The Feeling - Four Stops and Home

Few records came out last year that got more mileage than “Sewn” by Sussex and London band The Feeling. It first started getting play on London radio stations early last spring, and by the time the album Twelve Stops and Home hit the US, The Feeling had the feel-good song of the summer. On the heels of the success they had with the album, the band released Four Stops and Home, an enhanced EP showcasing that particular single and their sparkling brand of heartfelt pop. “Sewn” can easily be identified by the plunky line “Danny Boy, don’t be afraid / to shake that ass and misbehave.” Dan Gillespie Sells’ vocals are light and breezy and Ciaran Jeremiah’s keyboards are poignant, yet delicate. This is a song meant for the first blush of romance, and it will get into your blood. The second track, “Helicopter” is a bouncy little tune that reminds me of “Bicycle” by Queen. It has a quirky rhythm when juxtaposed with Sells’ singing, but it all works. And then it throws in a little section that builds nicely: “I’ve had this feeling before / my heart is crawling in the mud, mud, mud / I’d feel much better I’m sure / if I had a helicopter.” It’s a nonsensical song at first that reveals itself only as you go through it. Kind of like a gem that no one else gets, but you can smile secretly once you’ve discovered it. I must say that I’m not terribly fond of “When I Return.” It starts out with promise, but it quickly becomes vanilla and is a little disconcerting in its commonality. Still, the vocals are so lovely that as background music, it still offers something to recommend it. “All You Need To Do” is another song that works in the background. But it falls strangely flat to me. The lyrics are just…desperate? I don’t know how to explain it, but the genius that makes the first two tracks so lovely becomes way too saccharine by the end. They try to hard to be Sensitive New Age Guy, and it comes off as slightly tiresome instead. The above comment notwithstanding, The Feeling do have something to offer. “Sewn” is a truly special song that will stay with you long after the record ends, and “Helicopter” is a very nice surprise. The other two tracks on Four Stops and Home? Well, just start doing something else while they’re on, and you’ll still be satisfied. (Unfortunately, I was never able to get ‘enhanced part,’ otherwise know as the video for “Sewn,” to work on my machine. Not sure if it was a system issue, as mine is kinda getting up there at this point.) [www.thefeeling.com]