This may not be so obviously a concept album, however it definitely holds the characteristics of one. The album is all based around the Spagetti Western music of Ennio Morricone and capitalises on Luppi's Italian heritage by acquiring some of the original musicians who played for Morricone. Stated on the cover as an 'Original Motion Picture Soundtrack' the word Original does certainly stand out. I have not seen or heard of any film in production that would be using this music, which is a shame, making this album rather unique in that sense. It seems as if Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi have created a method in which to write convincing conceptual music, which needs not the big O.K. from the film bosses. This could be perhaps a statement being made to the film production companies, although I personally like to think it was just a good idea to anchor both of their creativity around. The songs are shared between the major US names of Jack White (White Stripes, Raconteurs, Third Man Records) and Norah Jones. Both supply exactly appropriate vocals for the album, with especially Jones' voice blanketing the moving strings in the slower numbers. However perhaps the most enjoyable tracks on the album are the instrumental interludes, my personal favourite being 'The Matador Has Fallen' which has its own character and melody, especially the swaying strings, and is not simply a last minute added bridge.
The production on the album is so classy that it would scream elegance even to the Royals. Using only vintage analog equipment certainly seems popular at the moment (see Foo Fighters: Wasting Light) and certainly lends to the aura surrounding the albums content and creation. Particularly the recording of the strings and the bass are so brilliantly spaced in the mix that it makes listening to the over compressed music of today quite a struggle. It is rather refreshing to listen to an album with dynamic range today, making this a huge stand out album of this year for production and mixing value.
Although some of the songs may appear to lack the linear motion that would normally fill a traditional album, it feels that these snapshots bring the best of the soundtrack world and the album world together. By having the leit motifs, traditional to film music, running through the songs we do feel as listeners a transportation to the 'film' but by keeping some of the songs detached from one another I personally find the whole listening experience easier. As would anyone expect from a band or solo artist; there must be some divide from track to track, to normally avoid monotony, which this album accomplishes.
I recommend this album to almost everyone I talk to nowadays as I find it an absolute pleasure to listen to. The album neither demands your attention or sits in the background completely. If you want an album to relax to then this can fulfill your needs. Personally I prefer to listen to the album as you would watch a film, with no distractions and your attention devoted to the images created. Even if it's just for half an hour it's nice to escape within the walls of music, and 'Rome' offers that experience.
Recommended Downloads:
'Two Against One'
'Season's Trees'
