Scott Cooper: Quiet Company

When Scott Cooper named this album Quiet Company he wasn’t lying. The album is a collection of 10 simplified and slow-paced tunes that never peak beyond the 90 bpm limit. Feist’s Metals anyone? Thankfully, Cooper’s Company isn’t anywhere near as monotonous as Feist’s most disappointing third outing. His pop sensibilities and interesting vocal manipulations stand front and center on Company, never leaving the listener bored to tears. Album opener “Stationary Satellite” is definitely the highlight on the record; with sensual and restrained vocals, nicely accented by a (is that synth?) brass section, the track proves that slower doesn’t always equate uninteresting.

There are a few bumps in the road as the record moves forward. “Truth is a Change” doesn’t contain as stark a difference from its predecessor “Huntsville” as one may like, but “None of the Above” saves the album from this little lull. “North of 10” features a beautiful blend of Cooper’s vocals with the ever blendable Caroline Brooks; however, it’s followed by “You’re My Only Way Out”, which is not as dynamic a trip. Ultimately, the danger with such a daring undertaking (very few artists have dared to release a record filled predominantly with ballads and succeeded artistically) is that Cooper will undoubtedly not please everyone. The attention span of the modern-day music goer probably couldn’t withstand the slower pace found here, but thankfully, Cooper is conscious not to overstay his welcome. He’s kept the tracklisting to a minimum and the running time relatively short. What Cooper has managed here is a nice little mood-record, perfect for those somber days. Quiet Company may not be the album you gravitate to most often, but you’ll be glad you did when you do.