Simple Pleasure Expanded Edition

On some level, I tend to agree with some of the reviewers who feel that on Simple Pleasures, Tindersticks is losing what makes the band special as it drifts off into easy-listening top 40 land. But wait! If you listen closely, you'll find the old Staples magic is still there.It did take me a while to get into this CD because I focused initially too negatively on the superficially disco aspects of a couple of the songs. But then one day I put it on and let it play a couple of times through. That's when Simple Pleasure opened up and presented me with unexpected pleasures.This CD is easily the most accessible of Tindersticks recordings I've heard to date. While it lacks the edge and the inscrutibility of the first two albums, the writing and arrangements invite a wider public to sample the talents of Stuart Staples and company. If I were to introduce Tindersticks to someone with fairly generic musical tastes, I would start them on Simple Pleasure.Here, Staples' vocal talents are on full display. His delivery is soulful and sexy, and the band is tight. I like the entire CD, but the tour de force is the Hammond organ-driven ballad If She's Torn. I've played that through over and over.While those fans who are expecting a reprise of Tindersticks first couple albums may be disappointed at first listen, those who are willing to give Simple Pleasure a chance will find that though the recording is not complex, it is simply pleasureful. The only negatives are the skimpy liner notes and the relative brevity of the CD. Buy this today and introduce your friends to the band. They should not be disappointed.

Yes, probably way too light-hued for me, I wanted it to sound broader and as mesmerizingly maudlin as usual, I'm probably still wondering what the hell are those girlie back vocals doing there, or how come strings and horns and voice overlaps and even sarcasm and plain sense of humour were kind of swept up all of the sudden. I actually sleep with Tinderstick's 2nd album and "Curtains" under my pillow, and dammit, was I eager to listen to the sequel or what, but come on, like they weren't entitled to change their pace, work on forgetable, candid lyrics, take a chance on some peeled off kind of production. They've already earned the right to try whatever they feel like doing. And even playing "Jingle Bells" just by whistling the tune all drunk out of their minds, they are good as hell. It will be no dissapointment, disregard each and every one of those complaining reviews, ask yourselves if you don't feel like doing something a little different just for the heck of it sometimes, go buy it, finally you'll enjoy it.

The latest tindersticks album might disappoint some as it digresses from their usual sound to a more straightforward pop sound. Gone are the dark atmospherics of the previous albums that gave them an almost gothic sound. The instrumentation is also less brooding and haunting. Instead, there is heavier bass guitar sound and it grooves along with a deep organ. What better accompaniments to Staples, low richly deep voice. The songs are poppier and the influence is pure soul. They definitely know how to ride a groove here and some songs are actually upbeat albeit with a little melancholy and a hint of desparation as always. Some might object but I, however, love it as much as their old stuff. It's good to know the Tindersticks can do a great pop record.

By no means as epic as the three albums that came before it, this is still a fine Tindersticks record.Who else could pull off such a great cover of an Odyssey song?The sound is very sparse compared to the majesty of 'Curtains' but is great as it gives you a taste of the 'live' Tindersticks experience.A great album and much lighter in tone than the ones before it. I'd recommend this but get the second album first if you are just starting out your Tindersticks collection.

Though I normally hesitate to compare bands to great literary figures, I look at Simple Pleasure as a 'Dubliners' to the 'Ulysses' of the earlier albums.The first Tindersticks albums were huge (60 to 74 minutes) works, with a narrative line carried from the first track to the last. Songs repeated, but with different lyrics, or arrangements. Orchestras, alarm clocks, overlapping lyrics and spoken word were used masterfully to tell complex, often upsetting but sometimes funny stories. Tindersticks exploded songs, and then reassembled them in fascinating ways.Simple Pleasure, however, is not an ambitious masterwork, like the earlier Tindersticks albums. It, like 'Dubliners', is a couple of carefully constructed pieces built around a (musical) theme -- R+B or soul music.Of course, in addition to being conceptual artists, Tindersticks are great musicians, and that is just as clear here as in any of their other works. Their rhythm section is still amazingly tight and inventive, and Dickon's arrangements still fit perfectly within the song. And Stuart Staples' singing is always a pleasure to hear, especially since he seems to be enjoying the change in pace.I haven't listened to the album enough times to decide if the lyrics reach the heights achieved in their earlier albums. They do seem to be less maudlin (especially compared to Curtains), which is either good or bad, depending upon your outlook.In short: would Simple Pleasure be the first Tindersticks album I recommend to a friend, probably not, but it is still better than almost everything else out there.

One of their best albums - makes you feel slightly off kilter - each song a strange juxtaposition of pop riff and cynical, sometimes angry, taking mickey story / lyric. but that's why I love Tindersticks.If you like this then also get Can our love and their new album The Waiting Room is a great return to high class song writing form!!

Very satisfied. :-)

Simply great music

Very satisfied

great CD and fast service