Customer Reviews
quality albwm - By: David Hill, 07 Mar 2004 
beth alla i dweud? it's allin the title of his piece. da iawn i chi, bois, a phob lwc yn y dyfodol.
Why is everyone so defensive about Welsh lyrics? - By: Shamus P. Maxwell, 26 Jun 2003 
Looking through these reviews, it seems that many people feel the need to mitigate the fact that this album isin Welsh. I understand this - they are trying to win over people whom they are afraid will be put off by this feature, but I have to ask: how often do lyrics enhance pop songs? In my view, except with a very few bands, most lyrics are either indifferent or, at their worst, actually harmful to songs. It seems musical talent is more widespread than poetic talent. I don't know how it is, but lyrics often seem better when you can't understand them. Perhaps it's like a magician on stage - he mustn't reveal too much, or the illusion is spoiled. That's how I feel about this album. The mystery & wonder generated by Gruff's singingin a language I don't know, yet somehow still communicating, is far more valuable to me than knowing exactly what words he is using. I don't need to know the lyrics - his voice, the music itself, tells me, & you, what they are saying far more eloquently than words could. Well, that's what I think, anyway.
3 Burning Questions - By: Justin Hay, 30 Jan 2002 In attempting to write a review for Mwng I've basically answered the three questions that I wanted to know before buying it. Firstly, what's it like? Well its SFA on a shoestring budget. That is, you still get the top-notch quality songs/production but they come with a more limited instrumental/vocal scope (still its SFA so you still get more than your average band). Secondly, will the fact that its a welsh language album bother me? I don't know. One earlier reviewer seemed to suggest that you could listen to Mwng as a chill out album, & thus overlook the melodies. However, I have found this not to be the case. Gruff's melodies are just as poignant as ever, if not more so, to the point that on many occasions I have found myself singing along to the songs not knowing what the hell he, or I, are on about. Stupid heh? And finally, is it their best album? No, that honor goes to the superb Rings Around The World (especially the DVD version). Nevertheless, Mwng is my favorite SFA album as it has been craftedin such a beautifully manner, with an abundance of breathtaking brass sections that, coupled with the reduced instruments/vocals, give it an unmistakable warm feeling. My only word of caution is that Mwng is a slow starter/burner (albeit this does seem to be the case for most SFA albums).
Hum... - By: , 05 Dec 2001 I heard one of the songs on a local radio station hearin Tuscaloosa Alabama(!). Although I have no clue what the lyrics are I still like this album. Track 2 stands out, to me, as the best of the bunch. They'll never make the American Top 40 or USA MTV....
cool as ever - By: , 26 Jan 2001 The music's classic indie, but it's SFA so it's never going to be boring. The album's extremely variedin style, although not as experimental (or just plain mental) as previous album Guerrilla. As for the language, if you don't speak Welsh there's no problem because the music speaks for itself. Besides,in all honesty you never understand a word Gruff Rhys is saying when he singsin English, do you?
