Recorded in Cava Studios, Glasgow, Scotland in February 2002.
Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody is an ambitious fellow. Within ten months, the Reindeer Section recorded a second album, Son of Evil Reindeer, to follow up the critical indie hit Y'All Get Scared Now, Ya Hear! Again, Lightbody gathered some of his Scottish musical mates like Eva's Jenny Reave, Arab Strap's Aidan Moffat, and Richard Colburn and Mick Cooke of Belle & Sebastian, but added Roddy Woomble (Idlewild), Eugene Kelly (Eugenius, the Vaselines), and Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub) to the musical fray, for a total of 27 artists. Son of Evil Reindeer is an emotional album, far more somber and inquisitive. Lightbody looks into the mind's spiritual journeys and derives a glowing batch of songs. The inner beauty of Scotland can be heard throughout Son of Evil Reindeer, but the Reindeer Section focus on human conditions. Lightbody's low, glassy vocals sweep over the coolness of "Grand Parade" and "Budapest." The charming vocal combo of Kelly, Blake, and Reave breathes a freshness on "Strike Me Down," but pure pop bliss stretches further on the countrified romp of "You Are My Joy." Moffat is a muzzy, slick vocal crooner on "Whodunnit?," making this track the album's golden moment. The Reindeer Section are clever in their use of intricate instrumentation, making the lo-fi sketch of Son of Evil Reindeer sound more cohesive. It's sun-kissed with love-themed songs, and Lightbody should be applauded. His musical vision combines simple, charming melodies and threads of brass and electronica. It's a magical formula. His songwriting, too, has shaped into a delightful book of discovery. Indie pop fans, brace yourselves for a daydream trip. ~ MacKenzie Wilson
2nd Rel;Members Of Arab Strap, Belle+Sebastian,Cadet,Idlewild
The Reindeer Section includes: Gary Lightbody (vocals, acoustic guitar, Korg synthesizer); Lee Gorton, Eugene Kelly (vocals); Charlie Clarke (acoustic guitar, background vocals); Willy Campbell (electric guitar, background vocals); John Cummings, Bob Kildea, Malcolm Middleton (guitar); Iain Archer (lap steel guitar); Jenny Reeve (violin, background vocals); Stacy Sievwright (cello); Colin Macpherson (piano, Fender Rhodes piano, Hammond B-3 organ); Gareth Russell (bass); John Quinn (drums); Marcus Mackay (programming);
Gill Mills (background vocals).
Personnel: Gary Lightbody (vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar); Jenny Reeve (vocals, violin, background vocals); Eugene Kelly, Lee Gorton, Aidan Moffat, Roddy Woomble (vocals); Iain Archer (guitar, lap steel guitar, background vocals); Bob Kildea, John Cummings, Malcolm Middleton (guitar); Neil Payne (acoustic guitar, drums, background vocals); Charlie Clarke (acoustic guitar, background vocals); Wilbur Campbell (electric guitar, background vocals); Paul Fox (flute); Sam Morris (French horn); Mick Cooke (brass); Mark McLelland (Moog synthesizer); Richard Colburn (drums, percussion); Jonny Quinn (drums); Marcus Mackay (programming); Gill Mills, Norman Blake (background vocals).
Unknown Contributor Roles: Bob Kildea; Gill Mills; Ben Dumville; Mark McLelland; Neil Payne ; Sarah Roberts; Jonny Quinn; Marcus Mackay; Roddy Woomble.
Rolling Stone (9/19/02, p.102) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Pathos and orchestral pop that will leave you weeping in your Glenlivet..." CMJ (8/12/02, p.7) - "...Bursting with lo-fi folk ballads encased in that good old Glasgow charm....Each track is a treat to savor..."
Warm Fuzzy Folk I was drawn to the band immediately after hearing 'You Are My Joy' on college radio. the understated passion and intensity of this rather large Scottish collective makes you feel like you are sitting by the warm fire on a cold winter day. This album is pure comfort and joy Submitted by Mark (Miami, FL) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
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