HIMLABACKEN VOL. 1

I rarely review CDs to be honest, but after hearing this one I had to say something. I adore everything Moon safari has done, until now. Yeah, now?. I heard this album and just almost instantly felt not only had I heard it before but I had also heard it with more 'prog' (sorry, could not think of a better term). This album just seems like a more commercial extension of 'Lovers end'. I did like that album, however after 3-4 listens of this one, I find it hard to see differences or progression. It seems like the band have gone in an almost more vocal based, short song and almost 'musical' (as in feature films) direction. To be honest I was listening to 'Sugar band' on the way home and all I could think of was 'Willy Wonka and the chocolate factory'. It seemed like a cheesy movie soundtrack. THIS?from the same band that brought us 'The other half of the sky' and 'Yasgurs farm'. I have to say the album IS well recorded and produced and has some great melodies, I just wish they had explored their music as well as their vocals! The 'Lovers end III' was amazing stuff. I feel the band took a direct pop direction with this one. It's them and of course it is still good??.. just NOT what I know they are capable of.