Login for FavoritesFortune And Spirits - Let's Go Exploring
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Album Details
- Artist: Fortune And Spirits
- EP: Let's Go Exploring
- Label: Mixtake Records
- Year of Release: 2008
- ME Rating:
- Reviewed by: hstisgod on 2009-10-19
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RecommendIt's always a strong feeling when I come across a Long Island band. Almost as if I'm meant to put out word about a very under appreciated and hard working scene. Let's find out what the case is with Fortune & Spirits.
"The Death Of Casey Morgan" begins as fairytale folk where the lead vocalist is given an opportunity to shine with her Tracy Chapman carefulness. Slowly the rhythm builds and creates an almost subtle circus of acoustic. If there's a band to compare to I'd have to say 10,000 Maniacs.
"My Opening Line" is at first set in soft and subtle as well. The vocals make a chain and this track comes alive with full acoustic guitars. Include cello work(?) and a very eclectic but jangly chorus. A well formatted song which privies you immediately to their knowledge for not-so traditional instrumental use in a Rock Band. My file is jacked up, but I really liked the sound of "Archangel, The Murder", and would like to request some more of this.
No, I don't need to be back in Suffolk County to imagine Fortune & Spirits playing a good time for those terrific North Shore pubs. Though I can't in full commitment affirm that their sound is platinum, and would make some vocal suggestions. Would love to hear lead vocalist/violinist sing with more conviction. She has a range of cloudy sunshine, as oxymoronic as that may sound. This could be a production observation, I'm not quite sure.
With "Ruminations", Fortune & Spirits really has a great summoning of their influences and it comes off well, regardless of what they are. Constant bass, organ and a relentless drum splash make this one of their tracks to remember. "Septembirds" is creative and minced like it's title, lying in a jolting piano and high melody. More diversity comes with trumpet work that suits the song very nicely.
Though their sound is not quite my cup of tea, I have respect for their instrumental work, and their respect for melody. I hope to catch these guys live next time I'm home.
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Log In or Register to Rate Albumson 2009-12-02 hstisgod Said:
mkeane, thanks for the review as well. I think you said some things I felt I was unwilling to say, as I have to take into consideration the effort of F&S. The one thing I have learned in a very long interaction of artist promotion is tje importance of self-promotion. If an artist is unwilling to promote themselves, a 21st century will not agree with their methods.
F&S has the right attitude, but frankly, the wrong economy. It is more difficult for Long Island artists to make it through the pipelines to NYC than PA, NJ or CT artists...Bands like Brand New and TBS absolutely amaze me with their sales and charm. Not many artists from NYC's breeding grounds make it. Billy Joel is known to be the most overwhelming. BILLY friggin' JOEL... as much as I love him, he's what my parents loved...I think Fortune and Spirits has a potential to be on stage at Bonnaroo '10 right now, but it will take a bit of Long Island charm to get them there.
Rating: 8/10
on 2009-11-13 dscanland Said:
Congrats on the win! Good luck with wherever your path may lead you.
Not Rated
Review:
on 2009-10-26 mkeane Said:
Here, I have to say, we find a band who's problem is more with execution than it is with the idea. I agree with review above that there seems to be a decided lack of emotion on some tracks, probably most especially "Archangel, the Murderer" but on tracks like "Ruminations," I find the more subdued style of vocals an interesting contrast to the bombast you described on the track.
Fortunes and Spirit seems to be tying itself in with a groups several generations old and the likes Gene Clark and Rod Argent where the order of the day was not to wear your emotions as much on your sleeve, it was more about getting a good take.
I think, however, that at some point pleasantness has to take a back-seat to something that feels more real, in the meantime, though, the music is downright pretty.
In that regard, I will agree with the sentiment of your review but as you admit your bias in the last line of your review, I have no such qualms about the overall sound of these guys, I will go ahead and give them an 8/10, one notch above your review
Rating: 8/10
on 2009-10-21 hstisgod Said:
Sorry I just went with what I saw on the myspace, or so I thought. Thanks for the heads up.
Rating: 8/10
on 2009-10-21 elizabeth_record Said:
I'm glad to see a legitimate review for fortune and spirits. Who wants to tell him that Lizzy is the lead vocalist though, not Mishi. I mean she gets to be the best string player around, Lizzy only knows how to sing. I'm just throwing it out there.
Not Rated
on 2009-10-21 presi Said:
Fortune and Spirits are an example of REAL music I will vote until you guys win, and I want you to because of the music you do, it moves my soul.........
Rating: 10/10
on 2009-10-21 presi Said:
Fortune and Spirits are an example of REAL music I will vote until you guys win, and I want you to because of the music you do, it moves my soul.........
Rating: 10/10
on 2009-10-19 Bassel Said:
That was really awesome Matthew, thanks for sticking up for what we do. I'm not sure why 'Indie' contests exist if all artists involved are expected to have a stacked music resume. Good luck with the rest of IOTY, and thanks again!
- Bassel
Not Rated
on 2009-10-15 theyllwdamacy Said:
I love, love, love Opening Line, especially cello. Cello makes everything better
Not Rated
on 2009-10-14 andyoucantoo Said:
You guys really need to get your new stuff up here. I've had Sunsets stuck in my head all day.
Rating: 10/10
on 2009-10-10 dottyann Said:
I have seen them live, I find them to be melodic and original. Good luck!
Not Rated
on 2009-10-09 tagona Said:
OMG, Matt told me to vote a week ago, I can't believe you guys are in 2nd!! Hope you win, I'm going to tell everyone!
Rating: 10/10
on 2009-10-07 bobisler Said:
Opening Line is alright, but you really roped me in with Ruminations
Not Rated
