Desire Lines

I missed this album when it was first released several years ago. I've been listening to this album on rotation for a few months now and it just keeps growing on me. One of Camera Obscura's strongest efforts. It's a shame to lose Carey Lander and the band while still in their prime.

Too many bands feel a need to change a winning formula, to dramatically vary their sound from album to album. Thankfully, that does not apply to Camera Obscura. For at least the last three albums, they've been perfecting a specific sound, and this is no departure. While aspects feel more polished (certainly there's no opening violin on their previous efforts), Tracyanne Campbell's ethereal voice, and Kevin McKeeve's guitar continue to lead a 60's-70's sound, and the combination of sad lyrics and bittersweet-to-happy music continues to please. Kind of a Beach Boys meets the Mamas and the Papas in a land-locked, rainy and cold climate kind of sound. Maybe. Give it a listen.None of which should be read to imply this formula is tired, or the album isn't fresh. The musicality is notably improved, with a bit less "live" feeling than previous efforts, and the sound is a bit crisper. I think this reflects the change in producer, as well as improvement in musical skill. And while frequently Camera Obscura has had some great tunes, I think "Every Weekday" marks the first real guitar riff I've noticed in their work. The addition of Neko Case on backing vocals works well.It's not the only Camera Obscura album I'd get ("Let's Get Out of This Country" continues to be where you should start) but it is no disappointment, and I look forward to listening to it for some time to come.

I have all of Camera Obscura's albums and although I don't find Desire Lines to be as "hit heavy" as "Let's get out of this Country" or "My Maudlin Career" I think this is their best album from start to finish. It's so refreshing to put on an album and let it play through and enjoy each and every song without being tempted to hit the skip button. I don't think any song is lower than a B grade and most I'd give a B+ or an A- and my favorite song of the album "Troublemaker" I'd have to give an A+ to although from the many other reviews I've read everyone seems to have a different favorite song and that's how you can tell a good album in my opinion so many closely good songs that there is no clear favorite. You can listen to this album many times over again and again and I appreciate the songs more and more with getting sick of it either as evidenced by me playing it around my family all week and my parents and siblings who've never heard them before all want to buy this album for themselves now. I really Camera Obscura especially Tracyanne's singing and song writing and can't wait to see them play later this month!

It's a pretty good album, but it's just missing a few standout songs that the last two albums had. "My Maudlin Career" had the instantly infectious "French Navy", and "Let's Get out of this Country" had "Lloyd" and "If Looks Could Kill". This album has a bunch of nice songs, but I find the previous 2 stand higher.

Splendid album. Sorry about the loss of a wonderful songstress and band member...truly. Excellent arrangements and harmonies

I've been listening to this CD for about a month and it's good. But like most beautiful voices or talented bands, you need the songs to allow that talent to express itself. Where are the songs? They are merely good songs, not great songs. Sort of like 1950's ditties which are very nice, but where are those deep currents that hold us spellbound on a cold smoky evening where the chords soared and let those lyrics pierce our souls or connect us to some intense emotion? It's as if a very gifted artist was given dried oil paints or stone which could not be sculpted. Her voice cannot find altitude with these very nice songs, just not enough complexity to find the sky. It's frustrating because you can sense the attempt to make a six course meal from potatoes and bread. Seems the producers would have sensed this during recording-little story to tell. Starts out OK and stays there right till the end. Just OK.

I love this band. So many great songs on so many great albums. If it doesn't grab you straight on keep listening to this album. You won't regret it.

Great band.

The group that flies the flag for A1+++ grade pop music. Lovely, individually crafted songs that give you a hug and a friendly peck on the cheek. This is an incredibly strong album all the way through. Dare I say it might well be their best.

A long enforced wait (Carey Lander had cancer,band members had bereavements and Tracyanne became pregnant!) but certainly worth it.There is not a better songwriter than Ms Campbell to capture the brittle heartache of relationships.From the sad resignation of 'Fifth in Line to the Throne' to the cheeky celebration of sex in 'Do it Again' Tracyanne Campbell is the best songwriter in Britain,no question.The only quibble is the production,too bland and American for me (It was recorded in Baltimore under the direction of Tucker Martine) but really this doesn't matter.An absolute triumph.

some great tunes

Good album, little bit samey throughout, but easy listening

Bought for my son off his wish list so obviously he likes it