Low - Secret Name (12 tracks) +Album Reviews

Low's Masterpiece

Lee L. | Washington DC | 05/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the progression of Low albums, this record marks a significant change for the Duluth trio. Their first three full lengths, while all filled with wonderful songs, sound quite similar. On Secret Name, Low switches to Kranky as their label, and Albini as their producer. The results are incredible. This is Low coming into their own. This album shows incredible growth and a very noticable improvement in song writing and sound experimentation. They've kept living up to expectations whith their later records in my mind, but this album marks the change and it will stick with you.I won't go into great details about each song, but this record has the highest concentration of classic Low songs of all their releases. I have yet to meet a fan that doesn't put at least three songs from Secret Name in their top-five favorite Low song list. The progression of Two-Step, Weight of Water, Missouri (sung misery), and Don't Understand is almost too much to take. Beautiful vocal harmonies and some of the most simple, but moving melodies that I've heard in a long time make up these songs.Low always gets described as a sad sounding band, and this record is the best reason for this. However, I would disagree with this label. Low aren't for sad depressed people, they're for people with longer than average attention spans who like to sit and reflect. People that want tangible substance in their music. If you're one of these people, Low won't make you feel sad. They'll make you feel better."

Secret treasure

Lee L. | 08/19/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a fan of Low since "Long Division." This album harks back to their earlier work -- almost baroque compared to the nakedness of some tracks from "Songs for a Dead Pilot." Particularly mesmerising is "Two Step" and "Weight of Water" -- reminiscent of listening to my mom vacuum on a rainy day, with Carole King playing on the stereo.(and I mean that in a good way.)"

So easy. Anyone could have done it.

Lee L. | 09/16/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Unreal. This band is getting the beautiful sound bands have struggled to obtain by spending more and more money in the studio, hiring orchestras, and getting the best producers. Difference is, Low is just laying out some tracks. This album sounds like it was recorded in a few hours. But it is so beautiful I can't put it away. Great music if you like to listen to slow stuff. If you don't maybe you should."

Beautiful from start to finish!

Third World Symphony | 01/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't think I'll ever understand all the hype surrounding Low's Things We Lost In The Fire. While it's a solid release, for my money, this album beats it in every possible way. This is without a doubt my favorite Low album, the perfect bridge between the minimalism of their early releases and the experimentation they've done since then.

Strings, tympani, and piano have been added to their signature guitar-bass-minimal drums trio sound, and they perfectly color every wonderful song. A few experiments with sampling ("I Remember" and "I Don't Understand") also work out pretty well. But moreso than the sounds, it's the songs themselves that make Secret Name so good. "Starfire" may be slow and low key, but it's as good of a pop song as they've ever written. "Weight Of Water" and "Missouri" showcase their religious beliefs without ever feeling preachy. "Will The Night" and "Home" perfectly close an album full of beautiful guitar tones and gorgeous harmonies. But as far as I'm concerned, the real treat here is "Two-step," which might just be the best song they've ever recorded. The voices of Alan (guitar) and his wife Mimi (drums) perfectly compliment each other on this stunning song that is worth the price of the CD by itself.

Low have fast (how ironic) become one of my favorite bands, and they have a number of amazing albums. But if you only own one CD of theirs (which I think would be a tragic mistake), you would be wise to make it Secret Name."

This is Dark Refreshment

Third World Symphony | 07/04/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"First heard Low's "I can't remember" off the album "Secret Name" on John Peels (Radio 1) show. Attracted by the first track of the Album, hooked by the others, from the heavenly vocals of "Two Step" to the heart piercing melodies of the violin played in "Will The Night". Havent listened to any of thier other albums but, hopefully they will live up to my ideals. This is that album that your brain has been searching for on those long "come downs", a little break from all that dance music and a real gem BUY IT !"

Search - Low :: Secret Name

CD Details

Synopsis

Similarly Requested CDs

CD Reviews

	Low Secret Name Genres: Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock Track Listings (12) - Disc #1 I Remember Starfire Two-Step Weight of Water Missouri Don't Understand Soon Immune Lion/Lamb Days of... Will the Night Home Fifth album on Kranky Records by this alternative trio, recorded with a string section, timpani & piano. 12 tracks all produced by Steve Albini. 1999 release.
2 Larger Image