It's been an extraordinary journey for Gaz Coombes, from flashily whiskered pop tearaway to Ivor Novello and BRIT award winning rock star to soundtracking the summer (he was responsible for that sublime cover of The Kinks 'This Time Tomorrow' for John Lewis earlier this year). The mega-watt melodic genius responsible for ten Top 20 hits and six Top 20 albums - I Should Coco was Parlophone's fastest selling debut since the Beatles Please Please Me - returns with his remarkable new album, entitled Matador. "There's this disposable vibe around music at the moment which is odd, because it's so obviously central to most people's lives," says Gaz. "Life is full of moments of fear, loss and longing, but it's how you get through those things and triumph over them which define you. But there's as much light as there is dark on this record; there's beauty in both of those states and that has always intrigued me."
H**E
His latest masterpiece....
This is a masterpiece. An album that is a proper album, a real artistic statement, a piece of aural art that grows in significance and stature the more you listen to it. I absolutely loved Supergrass, one of the most underrated bands ever - labelled as brit pop, typecast by 'Alright' 'Caught by The Fuzz' and mockney vox, but in reality a great pop rock band - with ideas and guitars. The muso's band, the kind of band loved by music lovers. Gaz is furthering the cause. His vocals are the same endearing vulnerable warble, lyrics - precise/concise/memorable, music inventive, taking you on a journey. I even like the cover! Hope this is the start of something good...continuing.
J**R
TUNE!
Sometimes you don't need a challenge, you just need a bunch of tunes. Really accessible, but crafted, a little complex in places and yet simple too. This album is just that. Current favourite The Girl Who Fell To Earth, soulful, melodic but then so is Buffalo or 20/20. I think it has a touch of the Radio Heads about it too. Great tunes but a bit moody with it. Either way, buy and enjoy.
A**R
Excellent Album
Bought off the back of seeing him support Noel Gallagher at Edinburgh Castle. Loved his set, forgotten how good an artist/songwriter he was. 20/20 was the standout song for me and that lead to getting the album in vinyl form a few days later. It's not been off the turntable. Excellent album. Love it.
M**.
Not what I was expecting - but much better!
This is bit of a surprise in a nice way.Gaz has made an introverted, interesting electronic set of songs.It's great to have him back with us!
D**6
Outstanding
Flawless , faultless & exceptional . People always compare artists to other artists "it sounds Bowie-esque" for example. Well I disagree, it sounds like Gaz Coombes at his best and he has earnt the right to be up there with the best of them.
C**E
Five star
Amazing .. If you like gaz Coombes then you will like this not familiar with other tracks other than 20/20 but after a few listens I'm hooked
M**Y
Gaz Coombes has officially achieved genius status with his second solo album, Matador.
This is a beautiful album both in it's lyrics and music. It is full of unique layers of sounds and this combined with Gaz's flawless voice make it a particularly emotive record for me. It will undoubtably be one of the most influential albums for the next generation of musicians. My personal favourites currently are the single 20/20, To the Wire and Needle's Eye.
M**N
maturing nicely
He's just very good. Very very good. OK?
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