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Tech Insider Network
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
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Customer Rating

Substance has an exhilarating side

on October 25, 2008

Posted by: mtr12

(read all my reviews)

from Long Beach, Ca

Even substance can have an exhilarating side. Hailing from Lakeland, Fla., indie-pop quintet Copeland have been constructing a warm blend of soothing and beautifully orchestrated music since forming in 2000. From its stunningly pensive debut, "Beneath Medicine Tree" in 2003 to their slightly edgier follow-up in 2005, "In Motion," and its intricate third album a year later, "Eat, Sleep, Repeat," Copeland never ceases to raise its artistic bar.

On its latest effort and debut on the band's new label, "You Are My Sunshine," Copeland - Aaron Marsh (vocals, guitar, piano, organ, mellotron), Bryan Laurenson (guitar, backing vocals), Stephan Laurenson (guitar) and Jonathan Bucklew (drums) - expand its creativity to make an album of 11 lush sounding tracks.

The album opens with "Should You Return," a number that displays Marsh's sweet vocal and soft singing while a moderate sounding piano plays in the background. After 28 seconds, spot-on drumming and a light electric guitar strum set the pace for the rest of the song. This should surely be a fan favorite.

The album's first single, "The Grey Man," is track two and it follows a similar formula as "Should You Return," with the beginning revealing Marsh's croon and a simple piano melody. "By the time you find your way, you're gonna run right back to the start," he sings in the chorus before ending with, "And when you finally think it's gone, you're gonna run right back to her arms." It also features a bridge draped in Marsh's falsetto that carries the song to grieving, emotional depths.

Songs like the upbeat and sunny, "Good Morning Fire Eater," display a different sensibility, one that strays away from the overall tone of the album. But it's definitely a positive difference partly due to the infusion of bombastic drumming from Bucklew, light cello playing, a synthesizer line that compliments the songs harmony and subtle xylophone touches.

"Not Allowed" showcases a shiny piano solo that's both glossy and easy on the ears. Marsh declares, "Here we go, I'll smile for you now, cause you're sad. But I'm not allowed to be sad." It's a romantically redundant line that seems to be fitting.

It's not until track seven that "You Are My Sunshine" has its most lyrically brilliant moment. "On The Safest Ledge," begins with a touching piano line and a steady drum beat, before the sound cuts off and the spotlight is momentarily on Marsh's voice as he delivers the album's most graceful lyrics, "Don't look ahead, just run to me. Each step will find the next one, recklessly. We'll find ourselves on the safest ledge. Well pardon me, I couldn't help myself. We'll fall into your life here. If falling for awhile, well, I'm here."

However, there are a few mediocre songs on this album. "Chin Up," which was a demo released on a B-sides album, "Dressed Up and In Line (2007)," is re-released and the results are less then satisfying. The simplistic and organic feeling of the original holds up stronger than the re-worked version on "You Are My Sunshine." Though with more instrumentation, Marsh's dramatic vocal range is shortened by the overall production.

Tracks like "Strange and Unprepared," offer nothing new or exciting and are easy to forget after the first listen when compared to the album's other noteworthy songs. "Not So Tough Found Out," is perhaps Copeland's most ambitious effort ever, with the song being over 10 minutes long. It still doesn't break any new ground within the Copeland realm and it has mostly the same ingredients as "Strange and Unprepared."

Overall, Copeland furthers its musical talents with "You Are My Sunshine," a journey through miles of sophistication and an album perfect for the fall season. It'll make you want to dim the lights and be alone with the one you love; snuggling underneath a blanket while being perfectly aware and content that your player is set on repeat.

What's great about it: melodic music, insightfully romantic lyrics, soothing vocals

What's not so great: few songs have overly used production

I would recommend this to a friend!

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Tech Insider Network
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Tech Insider Network

Customer Rating

sonic masterpiece

on November 12, 2008

Posted by: frank12345

(read all my reviews)

from miami, fl

...and a lyrical one, too. Vocalist Aaron Marsh, a creative genius, has outdone himself with 'You Are My Sunshine', the latest offering from alt/indie/emo band Copeland.

This is also perhaps the best production, recording, and engineering job on a record I have ever heard. You need a set of high quality stereo headphones to fully appreciate how good it is.

This could easily do double-duty as a relaxation CD, with each song flowing seamlessly into the next. If you need to mellow out, put those headphones on and let yourself soak in the lush, peaceful atmosphere it creates. Many of the songs are centered around an electric piano of some sort, but almost every sound and instrument imaginable are used, from traditional guitars and fat-sounding drumkits, to real and electronic strings, horns, clarinets, flutes, synthesizers and drum machines...topped off by Aaron's amazing ethereal vocals...the vocal doubling and harmonies are so tight they sound electronically generated or altered (and may be).

Although this is not a work filled with catchy, upbeat pop songs, the album starts out strong with 'Should You Return', a well-crafted melodic tune with what sounds like a dozen voices singing in unison...it sets the stage well for what's to come, and nothing here disappoints. In fact, every song has a beautiful melody...and incredible lyrics. The lyrics on 'Chin Up' will really strike you..."Everybody knows that you'd break your neck to keep your chin up"...I still can't get that out of my head.

The tempo remains pretty much even keel throughout, although 'What Do I Know?' amps things up a bit. The music generally has a "chill'n" effect, and lyrically you'll actually find a lot of positive, uplifting messages and thoughts.

As with most non-cliche' records, this gets better with every listen...don't expect to be blown away after hearing the songs once. And don't compare this Copeland album to any of their previous efforts...while there are some similarities, 'Sunshine' stands uniquely on its own, and the foundation is strong. One of the best albums of the year.

I would recommend this to a friend!

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