Zero 7: Just Buy it All

So, I'm in Las Vegas for a business trip a while back, in the better-than-anything-else-in-Vegas Zia Records, and I'm perusing the electronica section, when a couple of guys stand right next to me, trying to figure out who sings that great song called "Wasting Time." The one guy -- who works there, I figure out, is pretty sure it's Zero 7. So I can't refrain, and have to butt in and let them know that it's "In The Waiting Line" on the first album, Simple Things.

So the other guy, the shopper, turns to talk to me and asks me for my recommendations on Zero 7.

Here's what I told him, and it's what I'll tell you. Zero 7 is fantastic. Simple Things is an amazing album -- if you're like me, and like the "downtempo" sound, you won't be disappointed. But Zero 7 has great songs as well, not just "chilled grooves," not that there's anything wrong with that. If you're going to buy a Zero 7 CD, buy that one. "Destiny" is one of the best songs of the last decade.

If you can't get enough of those songs, you can pick up the remix collection, Simple Things Remixes. But that's really the last priority for Zero 7 shopping. The mixes are generally good ... but you're better off buying the second album next ...

When It Falls is nearly as good as Simple Things ... with some clear highlights, including "Home," featuring Tina Dico (more about her another time). If you can buy a second Zero 7, buy this. Honestly, both CDs are great. "Warm Sound," featuring Mozez (see earlier post) is also a great track, and the "Somersault" single is great as well.

That's where I stopped with the poor shopper buy at Zia. But there's a new Zero 7 en route in June -- The Garden. I've picked up the pre-single, and heard a pre-release version of the CD. It's good, but it's quite different from the first two. The first real single, "Throw It All Away," is much in the Zero 7 mold, but the rest of the CD will probably grow on me. You can also hear previews, get news, etc. at the official band website.

Here's what I realized. Zero 7 is not a "band" in the traditional sense. It's a collection of musicians assembled and produced by Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker. In fact, I realized that to a great degree, they're the Alan Parsons Project for a new millennium, and I mean that in a good way. Great vocalists, stupendous production, gorgeous tracks. Of course, they have some similarities to Air, Tosca, and so on, but they're the most consistent and most accomplished songsmiths of this breed.

Truth: Go pick up some Zero 7 if you don't own any. You'll enjoy it.