Philharmonics

Agnes Obel - Philharmonics
Critic Score
Based on 5 reviews
2010 Ratings: #101 / 924
User Score
Based on 106 ratings
2010 Rank: #141
Liked by 9 people
October 4, 2010 / Release Date
LP / Format
PIAS / Label
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WilderRecords
90

Agnes Obel always seems to remind me of music that would play down the halls of an old Danish farmhouse, with echoing piano melodies bouncing from the old wooden floors and paint peeled walls. This is something that Agnes excels at, transporting you to such a different time and era with her beautiful folk songs and humble nature.

Her debut Philharmonics is something out of a fairytale. Her talented piano playing is so earthy and rustic, definitely my favourite album to play during cold autumn ... read more

laurapalmer
88

First review. Gotta start somewhere.

This album has been growing on me since she released Myopia. It's much more crude and clean than her other works and i somehow always thought that was a flaw.
Sure, it's missing the more intricate production and complex details but as a showcase of the brilliance and simplicity of Agnes, it shines a lot!

Philharmonics reminds me a lot of how Agnes sounds live. I love the way she's incorporating creative effects on her recent albums but, man, it's good to ... read more

SJCTurntable
87

This Danish classically trained pianist has produced a beautiful collection of gentle, melancholic ballads, on this her debut. Her hushed, soothing vocals are surrounded by sublime piano and acoustic pieces, maintaining a hypnotic attraction for the listener. As she herself has noted in interview, the piano and vocals are interconnected, having equal voices. She has always been attracted to simple melodies, but simple or not, they have a haunting beauty. The album highlights are numerous: ... read more

zeelee233
84

Admiring this album, released in late 2010, can be said to be beautiful and pure. The early minimalist folk style is closer to the regional authenticity of her music, mixed with fragmented and beautiful expressions and melodies, giving this folk song a unique Scandinavian charm. The same female voice playing and singing in front of the piano, I am really attracted by this art form.

Themonke
85

Agnes' first album is an incredible start to her wonderful and varied discography. It's not as cohesive as her later albums but almost every track on her is a delight. Though I prefer her later work, I miss the variety shown on this album. Songs like Beast use instruments like a harp to bring a childish delight to it while other tracks like Brother Sparrow use only a piano to make a very somber experience. Agnes' ability to tell a story is so incredible. The album like much of Agnes' work is ... read more

JulianGevarra
70

slow, simple, and unadventurous, yet insanely beautiful. Obel's voice and musicality are amusing.

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Track List

1Falling, Catching
1:33
75
2Riverside
3:48
78
3Brother Sparrow
3:58
74
4Just So
3:35
75
5Beast
3:50
78
6Louretta
2:05
75
7Avenue
4:07
81
8Philharmonics
3:33
77
9Close Watch
4:00
74
10Wallflower
2:26
74
11Over the Hill
2:48
73
12On Powdered Ground
4:07
74
Total Length: 39 minutes
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Added on: December 18, 2013