of these guys. And you know what… I still can’t remember a single lyric or tune. These guys take mediocrity to a new level of dullness.