Post 3, Day 3: The Charlatans - Modern Nature (Part 2)

So here's the second part of my take on Modern Nature, which just doesn't do the album justice.  But hey, at least I found the time to continue writing.

The album's opening trio of singles are a perfect addition to what is already one of the best collection of singles out there.  "Talking In Tones" opens with a low key grove before blossoming nicely with lush guitars and harmonies on the chorus.  "So Oh" is a perfect summer song; light, breezy and sunny brining together the classic Brit Pop sound of 2004's Up At The Lake with the Curtis Mayfield inspired melodies of 2001's Wonderland.  "Come Home Baby" builds with a soaring chorus and gospel tinged backing vocals.

Elsewhere on the album, the band stretches out, exploring the space between each other on tracks like "In The Tall Grass" and "Emilie."  "Let The Good Times Be Never Ending" bounces back and forth between anthemic choruses and soulful dance grooves.

The album's penultimate song, "Trouble Understanding" harkens back to the Madchester vibe of early singles like "Indian Rope" and "Over Rising."  The album closer "Lot To Say" is lush and filled with an optimism that would be surprising from any other band that had been through as much as The Charlatans have; but then that's their magic, no matter what the band goes through, they always turn out good albums filled with classic choruses and danceable grooves.  They have been the most consistently strong band, album for album, of the last 25 years, and here's hoping it continues for the next 25.