Note: Zero 7 is the producer team of Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker plus a cast of guest vocalists and musicians. On The Garden, Swedish singer/songwriter Jose Gonalez (his father is Argentinian-born) and Australian soulful pop chantuese Sia alternate lead vocal duties.
Sound: Breezy, 70s-flavored, folk rock meets down tempo electronics and synth pop to churn out one complex, chill-out gem after another.
Heavy Rotation tracks: “Waiting to Die“; “Futures“; “This Fine Social Scene“
Medium Rotation tracks: “You’re My Flame“; “Throw It All Away“; “Pageant of the Bizarre” (Note: On the whole, I think the Sia tracks are stronger.)
Recommended: The hybrid arrangements are impressively bold and the vocal performances are solid, but you need to have a soft spot for easy listening pop to truly enjoy The Garden.
Grade: B+ (Slight chance of making my Top 20 Albums of 2006)

(As posted 7/3/06 on davepowersmusic.com)
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