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The defining feature of Babelsberg (Catalogue No: ) is its massive, cinematic scale. Rhys collaborated with composer Stephen McNeff and the 72-piece BBC National Orchestra of Wales to create a lush, "countrypolitan" sound.
: Reviewers from Pitchfork compared the album’s orchestral pop arrangements to the work of Burt Bacharach , Lee Hazlewood , and The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds .
: Despite the heavy orchestration, the foundation was recorded in just three days with a core band including drummer Kliph Scurlock (formerly of The Flaming Lips ). Themes & Lyrics
The title Babelsberg evokes the Tower of Babel , serving as a metaphor for modern society "building towers to reach heaven... but creating a kind of hell". Album Review: Gruff Rhys - Babelsberg - Ambient Light -
Released on , Babelsberg is the fifth solo studio album from Gruff Rhys , best known as the frontman of Super Furry Animals . The Sound & Production