![Review: Friendly Fires - Late Night Tales [Album]](http://hangout.altsounds.com/geek/gars/images/3/0/8/3/4/late-night-tales-friendly-fires-artwork-545x545.jpg)
![Review: Friendly Fires - Late Night Tales [Album]](http://hangout.altsounds.com/altthumb.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fhangout.altsounds.com%2Fgeek%2Fgars%2Fimages%2F3%2F0%2F8%2F3%2F4%2Flate-night-tales-friendly-fires-artwork-545x545.jpg&w=500&h=500&zc=1&q=70){kind=small}
Spread the Social Love:
You know that feeling towards the end of a house party when everything starts to wind down and you sink into the early hours of the morning. The sun is just peaking over the horizon, the birds are stirring and your friends begin to flake into the comforts of your sofas? Well, what better soundtrack to those moments than the eclectic selections of the Late Night Tales compilations.
Established back in 2001 the first Late Night Tales release was by Fila Brazillia and what a way that was to start something so unique and so magical. Now Late Night Talessee's the release of the 30th compilation!
The heavyweights of past compilations, like Jamiroquai and Groove Armada, would suggest that Late Night Tales would pull in an even heavier weight if they wanted to. But they haven't. To my surprise Late Night Tales have gone for Friendly Fires and, whilst I'm not knocking the St. Albans trio - their debut self-titled album was a corker - I can't help but feel a little underwhelmed, Friendly Fires last album Pala wasn't exactly the knock-out I'd hoped for. Are they really justifiable for this landmark Late Night Talesrelease? Read on!
If you're familiar with the Late Night Tales compilations you'll know the format. As the compiler delves into their record bag and dusts off some gems, small treasures if you like, that, for the majority of us, would be otherwise unheard of. Think not of the compilers usual style and genre - most don't confirm to the rules. Think instead of Snow Patrol spinning A Tribe Called Quest or MGMT laying down the Velvet Underground.
The range of tracks chosen for each Late Night Tales compilation has always been vast and totally left-field - and its always worked. The ability of the compiler to select an array of tunes to accompany your come down has been spot on and always hit the mark. Then of course, with each edition of Late Night Talesyou get an exclusive cover version done by the compiler - this is really where they throw caution to the wind and go totally out there with the likes of the Arctic Monkeys covering Living Joys 'Dreamer' or of Nouvelle Vague re-working 'Come On Eileen' by Dexy's Midnight Runners.
Although Friendly Fires kick things of with a bit of electro we're soon into some classic disco gems and the first third of the album continues down this funky road...a perfect way to begin the reluctant wind down but still keep you moving! Featuring a fantastic little track by 80's Dutch star Renee and the sexually charged track 'Love Vibration' by Grammy award winning Joe Simon, Friendly Fires have got this mix tape of to a great start.
We then start to get a bit housey for the middle third of the album; melodic, ambient, vocal house, with a gorgeous track by Iron Galaxy, fresh for 2012. We also hear probably the most recognisable track / artist on the album too, it's SBTRKT with 'Hold On'. And of course we get the standard Late Night Tales compilation cover version. Friendly Fires have chosen the rather unknown (well, to me at least) 'Why Don't You Answer' by Eberhard Schoener ft. Sting. Whilst not too dissimilar to the original, the Friendly Fires lads have done a good job and lead singer Ed MacFarlane's distinctive vocals work well matching Sting's equally distinctive sound.
For the final third of Late Night Tales it all gets a bit acousticy with some tracks that'd be at home in some kind of British indie film or perhaps a BBC drama like Lip Service - it's welcomed though, as your night really does begin to fade out and the music holds your hand, takes you to bed and waits whilst your drift off to sleep. The Cocteau Twins' 'Cherry-Coloured Funk' is the perfect example of that, throw in an absolute swerve ball from Olivia Newton-John (don't worry, it's not 'Xanadu') and I'm pleasantly comatose, succumbing to a melodic fuelled slumber.
Now, for those that don't know, each Late Night Talescompilation literally comes with a late night tale at the end of all the music too. A short story over several parts that will continue on the next release. It's yet another unique and quirky twist to the series and there's been some great stories over the years like 'The Happy Detective' written and read by Will Self. Well, this Friendly Fires instalment see's the first part of new story 'Flat of Angles' written by Simon Cleary and read by Benedict Cumberbatch.
Whilst the dulcet tones of Benedict might initially jolt you out of your slumber momentarily you'll soon drift back off as his soothing, deep tones wash over you. The story itself seems pretty interesting, set in New Cross, London - a place I'm all to familiar with. I can't wait to hear part 2 of it and of course see what Late Night Taleshas to offer up next.
All in all the perfect album to finish off a crazy party, or to have in the background of a more civilized dinner party, or perhaps to listen to whilst you work away. A great, diverse selection of tracks from Friendly Fires, they've done the Late Night Taleslegacy justice.
Established back in 2001 the first Late Night Tales release was by Fila Brazillia and what a way that was to start something so unique and so magical. Now Late Night Talessee's the release of the 30th compilation!
The heavyweights of past compilations, like Jamiroquai and Groove Armada, would suggest that Late Night Tales would pull in an even heavier weight if they wanted to. But they haven't. To my surprise Late Night Tales have gone for Friendly Fires and, whilst I'm not knocking the St. Albans trio - their debut self-titled album was a corker - I can't help but feel a little underwhelmed, Friendly Fires last album Pala wasn't exactly the knock-out I'd hoped for. Are they really justifiable for this landmark Late Night Talesrelease? Read on!
WATCH // Friendly Fires - Paris
If you're familiar with the Late Night Tales compilations you'll know the format. As the compiler delves into their record bag and dusts off some gems, small treasures if you like, that, for the majority of us, would be otherwise unheard of. Think not of the compilers usual style and genre - most don't confirm to the rules. Think instead of Snow Patrol spinning A Tribe Called Quest or MGMT laying down the Velvet Underground.
WATCH // A Tribe Called Quest - Midnight
The range of tracks chosen for each Late Night Tales compilation has always been vast and totally left-field - and its always worked. The ability of the compiler to select an array of tunes to accompany your come down has been spot on and always hit the mark. Then of course, with each edition of Late Night Talesyou get an exclusive cover version done by the compiler - this is really where they throw caution to the wind and go totally out there with the likes of the Arctic Monkeys covering Living Joys 'Dreamer' or of Nouvelle Vague re-working 'Come On Eileen' by Dexy's Midnight Runners.
WATCH // Nouvelle Vague - Come On Eileen
So, what can Friendly Fires bring to the table, are they worthy of Late Night Tales's big three-oh slot? Yes. In short, yes they are. They've picked out some absolute corkers for our aural pleasure and this compilation doesn't disappoint. Although Friendly Fires kick things of with a bit of electro we're soon into some classic disco gems and the first third of the album continues down this funky road...a perfect way to begin the reluctant wind down but still keep you moving! Featuring a fantastic little track by 80's Dutch star Renee and the sexually charged track 'Love Vibration' by Grammy award winning Joe Simon, Friendly Fires have got this mix tape of to a great start.
We then start to get a bit housey for the middle third of the album; melodic, ambient, vocal house, with a gorgeous track by Iron Galaxy, fresh for 2012. We also hear probably the most recognisable track / artist on the album too, it's SBTRKT with 'Hold On'. And of course we get the standard Late Night Tales compilation cover version. Friendly Fires have chosen the rather unknown (well, to me at least) 'Why Don't You Answer' by Eberhard Schoener ft. Sting. Whilst not too dissimilar to the original, the Friendly Fires lads have done a good job and lead singer Ed MacFarlane's distinctive vocals work well matching Sting's equally distinctive sound.
WATCH // Eberhard Schoener ft. Sting - Why Don't You Answer
For the final third of Late Night Tales it all gets a bit acousticy with some tracks that'd be at home in some kind of British indie film or perhaps a BBC drama like Lip Service - it's welcomed though, as your night really does begin to fade out and the music holds your hand, takes you to bed and waits whilst your drift off to sleep. The Cocteau Twins' 'Cherry-Coloured Funk' is the perfect example of that, throw in an absolute swerve ball from Olivia Newton-John (don't worry, it's not 'Xanadu') and I'm pleasantly comatose, succumbing to a melodic fuelled slumber.
Now, for those that don't know, each Late Night Talescompilation literally comes with a late night tale at the end of all the music too. A short story over several parts that will continue on the next release. It's yet another unique and quirky twist to the series and there's been some great stories over the years like 'The Happy Detective' written and read by Will Self. Well, this Friendly Fires instalment see's the first part of new story 'Flat of Angles' written by Simon Cleary and read by Benedict Cumberbatch.
Whilst the dulcet tones of Benedict might initially jolt you out of your slumber momentarily you'll soon drift back off as his soothing, deep tones wash over you. The story itself seems pretty interesting, set in New Cross, London - a place I'm all to familiar with. I can't wait to hear part 2 of it and of course see what Late Night Taleshas to offer up next.
All in all the perfect album to finish off a crazy party, or to have in the background of a more civilized dinner party, or perhaps to listen to whilst you work away. A great, diverse selection of tracks from Friendly Fires, they've done the Late Night Taleslegacy justice.
![Review: Disclosure - The Singles [EP]](http://hangout.altsounds.com/altthumb.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fhangout.altsounds.com%2Fgeek%2Fgars%2Fimages%2F1%2F4%2F7%2F2%2F1%2Fdisclosure-the-singles-artwork.jpg&h=75&w=75&zc=1&q=70)
