Richard Ashcroft @ live4ever
After an abrupt end to the Verve‘s comeback, Ashcroft has wasted no time in returning with new material. He could have easily just basked in the glory of his former band’s successful return and sat on the sofa for a couple of years counting the cash, grinning to himself over the rave reviews. On the contrary, he’s gone straight back into the studio and recorded an album under his new project, ‘The United Nations Of Sound‘.
The first taster we had of this was in December, ‘The Journey‘ – a brilliant, moody, effort with strings that dealt with a dark lyrical theme. At the other end of the spectrum we’ve now been served up ‘Are You Ready‘ – probably the most uplifting and immediate track he has released as a solo artist. The song’s production is a breath of fresh air and far removed from what we have come to expect from an Ashcroft solo record, some of which had suffered at the hands of dull production. The slight change in Ashcroft’s vocal is laid bare here too, now with added rasp that makes his delivery sound even more soulful and distinct as he sings about the day Jesus returns the earth, for which he is quite obviously ‘ready’.
You’d be forgiven for thinking John Squire makes an appearance on this when some impressive guitar work that sounds like its been ripped straight off the Second Coming gives the track some balls. It is a bit repetitive, with the “Are You Ready..” hook being unnecessarily overstated, but the song’s merits outweigh its drawbacks and this is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. A catchy little number too.
Matt Humphrey
I couldn’t disagree more. The production on Forth was excellent, based on this snippet the production on the new album will be full of clipping, brickwalling/limiting and dynamic range compression. Alone With Everybody was a great sounding record with a smashing lead single…this “Are You Ready?” track…the lyrics…well I could come up with better lyrics on the toilet in the morning! The guitar sounds like an afterthought, is that a drum machine? It sounds like it was all thrown together in a couple of minutes. It sounds to me like Si and Nick were bang on the money when they said Richard only used the Verve reunion to re-launch his dwindling solo career. If this is the result, then what a terrible shame. Ashcroft should realize that the best magic of his career has happened with The Verve. Songs like Slide Away, Stormy Clouds, Life’s An Ocean, Columbo, Judas, Drive You Home, A New Decade, Already There, etc., etc., etc., there hasn’t been an Ashcroft song that comes close and the live performances are even worse…The Verve live was always a trip.
Poor Richard…Nick, Si, Pete, Richard – This Is Music. Ashcroft solo or under this silly new name…not so much. If “Are You Ready?” is the best the new album has to offer then Ashcroft is going to look pretty foolish for leaving The Verve so soon…again.
Oh my gosh, why are people always whining about Richard and him leaving The Verve? And about that his music is so ‘different’ from what he used to make. But guess what, people change, and I think Richard’s new stuff and all his solo material is amazing! And after hearing “Are You Ready?” I’m even more excited for his new album!
I agree with Ainsley dont dwell on the past