Forget what you’ve heard: The ’60s Brit folk-nodding The Courage Of Others is a beautifully downcast, pleasingly oddball trip. The Guardian had the band do a fluted live set, offering another way into the Renaissance Fair. Start with Courage opener “Acts Of Man.”
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This album sucked way before P4K said so. Really, is there anything challenging or creative? No, it’s the least moving album of the year.
I wouldn’t be a big dick about it, or drag pfork into it, but I also wouldn’t disagree.
No, it’s not amazing, or nearly as good as Trials of Van Occupanter, but I think this is a pretty nice listen. Definately better than most Paste-pushed indie folk out there.
agree with nathan. Knew this was a dud long before Pfork called it. Dud is a dud is a dud. Mystery to me why the British press is fawning over it. Seems so lazy, like they didn’t even try very hard to make the record. (even though they probably over worked it)
Looking at Metacritic, a lot of the US press like it too (AV Club, NYT, Paste, Chicago Tribune), it’s not just the British press going nuts over it. But then this is tailor made for the likes of Mojo magazine etc.
I agree. Courage is so disappointing. so lackluster. of course there’s some scrutiny after a gem like Van Occupanther. But even after several listens, it seems flat, tired, and doesn’t engage me at all. I will still support this band though. I appreciate them as artists and as songwriters.
The review is well written, and unfortunately I have to agree with most of its assertions (the most damning being the step down in songcraft). However, a 3.6 is just insulting; a 5-something would have been fair.
The way this album’s been lauded in the UK press is enough to make you give up on critics forever. It is a grey, dull, wet record which bears no resemblance whatsoever to Fairport Convention or Steeleye Span or any of the other folkie names being bandied around. What it does sound like, however, is the Moody Blues who sucked back then and still suck today.
Hey Steve, opinions are like assholes. Everyone’s got one.
While the The Courage of Others is indeed inferior to Van Occupanther, it certainly does not merit a lower rating than Lil Wayne’s Rebirth. That my friends is completely absurd.
Everyone is quick to trash this record. It’s not surprising, considering that people seem to want bands they like to make their favorite record part 2. I loved Van Occupanther and I think The Courage of Others is as good.
For mine, this band gets the goosebumps going like no other. Just caught them live earlier in the week and took the opportunity to take several good long listens to Courage…I have to say I now think it’s equal if not better than TVO (and that would have to be close to my all time favourite album in a 10.000 plus collection)…some of the melodies are so incredibly subtle they only work their way out later like voices heard in dreams….