SIMPATICO - THE CHARLATANS U.K.
The Charlatans have remained relevant for 16 years, but it’s tempting to say that the music industry in general still doesn’t know what to do with them. 2004’s “Up at the Lake” was hailed as a triumphant return to form in the band’s native England, but it was never even deemed worthy of a stateside release. Finally, we get a new Charlatans record across the pond in 2006, but it’s a very different beast. “Simpatico” is rife with textured beats and piano/guitar/bass interplay, yet it feels warmer than 2001’s similarly soulful “Wonderland,” perhaps because vocalist Tim Burgess has stopped relying on his falsetto. With strong efforts like the seductive “For Your Entertainment” and the lightly reggae-fied “The Architect,” there’s plenty here for old and even new fans to enjoy. Even better: We don’t have to pay import prices to hear it.–Billboard
