sometimes albums just don't hold up well over time. i remember when this album came out back in 2003. it was released on Jagjaguwar at the same time as the Aspera album "Oh Fantastica." (also on Jagjaguwar). i thought both records were great, and i probably leaned a little more towards the Aspera album. upon revisiting these (now almost 10 years old!?) albums I find quite the opposite. Aspera's "oh fantastica" still has its moments here and there but sounds dated and just doesn't pack the same punch.
"City Life" is quite the opposite. if anything I'm more intrigued by this record. "mary ann" is one of the best pop songs I've heard in a long time. and "undercover" is truly a beautiful song. front to back this album is completely solid. from great pop songs, wall of sound build-ups, kosmische moments and more. sounds just as relevant (if not more so) now than it did in 2003.
it's still available as a CD or digital download from the Jagjaguwar store. unfortunately it was never released on vinyl (maybe someone will re-release it one of these days...). i'm not really sure how many people know of, or knew about this band, but please do yourself a favor and check it out! listen to it here.
also Manishevitz's follow up album in 2007 "East to East" is also quite amazing. and finally check out the band Sonoi which is the new project from two former members of Manishevitz.
City Life has been on constant rotation for the past few days -- thanks for the recommendation.
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