Ode To J. Smith is an interesting record with a rather interesting issue surrounding its release. Despite being received very positively by critics in the UK, the album failed to match the sales of Travis' previous, successful records. A lack of promotion is likely the culprit, as it turns out some of that critical boasting actually holds up.

The weaker-than-usual sales are an odd issue, considering that Ode To J. Smith is an interesting and mostly well-done record for the band. The sound on the record is much more aggressive and edgy than previous Travis albums, recalling classic post punk and garage rock acts such as The Ramones, as well as some newer favorites like The Strokes and The White Stripes. A restrained touch on guitar effects and the occasional haggard scream make this a fairly interesting and dynamic record, especially for a band that, like its contemporaries Coldplay and Keane, is constantly at risk of becoming just another stale adult alternative band. I think I even heard some banjo on "Last Words," which must be a first. Ode To J. Smith manages to negotiate the pitfalls of reinvention gracefully, managing to sound like classic Travis while doing something decidedly new for the band.

It's a short record, but that can be a serious boon in a time when mainstream rock albums are becoming more and more bloated with filler and extras. Better to rock out for 37 minutes than flounder for an hour, wouldn't you agree?

8/10

I have been a Travis fan for years and enjoy their music both on CD and live in concert. I was a bit disappointed with "12 memories", but then last year "The Boy with no name" made up for it. I loved that album. I saw that the band was releasing a new album this year and was eagerly anticipating the release. The first few listens didn't grab me. However, with further listening I have come to really love this album.

Favorite songs are: "Song to Self", "Quite Free", "Before You Were Young". The rest is also very good.

Indeed, there was a lack of prerelease hype. I didn't know about this release until two weeks ago. That being said. This album lacks anything like 'Closer' or 'Battleships' (my two favorites from the previous album). My initial reaction is that this works better as a whole album, as their 2nd and 3rd did. Vocally this can sound like any Travis album, but there are at least three tracks containing new vocalizations (you know what I mean). The Music can be described in the same way. They gently have pushed their sound and I am pleased. I would have given this album 5 stars if it contained one classic Travis song. I give it 4 stars because I think it contains 11 songs that you will be still likely be happy to hear live in five years.

This is classic Travis, Coldplay took all their cues from this band, dont miss it! Song to Self...amazing.

This is a really good Travis album it's a big change from there previous albums its very hard not a lot slow ballads but its a really good album all the songs are great on this album it sounds like they really let loose in this album which is rare now a days. Like most bands that try to switch there sound and they end up with a crap album this is one band that proves that they can do anything. I highly recommend this album