Noah and the Whale: What Pop Music Was Invented For

By James Brownsell
August 21st, 2008

I’m not such a fan of pop music, to be honest. Although every artist must, undoubtedly, take commercial considerations into account at some point or another, the world of pop has taken profit-driven ‘music’ to new depths. The whole pop industry is founded on exploitation; guilty of forcing a marketing profile to manipulate emotions and manufacture desire within children.

That said, the ukulele appears to be making something of a comeback in fashionable circles. This is something I’m happy about.

Noah and the Whale (don’t think ‘Jonah and…’, think ‘The Squid and…’ by Noah Baumbach) (I know that helps) have been receiving a lot of airtime in the UK, but none of my US friends seem to have heard of them yet.

The re-release of their debut single “5 Years’ Time” is striking a chord across the British summertime. Teetering on the edge of tweeness, this three-and-a-half-minute cheesefest is an insanely happy little tune. Charlie Fink’s voice reminds me of Willy Mason, as he indulges in a happy little fantasy, pondering the potential of a new relationship.

The 18-year old Laura Marling provides delightful harmonies, crowning the Belle-and-Sebastian-meets-Neutral-Milk-Hotel-at-a-folk-festival-drinking-cider-in-the-sunshine backing with the sunny cheeriness that epitomizes the song.

There is the cheery whistling, the cheery ukulele, the cheery hand-claps, the cheery fiddling, the cheery pipes and the cheery lyrics. It’s all very cheery. Much like the British optimism for hopes of summer love, fun and sunshine. This is a band from West London who have shaken off the drudgery of this suburban life to give hope and sunshine and love and fun and zoos.

And that’s about it. It’s not Shakespeare. It’s not going to give birth to any social revolutions. It is a triumph of inanity. It is simply a nice little song. Enjoy.

Noah and The Whale have announced 13 US tour dates, kicking off September 16th in Brooklyn, coinciding with the US release of their album, ‘Peaceful, The World Lays Me Down’. Go ahead, enjoy your summer!

Comments (4)

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COMMENTS (4)

Jbev said:

Somewhere, Wes Anderson is already writing a secne in his next movie based around this song.

matt said:

I’m totally getting a pair of matching yellow t-shirt and shorts with blue sweater wrap…those dudes must get tons of chicks. LOVE – LOVE – LOVE

Lloyd K said:

I too love this song and am working it into our set already. Unfotunately, however, listening to the rest of the album is a particularly disappointing experience.

To all those who plan on puchasing the album on the strength of this one song…I’ advise against it. 5 years time is cleary the best track in terms of writing, production, performance and depth.

This is one of those rare times when buying a Single is cost effective and sensible (compared to the alternative).

Lloyd K-again said:

Can’t believe my post mysteriously disappeared.
Anyway. This song rules. The album does not.
Very disapointed when I heard it.

Just buy the single and save a few quid in the long run.

Noah and the Whale: What Pop Music Was Invented For

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