Vinyl LP pressing. 2011 release, the third album from the British Alt-Rock band. Written by The Kooks, produced by Tony Hoffer (Beck, Air, Belle & Sebastian), and recorded in The Sound Factory (Los Angeles) and Sarm Studios (London), Junk Of The Heart sees them consolidating their position as a bona fide album band with trademark breeziness and catchy hooks. Kicking off with a dramatic breakbeat, the opening track builds across acoustic guitar and warm washes of synth before collapsing into a chorus you'll be singing for days. It shows, that despite the change in their influences, the band still have a firm grasp on how to write killer hooks and pop songs without compare.
T**S
Very catchy music
When pop musicians know what they're doing, they make you happy, and that's the effect the Kooks have on this album. Its hooks, harmonies, and lyrics are all designed to delight. On the title track, Luke Pritchard sings "I wanna make you happy, I wanna make you feel alive," and he means it."Junk of the Heart" is the Brighton-based band's third studio album since 2006. Its themes of happiness and love are wrapped in an irresistibly warm sound, but the music isn't precious by any means. These are polished songs from a band that has perfected its writing and playing. While surrounding the lead vocals with the traditional rock triad of guitar, bass, and drums, Pritchard and company add a big palette of sonic effects, percussion, and synthesizers.Love songs like "Rosie," "Taking Pictures of You," "Petulia," and "Eskimo Kiss" predominate on this collection. Some have great rhythmic drive, some are more vulnerable or confessional, and some, like "Time Above the Earth" have a fragile, ethereal quality that's hard to describe or classify. But not all are so romantic: "F*** the World Off," "Killing Me," and "Mr. Nice Guy" have a harder edge.The first single, "Is It Me," is actually more formulaic than most of the other songs on the album, bearing a resemblance to Arctic Monkeys and other British groups. Had it been my choice, I would have led with "How'd You Like That" or "Runaway," both of which are catchy as all get out.The first two Kooks albums, "Inside In / Inside Out" and "Konk," were well received by the press and the public, and "Junk of the Heart" is certain to continue the trend.
S**H
Not quite as good as their latter albums
Not quite as good as their latter albums, but it did have some good tracks! Alternative, indie & pop with two brief acoustical pieces out of the 12! Album started kinda slow, but picked up toward the end! Thanx!
T**Y
Lightweight effort okay tunes
Brit pop has really...well not progressed all that much in the last half-decade. This band was destined to be the best of these bands but a sweet tooth production has this band sounding like the Monkeys (but not the Arctic ones...)from years past. If this is the best collection of songs this band has in their studio then well, their audience of teen chicks will be there for awhile and then go to college. This is a lazy uninspired effort of washed out pop tunes that barely grab you. It's truly amazing how many of these Brit bands take themselves so seriously on their 3rd albums that they all sound so self-consciously bad. The Kooks have better in them.
A**N
Signed cd
CD is in great condition, and to my surprise the case is signed. Great purchase.
H**N
It was good.
The Kooks were OK. I liked the album. It's Pop/ Indie/ slightly Techno. The songs were a little depressing.Not bad, but not increadible.
B**S
Okay but not great.
Big fan of their previous albums. Not so thrilled with this one. It feels a little weak and some of the songs seem underdeveloped.
S**O
Five Stars
Excelente Producto.
J**G
So so.
So so.
D**C
Album of their careers
The Kooks have been off the radar, and don't deserve to be. Each album has been melodiously beautiful, and this, their third opus, is a particular favourite of mine. The added strings is a nice touch, but its the song writing that really wins here (lyrics are instantly singable and you can't help but sing along).The Kooks probably suffered for the fact that there were a lot of British indie guitar groups and they may well be a one trick band. But it's one trick that they do spectacularly well.
J**L
Another great album!
Perhaps not the absolute best Kooks album, but certainly a very good one. Takes a few plays to really get in to but once you do, you'll find you have some of the tunes running round your head all day. Overall another quality album by the boys from Brighton, very pleased with the purchase and highly recommend it.
E**Y
Not as good as other albums
Not as good as their previous music!
A**R
Good album
Great album suprise tracks
R**.
Great Value
Great Album
L**Y
Avoid at all costs.
Unless you want your opinion of the kooks sullied for sll time avoid this album. Gone are the catchy summer riffs, instead they replaced it with pretentious garbage that sounds a mess
J**N
3 great albums
The Kooks have got 3 really good albums, this one is brilliant, only track that I don6't like off this one is Runaway, but I love all the others, Eskimo Kiss, Rosie, Junk Of The Heart (Happy) and Killing Me are my definte favourites.
M**L
Five Stars
Great Cd. Good price, quick service.
H**S
So I'm guessing it's good.
I got this for my boyfriend for valentines day, he sorta looked at it and said 'it's good'. So I'm guessing it's good.
A**N
I paid for music and I got good music. Buy it if you like The Kooks ...
I paid for music and I got good music. Buy it if you like The Kooks or if you think you like The Kooks. Do not buy if you dislike The Kooks.
R**N
Four Stars
good price and delivery speed
L**N
Okay
Took a week and a half to arrive which is ages but still a great CD
.**.
Amazing
Obviously I LOVE the music and the vinyl arrived in perfect condition, the cover not even having a slight crease to it. Brilliant sound.
B**R
ok
As expected - wish I didn't HAVE to write a set number of words as a review tho its annoying
P**Y
3 crackers in a row!
I can't recommend the kooks highly enough, and with this third album they've definately kept the ball rolling.The tracks are just as catchy as ever and will have you whistling along almost immediately ( I know I was ) don't know what more you could want for a fiver !! Enjoy.
