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Willy Mason - Where The Humans Eat
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by Andrew Farley
  • Type: Album
  • Release date: 25/10/2004
  • Label: Virgin
Unbelievably, it’s that time of year again and us enthusiastic DiS writers have been busy compiling our top albums of 2004. When thinking through my choices I immediately thought of albums that I couldn’t stop playing – and there’s none that have done this more to me recently than 19 year-old Willy Mason’s debut. An intimate sounding record, it’s one that’s beautitfully written and constructed without ever sounding at all contrived or over-produced. Here lies a great album.

On a first listen, ‘Gotta Keep Moving’ and the tracks that follow came across a tad too country for my tastes, but looking back I find it laughable that I ever thought this. Probably because it isn’t actually that country. It just has a few twangs here and there. Over the course of the record it’s apparent that Mason’s voice is immense. It’s deep and gravelly enough to be distinct but he’s more than capable of hitting the high notes as well. Soft drums and minimal guituars allow his vocals to take centre stage helping the sound of the record to be incredibily intimate; by that I mean you can almost imagine him being stood five feet away during playback.

Importantly, the record is jam packed full of good tunes. 'Where The Humans Eat' is a gorgeous ballad, 'Letter #1' is a bizarre Tom Waits-esque muffled ditty and Oxygen is an extremely catchy track with dual-layer vocals (Elliott Smith?), all three showcasing the breadth of the talent that Mason clearly posesses. There’s no way he sounds 19. My main concern is that I’ve undersold this album, but there’s only so many adjectives you can use before they lose credibility. Don’t take my word for it, have a listen. And as for albums of the year, I haven't decided yet. It'll certainly be in my top five.

  • Willy Mason 9 / 10
Words: Andrew Farley

Willy Mason - Where The Humans Eat

Just ordered the album off the back of this review! You'd better be right Mr Farley!

Re: Willy Mason - Where The Humans Eat

just like to say i said Willy Mason was good about 1 month before DiS who are behind the times because the reviewers are shite

Re: Willy Mason - Where The Humans Eat

you're either the most tragic person i've ever encountered or you're a made up 'drone' by a bored DiS reviewer.

Or, you're from Norwich.

without looking at your profile (which i haven'd one), which is it?

Re: Willy Mason - Where The Humans Eat

Whats wrong with Norwich my friend?

Re: Willy Mason - Where The Humans Eat

i second that - whats wrong with it?

Re: Willy Mason - Where The Humans Eat

absolutely nothing.

i found it a bit dull and the people a bit humourless when I was last there, thats all.

mainly i was just disappointed not to catch a glimpse of Mr Partridge.

but i only said it cos a) i'm a bit of a twat and b) i had looked at his profile really.

Re: Willy Mason - Where The Humans Eat

It's not some kind of competition. "I thought he was good 1 month ago, neh neh neh". If you're being pedantic the album was released much longer than a month ago. And a lot of people have been saying he's a talented artist. After repeated listens this record particularly sank in with me and the end of year polls prompted to due a review. If you're at all interested, the record is getting an official big (re)release in March, so expect to hear a lot more about Willy.

Re: Willy Mason - Where The Humans Eat

Have you heard it yet? Be interested to have your thoughts!

Re: Willy Mason - Where The Humans Eat

Im sorry but, saying it was realeased a month ago to me, is like telling man utd fans that they have signed rooney. I heard Willy Mason when they supported the 22-20's at Norwich waterfront when no-one in DiS had even heard of him. From this point i campagined and said about him with DiS not even taking the time to put a post up about him when i suggested they should. And then you act like you found him. you cunts. Play magazine for ever!!!!!!!!!

Re: Willy Mason - Where The Humans Eat

I'd heard of him before you Nah Nah.

Now we've all Heard of him lets rejoice.

Willy Mason - Where The Humans Eat

he's completely right - this is a really understated joy.

Willy Mason - Where The Humans Eat

This sounds great. I also shall investigate.

Willy Mason - Where The Humans Eat

lovely record.

Willy Mason - Where The Humans Eat

i have his EP... the one with live it up and oxygen and hard hand to hold... its good... i may get this...

Willy Mason - Where The Humans Eat

He is very good.

Willy Mason - Where The Humans Eat

Its a genius album, hes great live and hes only 19!
Rock on.

Willy Mason - Where The Humans Eat

fantastic album.

Willy Mason - Where The Humans Eat

check this out ..... let me know what u think

x

www.onehundredangels.co.uk/stickboy

Willy Mason - Where The Humans Eat

I live near norwich
gutted

Willy Mason - Where The Humans Eat

This was the only full price album I bought this year. And it was worth it. Needs a few listens though.

Re: Willy Mason - Where The Humans Eat

its top of my post-christmas list for buying. i've only heard oxygen, but that was so beautiful... i cant believe he's only 19. is he gonna be my fix for before damien rice releases something new n proper?

Re: Willy Mason - Where The Humans Eat

I agree. Took me about 2/3/4 listens to fully appreciate it.

Re: Willy Mason - Where The Humans Eat

This really is a brilliant record. it's quite incredible, that a 19 year old has written an LP of such maturity and quality. 'Oxygen' stands out for me, maybe that's an obvious choice, but it's a really cool track.


Willy Mason - Where The Humans Eat

this is a great album...its getting a bit cliche to say it but he really doesnt sound his age...its a much broader record than i thought it would be.
very nice.




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