Track Listing

1. Shining
2. Everybody's Stalking
3. Bewilder
4. Fall in a River
5. Camping Next to Water
6. Stone on the Water
7. Another Pearl
8. Body Rap
9. Once Around the Block
10. This Song
11. Bewilderbeast
12. Magic in the Air
13. Cause a Rockslide
14. Pissing in the Wind
15. Blistered Heart
16. Disillusion
17. Say It Again
18. Epitaph

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12553 in Music
• Released on: 2000-06-27
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .23 pounds

From Amazon.co.uk
Derided as a joker, dismissed as an indie elitist--few believed the hype that frothed from critical mouths about Damon Gough, a bleary-eyed, bestubbled Mancunian with an acoustic guitar and a shambolic stage manner. But The Hour Of The Bewilderbeast--the debut album by Gough's alter-ego, Badly Drawn Boy--is utterly superb, an 18-track collection of futurist folk as intimate and well crafted as Nick Drake's Bryter Later. Gough leads a backing band comprising Mancunian post-folk chums Alfie, and together they unveil a breed of rock entirely without bombast--the intimate folds of "Stone On The Water" entrancing, rather than bludgeoning. And it's funny, too. "I'm dying..." Gough announces on "Everyone's Stalking". And then, bourne up on a swell of parping brass, he finishes the sentence with relish: "To put a little sunshine in your life!" Droll, yet touching, seldom immediate, but forever sublime. The Hour Of The Bewilderbeast weaves quiet, but affecting, spells. -- Louis Pattison

Album Description
Debut full length from acclaimed singer/songwriter Damon Gough who collaborated with U.N.K.L.E. on 'Psyence Fiction'. Includes the single 'Another Pearl'. 18 tracks of futurist folk. Droll, yet touching, seldom immediate, but forever sublime. 2000 release. Standard jewel case.

Album Details
Eagerly-Anticipated 18 Track Debut Album from Damon Gough who is Badly Drawn Boy. Features a Collaboration with the Doves On: 'Pissing in the Wind'& 'Dissillusion'.

Customer Reviews

Not to be forgotten
I'm surprised that many people haven't heard of this album. It's amazing. Not in a "indie" sort of way but in a top album's list sort of way. Simply put, Badlydrawnboy's debut is amazing and a feat that he has yet to reproduce.

It is an album that needs to be listened through from track one and in sequence. His talent is apparent in about every song. I can agree with criticism of tacking on needless sound bits between songs. But some of them act exceptionally well in transitioning from song to song.

These poppy songs paint beautiful pictures with metaphor laced lyrics, innovative sound and wonderful guitar playing. I haven't heard songs this rich since and long for the day when Damon Gough can reproduce the efforts displayed in this album.

Give this album a listen. The songs are not the elitist type you'd expect from an indie debut. My dad happened to listen to it when I left the cd in my car and even he liked it.

Stunning debut
The Hour of Bewildrebeast is just a stunning patchwork of different musical styles and influences that all flow together seemlessly. His songs sound so naked and timeless, i can't remember the last time i heard pop music like this. I guess the one criticism i have of Badly Drawn Boy is that he has so much talent he sometimes doesn't know where to focus it and while there is hardly a weak moment on this album, parts of it do sound a little tacked on. Still worth 5 stars though.

Pissing In the Wind
Simply a beautiful album. I can't state in words how this album made me feel the first time listening to it all the way through. Its hard to tell whether its joy or despair, but the point is this album makes you feel. 'Epitaph' Still gets me to this day when the birds chime in and he sings "Just Promise That you'll try." unrequited love is somewhat of a button for me and that song pushes it hard. Another standout is 'Pissing In The Wind' almost a tongue-in-cheek rebellion song that upon further investigation (I mean looking past the title) is really more universal than funny. The reason this album isn't a 5-star album is because of its consistency. Songs like 'Body Rap' and 'Cause A Rockslide' are cool concepts, but don't really flow with the goal of the album. However, overall this is a standout album from ONE guy! he plays 8 instruments at a time (I believe thats the correct number). That's talent.