Cheap Flesh (Music) (David Gray) Price

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Customer Reviews of Flesh

The definition of romance
David Gray's second album continues in the same folk-acoustic-ballad-rock vein of his previous masterpiece 'A Century Ends'. There is a definite development here though - it's a much more romantic record, probably because Gray got married around the time of making it. There's more of a relaxed feel, it seems he's got a lot of his anger and frustration out and is now relishing the love in his life - the MOST important thing. The songs - driving folk-rockers 'Made Up My Mind' and 'Love's Old Song' add some nice pace to proceedings. The soaring 'Coming Down', 'Flesh', 'New Horizons' and 'The Light' are perfect uplifting folk ditties/ballads, the latter being especially brilliant. The epitomie of love and romance that are 'Mystery of love' and 'Lullaby' leave you yearning for your own loved one. Gray even conjures a protest song of sorts in 'What Are You' - a Dylan esque diatribe, spat in fury, about how wrong it is to sell your soul to commercialism. (Some fans suggest that's what he did with releasing all those songs from 'White Ladder' but not me - he can do what he damn likes). There were a few of these on 'A Century Ends' and only one here. The best song here is the beautiful piano based 'Falling Free', similar in many respects to his other classic 'This Years Love', this is Gray at his genius best - a simple yet heartbreakingly beautiful confession of love. Get this album for ' Falling Free' and 'The Light' alone'- you will not regret it. One of my favourite albums ever. Brilliant voice, brilliant musician, brilliant album. GET IT NOW.

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Poetic Genius
When I lived in England I was introduced to David Gray by a co-worker of mine. This was some years before the release of 'White Ladder". Immeadiately I was impressed by Gray's writing. Of course his music is the true vessel of his expression but the lyrics are absolutly genius. Whether it is the harsh (relative to other songs)beginning of the album with 'What are you' or the absolutly mesmorizing lyrics and sounds of 'Comming Down' the album Flesh is a must. One adition- if it is possible try to get the original release of the album. The songs are the same but the cover art is more exstravagant.

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The Best of Gray
Like many reviewers, "Flesh" ranks among my all-time favorites of any genre. This was my introduction to Gray years ago; I was a college DJ and the label was pushing "What Are You?" to alternative stations. That may seem odd to those who first heard Gray via his later work; but imagine Mike Scott's lyrics at their most angst-ridden (like in "Be My Enemy" from "This Is The Sea") coupled with arguably the most gritty, raw vocal Gray's recorded and you have one excellent, edgy, bitter lament about watching a friend sell out to the world.

"What Are You?" is the only tune like that here, however. The rest are far more positive and musically in line with Gray's later efforts and they shine with an authenticity that the minimal production allows. "The Light," for example, is an exhilirating love song showcasing Gray's strength with lyrics. The song simmers nicely until near the end when Gray quiets the instruments and lowers himself to a whisper--then builds back up with a rhythm (both vocally and instrumentally) that chugs like a train and gets you grinning from ear to ear, realizing how beautiful love can be.

I'm not much into "White Ladder" or "New Day at Midnight" (Gray's latest CDs) though I believe that's due to becoming a fan early. It's not about his massive popularity now or perceptions of his recent music sounding more "commercial"--it is because there are two distinct periods of Gray's music and I prefer one over the other. His earlier work is more raw, folk-based, intense, and naked. This works for some while others prefer the smooth, sonically perfect production and softer lyrics.

I've found those with an affinity for "alt country" artists (Uncle Tupelo, Matthew Ryan, Steve Earle, etc) prefer Gray's pre-"White Ladder" albums. If that sounds like you, give "Flesh" or "Century Ends" (Gray's first album) a shot before the rest. Hopefully, however, you'll be the type to like both periods of Gray's music and be able to enjoy it all!