Mew - No More Stories...

[Drew Beringer]

Mew – No More Stories Are Told Today I'm Sorry They Washed Away No More Stories The World Is Grey I'm Tired Let's Wash Away
Release Date: August 25, 2009
Record Label: Sony BMG

While gazing at the album art for Mew’s latest album, No More Stories Are Told Today I'm Sorry They Washed Away No More Stories The World Is Grey I'm Tired Let's Wash Away, I noticed all the layers and different shapes, colors, and items on it. It dawned on me that this cover was a perfect representation of the Danish trio’s newest collection of songs. Throughout the fifteen-track adventure, listeners will experience a wide array of emotion, vibes, and genres; and with each subsequent listen, you’ll discover something new with your ears. After multiple listens, it’s clear that Mew has created the most delicious ear candy of 2009.

Wonderfully layered and crisp, No More Stories… is a genre-defying album that utilizes many different tempos, formulas, and imagery to create a beautiful cornucopia of music. Whether they are hiding a song within a song (opener “New Terrain,” when played backwards reveals another song, titled “Nervous”) or playing five songs within a song (as on the beautifully composed “Cartoons and Macramé Wounds,” a multi-layered song that puts you in a dream-like trance), Mew is engulfing and embracing the listener with each note.

Vocalist Jonas Bjerre stated that, despite the bleak title, No More Stories… would be “happier, dancier, and more upbeat” than their 2005 album, the dark And the Glass Handed Kites. Musically, the album is definitely more vibrant than its predecessor. The breezy, island-tinged “Hawaii” begins with a lightweight verse that bursts into a rousing clashing of cymbals from drummer Silas Utke Graae Jørgensen, while the chorus to “Repeaterbeater” is fantastic, as Bjerre’s voice pierces through the dark dance beat.

Mew slow it down a bit with the majestic “Silas the Magic Car.” Backed by a steady drumbeat while calming tones and keys linger and drift throughout, giving the track a very smooth and relaxing flow. “Tricks of the Trade” sounds like something out of the Kid A/Amnesiac era of Radiohead, as mechanical and precise tones give just the right amount of contrast to Bjerre’s voice.

What really makes No Mores Stories… wonderful are all the ups and downs woven into each track. This album is full of beautiful crescendos and graceful song outros. Mew has created yet another truly unique album to place into their prestigious discography. Treat your ears to the intricate and intelligent sounds of No More Stories Are Told Today I'm Sorry They Washed Away No More Stories The World Is Grey I'm Tired Let's Wash Away, for this trio has yet to grow tired of one-upping the majority of music out today.

Track Listing:
1. New Terrain
2. Introducing Palace Players
3. Beach
4. Repeaterbeater
5. Intermezzo 1
6. Silas the Magic Car
7. Cartoons and Macramé Wounds
8. Hawaii Dream
9. Hawaii
10. Vaccine
11. Tricks of the Trade
12. Intermezzo 2
13. Sometimes Life Isn’t Easy
14. Reprise
Produced by: Rich Costey

Mew is:
Jonas Bjerre – vocals
Bo Madsen – guitar
Silas Utke Graae Jørgensen


Official Website (http://www.mewsite.com); Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/mew)

[Drew Beringer]

After writing reviews for Cobra Starship and Breathe Carolina, it felt nice to write a review over some good (and real) music. This album has slowly yet surely climbed to the top of my best of list thus far, and it's such a fantastic album.

[Gregory Robson]

Sweet album. Nice review.

[Noah Fawkes]

Amazing review, Drew. I love Mew and I'm really thinking about buying this record. And I fully support your "most delicious ear candy" statement.

[Romancebled]

this review is spot on. one of my favorite albums of the year.

[Piss]

Riyl?

[Keagan Ilvonen]

Album is phenomenal.

[marbles17]

completely agree with this review, I was iffy at first when I started listening, but it turned into an amazing piece of music

[EndSerenading]

great album. the more I listen to it, I know its easily top 5 for me his year

[Gregory Robson]

Riyl?
I was wondering about that too.

[EndSerenading]

honestly, thats one of the best things about them is that they are hard to find other bands that you can easily compare them to (something that is rare today).

If I had to try, they have a lot of shoegaze and dream pop elements in their older material which leads me to bands like my bloody valentine or something like amusement parks on fire. Some of the vocal hooks might intrigue people who think that Animal Collective has genious vocal melodies (Mew trumps them easily imo). Although they don't ever sound that similar, fans of radiohead would probably enjoy something like this as well.

This album is basically perfectly executed pop music that actually has impressive, technical musicianship.

In Summary?

RIYL: Music

[Drew Beringer]

honestly, thats one of the best things about them is that they are hard to find other bands that you can easily compare them to (something that is rare today).

If I had to try, they have a lot of shoegaze and dream pop elements in their older material which leads me to bands like my bloody valentine or something like amusement parks on fire. Some of the vocal hooks might intrigue people who think that Animal Collective has genious vocal melodies (Mew trumps them easily imo). Although they don't ever sound that similar, fans of radiohead would probably enjoy something like this as well.

This album is basically perfectly executed pop music that actually has impressive, technical musicianship.

In Summary?

RIYL: Music
or as the band likes to say "the world's only indie stadium band" haha

[circasurviver]

I can't wait to hear this live. They put on such an amazing show. Great review.

[kemichels]

Riyl?
It's so hard to do this for this band. They are so wonderful though. Great review, Drew.

[AnEraWeEmbrace]

Good review. I think this is my favourite album of 2009 so far. I had no idea the first track could be played backwards though, I'm gonna try that out right now.

[zachff]

so ... RIYL if you like awesomeness?

[ashiex3]

I'm pretty much in love with this album. Great review.

[Spenny]

Guess I'll have to check this out. Really well-written review.

[Steve Henderson]

I would say RIYL: Sigur Ros, Radiohead, Air...hard to compare though...

[MattDennis]

Convinced myself that this couldn't be better than Glass Handed Kites, absolutely rethinking that one now. Nice review Drew.

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Great review.

[Shakriel]

Excellent review. Been listening to this constantly for the past several weeks, so good.

[Drew Beringer]

Convinced myself that this couldn't be better than Glass Handed Kites, absolutely rethinking that one now. Nice review Drew.
It's hard for me to rank Mew albums because each one portrays a different kind of mood for me.

[arsulli01]

a co-worker of mine turned me on to mew about a month back, i started with and the glass handed kites...was instantly hooked so went back to purchase frengers. To my surprise this album comes out like a week later. A better surprise it could not have been. I feel bad for the long term fans who have been waiting in anticipation for No More Stories for a good while and it was just thrown at me not long after becoming a fan. Awesome

[Bruycker]

Let's say for the people who love Deas Vail (Vocal wise)

Deas Vail is heavily influenced by Older Mew IMO, ofcourse not as good.
Seen them in Copenhagen, amazing show

Edit: Good review, they deserve the score

[Un'Aria Ancora]

Good, but... 93? It's not better than Frengers, which makes Frengers a 99? Don't think so.

[songydarko]

Gooood stuff.

[shimmyshakes]

Sweet album. Nice review.
Graham Colton avatar!

[TangledUp]

Thanks a lot for this review. I've never listened to Mew before and they sound incredible. They are on my list.

[Gregory Robson]

Thanks a lot for this review. I've never listened to Mew before and they sound incredible. They are on my list.
Buy Frengers. It will change your life.

[awakeohsleeper]

A secret track by playing a track backwards! WOW!

Edit: Genuine excitement, not sarcastic.

[TangledUp]

Buy Frengers. It will change your life.
Okay, noted! :-)

[baggagecarousel]

Good, but... 93? It's not better than Frengers, which makes Frengers a 99? Don't think so.
Frengers is easily a 97 or 98. One of the greatest

[hxchairstylist]

This album is AMAZING. Mew never fails me. Although a much slower pace runs throughout, the layering in this record is phenomenal. Haven't stopped listening to it since yesterday.

[hxchairstylist]

Okay, noted! :-)
it will indeed change your life.

[hxchairstylist]

After writing reviews for Cobra Starship and Breathe Carolina, it felt nice to write a review over some good (and real) music. This album has slowly yet surely climbed to the top of my best of list thus far, and it's such a fantastic album.
Thanks for reviewing this Drew. They're my favorite band and I love it that this site recognizes them.

[Un'Aria Ancora]

Frengers is easily a 97 or 98. One of the greatest
lol
You talking Abbey Road? Cause you typed "Frengers"

[Drew Beringer]

Buy Frengers. It will change your life.
Yeah, hell I'd recommend every Mew album to everyone.

[Analog Rebellion]

Can't wait to hear this.

[Anarbor]

no more stories, mandala, and ursa major easily in top 3 albums of the year

[WakingTheMisery]

This album is just alright.

[Phil507]

This is great but "genre-defining"? Really?

[SandManTEND13]

Awesome rating!
Such a good CD!

[Drew Beringer]

This is great but "genre-defining"? Really?
Uh re-read it again dude, it says "genre-defying"

[fly_guy]

The EP SO good. Got it for $1. Amazing stuff. Will get this LP for sure

[EndSerenading]

ive heard this album probably 15x all the way through and still havent found hardly any flaws.

[Kill_the_radio]

Interesting. I saw these guys live three years ago and I must admit it was a pleasant surprise.

[InBetweenAisles]

Great review. I totally agree with it. Loved the album and mew is a very good band.

[aerofan11]

Listening to this now (thanks Spotify), and the first track sounds freaky. Love the artwork!

[kemichels]

Just reiterating that this cd will probably be top 5 of the year for me. It's honestly so good. More people need to hear about this band.

[sohcampco]

sooo good

[DogSizedBird]

Incredible album. Incredible band. I saw them open for Bloc Party in '06 and I was absolutely blown away.

[princesschad]

Real music is what Mew makes.

[nickthehick2]

I couldn't get into the album, but good review.

[Alex!]

Listening now for the first time and it's extremely interesting. I like it a lot, I think. I think the album name is one of the coolest album names ever.

[remyinflight]

RIYL: Music
this.

on the off-chance that blink drop the ball on their new album, No More Stories... would be aoty.

[Greek]

this.

on the off-chance that blink drop the ball on their new album, No More Stories... would be aoty.
you seriously think blink would take aoty over mew?


well written review. love the album.

[12:46AM]

I knew the first track sounded like it could be played backwards, but I had no idea that it works out so well (just checked it out on youtube). This band is unreal. Album is AOTY so far for me. And "Introducing Palace Prayers" is one of my favourite songs of the past 3-4 years. I wish the record would finally arrive.

[Drew Beringer]

I knew the first track sounded like it could be played backwards, but I had no idea that it works out so well (just checked it out on youtube). This band is unreal. Album is AOTY so far for me. And "Introducing Palace Prayers" is one of my favourite songs of the past 3-4 years. I wish the record would finally arrive.
did you order the vinyl?

[|adr3naLine|]

Listening on their Myspace, I'm iffy about it. Based off this review I think I'm definitely gonna have to go out on a limb and pick this album up.

[.invisible ink.]

shit, i need this album. i've been on a huge Mew kick lately.

[12:46AM]

did you order the vinyl?
Yeah I did. Should be here soon I hope.

[Drew Beringer]

Yeah I did. Should be here soon I hope.
Good choice, the vinyl is really nice. Columbia sent me the vinyl last week, but I bought the CD yesterday for my car and I wanted to support this great band as well.

[TheDemosRock]

Are the lyrics in English or can I just go along for the ride?

[Drew Beringer]

Are the lyrics in English or can I just go along for the ride?
english

[TheDemosRock]

english
aha, so I'll have to pay attention a little more. I'll save this baby til tomrorow, then.
Thanks!

[cereal4life]

I was wondering about that too.
As was I! Good review Drew, but stop being a stubborn booger brain and give your loyal fans a dang RIYL.

[Gregory Robson]

As was I! Good review Drew, but stop being a stubborn booger brain and give your loyal fans a dang RIYL.
Well said. Not the first time he's omitted one. Oh well, so it goes. We're all prone to mistakes.

[mikek86]

After reading your great review I had to listen to some of there stuff and see what all the fuss was about.

This is the first time I've heard any music from this band.

I can easily see myself booting up iTunes later and buying everything they've done. Truly Fantastic.

Thank you for pointing me in the right direction!

Introducing Palace Players is unreal.

[paidtomakegirls]

Does 'Introducing Palace Players' remind anyone else of Men, Women, and Children?

[Brandon_WalshDK]

Buy Frengers. It will change your life.

This. Comforting Sounds almost brings tears to my eyes everytime. Just beautiful. So amazing too see Danish music on this site! Amazing review btw.

[toothpaste]

drews a good looking guy writing good reviews

[great20btr]

Great album from a band (after having listened to the discography online) that has yet to make a bad album. I can only hope they keep getting better and better.

[I am Mick]

Such an awesome record. I have an hour break between classes and I listened to this in the lounge, totally got lost in it. Fasted hour of my life.

[I am Mick]

And it's beyond me how they did New Terrain/Nervous and make it work both ways.

[laxcrs]

After reading your great review I had to listen to some of there stuff and see what all the fuss was about.

This is the first time I've heard any music from this band.

I can easily see myself booting up iTunes later and buying everything they've done. Truly Fantastic.

Thank you for pointing me in the right direction!

Introducing Palace Players is unreal.
this

[Inaction]

Picked this up yesterday and I love it. Amazing record. It doesn't quite reach the heights of "Frengers" or even "And The Glass Handed Kites" but it is definitely more consistent. One of my favorites of the year.

This. Comforting Sounds almost brings tears to my eyes everytime. Just beautiful. So amazing too see Danish music on this site! Amazing review btw.
"Comforting Sounds" is their best song by far.

[Chop[chop]]

Is it really this good?
Will have to check it out.

[Brissona]

this is like m83 meets sigur ros

[navidson]

It's a good album - but its not a patch on 'Glass Handed Kites' and doesnt even come close to 'Frengers'

IMO it could do with a couple more urgent sounding, surging songs like 'Repeaterbeater' instead of the pointless intermission tracks.

It also gets a little weak towards the end, before 'Sometimes Life Isnt Easy' rescues it.

Still a great band, but i'd rate this around a 75-80.

[Steeeve Perry]

First I've heard from these guys (Danish music has yet to make a huge impact on rural South Australia).
I dig.

[introduction]

love the musicianship, but the vocals annoy me, no matter how much i try to like them.

[ExtremeAvalanch]

you know the feeling where you are confident that you are master of something, then someone else comes along and puts you to shame? that's how pretty much every band should feel when stacked against Mew.

[dru]

great album

[xidon]

Very good album. Silas, Cartoons and Hawaii are my personal favourites.