Tim Bowness
Stupid Things That Mean the World

Stupid Things That Mean the World cannot really be called a stupid title of a rock album. That is what Tim Bowness calls his new work, his third solo release following last year’s highly acclaimed Abandoned Dancehall Dreams. Bowness also has a significant history with other bands and his name can be read in many album booklets. The cover art make it seem interesting and amongst the musicians appearing on this album there are numerous of well known progressive rock musicians, something that may not really be that strange considering that they are on the InsideOut label that is renowned for that kind of music.

And as expected it is progressive rock we are getting with this album, kind of low paced and a bit quiet in its tone. But very varied and it is difficult to just box it and put a simple label on it but I would describe it as something somewhere between art rock and singer-songwriter when it comes to putting an overall label on it. But it is more to it than that, there is more depth and more drama and you will notice parts that are pop music, rock music, heavier, softer, some classical elements, electronic and more – it is not easy just to say that it is one thing because there are many dimensions to this album. It is kind of like a sketch where you at first think it is one thing and then you look closer and start noticing more and more details and direction of the artwork, it is an album that grows the more you listen to it. And wise as he seems to be, Bowness has also kept the playing time short with just over 40 minutes of playing time, something that certainly deserves a little bit of praise.

I certainly think that this is a real high quality album with excellent production and great songs; the vocals are great as well. I think Bowness really gives us an album that has much to enjoy, but you should know that the enjoyment requires a little bit from the listener as well. You need to pay attention, as this album will be easy to miss because of the almost unobtrusive profile it has. Fans of the simpler and heavier veins of the rock music might find it difficult to take in, it is not really for the simpler audience but for the one who wants to listen and pay most attention to the music rather than use the music as a background while doing something else. I don’t really see any weakness in this album; the strength in the songs and the production makes it one to take notice of and one that appeals to me as a fan and as a critic. I claim that you need time and to pay attention, I should also add that it isn’t a particularly complex album in the regard that you need to be a mathematician or a crazy musician to understand it, it is easy enough for anyone to take in and you get to know it quickly and then really get to know it over a longer period of time.

I think that the best track on the is the majestic All These Escapes that is a very appealing track with great feel and atmosphere, one that caught my attention almost immediately. I also think that the opening track The Great Electric Teenage Dream is a strong track and so is the ending track At the End of the Holiday that offers a good way to round off a great album. An album that I can recommend to fans of progressive rock music or just those who doesn’t want you everyday run of the mill stuff.

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