Head Over Heels
release date: Oct. 31, 1983
format: cd
[album rate: 3 / 5] [2,98]
producer: Cocteau Twins, John Fryer
label: 4AD Records - nationality: Scotland, UK
Track highlights:
1. "When Mama Was Moth" -
3. "Sugar Hiccup" -
8. "Multifoiled"
2nd studio album by Cocteau Twins released on 4AD Records. The band is reduced to a duo consisting of the romantic couple of vocalist Elizabeth Fraser and Robin Guthrie playing guitar, bass and drum machine, and with this it has become more evident that they seek out a new broader and more harmony-based sound. The album may be the first to point to their unique sound of dream pop with Guthrie's ambient guitar and Fraser's indistinct vocal harmonies, and especially on "Sugar Hiccups", which is the finest composition here. Musically, they are on their way to find their form but the sound is, however, still very gloomy and somewhat muddy stuck in ethereal wave darkness linked to post-punk, and I don't find it hugely inspiring, and mostly just see it as background noise.
[ just music from an amateur... music archaeologist ]
"Dagen er reddet & kysten er klar - Jeg er den der er skredet så skaf en vikar!"
31 October 2013
29 October 2013
Veronica Maggio "Handen i fickan fast jag bryr mig" (2013)
Handen i fickan fast jag bryr mig
release date: Oct. 4, 2013
format: cd
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,42]
producer: Salem Al Fakir, Vincent Pontare, Magnus Lidehäll
label: Universal Music - nationality: Sweden
release date: Oct. 4, 2013
format: cd
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,42]
producer: Salem Al Fakir, Vincent Pontare, Magnus Lidehäll
label: Universal Music - nationality: Sweden
Track highlights: 2. "Jag lovar" - 3. "Hela huset" (feat. Håkan Hellström) - 4. "Va kvar" - 5. "Låtsas som det regnar" - 6. "Hädan efter" - 7. "Trädgården en fredag" - 10. "I min bil"
4th studio album by Veronica Maggio is produced by Salem Al Fakir, Vincent Pontare, and Magnus Lidehäll, who are also Maggio's primary co-composers. The album follows 2½ years after her fine Satan i gatan (Apr. 2011), and I'm actually not really 'nöjd' with / impressed by the result. "Sergels torg" is the first single, and it sounds unmistakably like Maggio but is not really a strong hit song and is just like... Okay. Håkan Hellström takes part on a single track... without really impressing. There is nothing new or distinctly different from her second studio album Och vinnaren är... from 2008, and it basically ends up sounding more like the continuation of the music from 2008 than a natural departure from her most recent outing. The style is predominantly traditional pop. And where, I think there were approaches to more original synthpop on the predecessor, something that added a better balance to Maggio's music - in between the sweet and energetic - but here it's only "Hädan efter", "Va kvar", and "Trädgården en fredag", which succeed in lifting this from the average and stand out as the best songs - they are also the most up-tempo tracks among many which tend to sound a little too similar. You may only wonder why producer and composer Christian Waltz from her 2011 album doesn't participate here at all, but that may also explain why it has a different sound. Criticism aside, Maggio is still such a talented artist that she glides weightlessly through the album's songs thanks to her very own original vocal and style - and the album is overall OK, but still nowhere near her best.
28 October 2013
Frank Zappa "Sheik Yerbouti" (1979)
Sheik Yerbouti (live)
release date: Mar. 3, 1979
format: vinyl 2 lp (gatefold - 88339) / cd
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,62]
producer: Frank Zappa
label: CBS Records - nationality: USA
Track highlights: 1. "I Have Been in You" - 2. "Flakes" - 3. "Broken Hearts Are for Assholes" - 6. "What Ever Happened to All the Fun in the World" - 7. "Rat Tomago" - 9. "Bobby Brown" - 11. "The Sheik Yerbouti Tango" - 15. "Dancin' Fool"
A double live album by Frank Zappa is made up of live recordings predominantly from concerts at the Hammersmith Odeon, London, Jan. '78. The recordings have been processed and re-engineered in the studio with over-dubbing. The title is a word-play and should be pronounced 'Shake Your Booty' - allegedly, inspired by KC and the Sunshine Band's disco hit "(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty" from 1976.
I've always been particular fond of this album. Maybe because it was the first that I listened to with Zappa because my older puchased this when it was released. I think, it really displays his great abilities: sharp satire, great pop songwriter, brilliant instrumentalist, and fascinating modern composer.
release date: Mar. 3, 1979
format: vinyl 2 lp (gatefold - 88339) / cd
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,62]
producer: Frank Zappa
label: CBS Records - nationality: USA
Track highlights: 1. "I Have Been in You" - 2. "Flakes" - 3. "Broken Hearts Are for Assholes" - 6. "What Ever Happened to All the Fun in the World" - 7. "Rat Tomago" - 9. "Bobby Brown" - 11. "The Sheik Yerbouti Tango" - 15. "Dancin' Fool"
A double live album by Frank Zappa is made up of live recordings predominantly from concerts at the Hammersmith Odeon, London, Jan. '78. The recordings have been processed and re-engineered in the studio with over-dubbing. The title is a word-play and should be pronounced 'Shake Your Booty' - allegedly, inspired by KC and the Sunshine Band's disco hit "(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty" from 1976.
I've always been particular fond of this album. Maybe because it was the first that I listened to with Zappa because my older puchased this when it was released. I think, it really displays his great abilities: sharp satire, great pop songwriter, brilliant instrumentalist, and fascinating modern composer.
~ ~ ~
This post is part of MyMusicJourney, which enlists key releases that have shaped my musical taste when growing up and until age 14. Most of these releases come from my parents' and / or my older brother's collection.
Trio "Da Da Da Don't Love You Don't Love Me Aha Aha Aha" (1982) (single)
"Da Da Da Don't Love You...", 7'' single
release date: Apr. 1982
format: vinyl (6005.210)
[single rate: 3 / 5] [3,16]
producer: Klaus Voormann
label: Mercury Records - nationality: Germany
Tracklist: A) "Da Da Da Don't Love You Don't Love Me Aha Aha Aha" - - B) "Sabine Sabine Sabine"
Single release by German new wave, Neue Deutsche Welle, Trio (stylised: TRIO) consisting of Stephan Remmler on vocals & keyboards, Gert Krawinkel on guitar and Peter Behrens on drums. The A-side became the band's best-selling and only international hit. The single was first issued in February with its original German title "Da Da Da ich lieb dich nicht du liebst mich nicht aha aha aha".
release date: Apr. 1982
format: vinyl (6005.210)
[single rate: 3 / 5] [3,16]
producer: Klaus Voormann
label: Mercury Records - nationality: Germany
Tracklist: A) "Da Da Da Don't Love You Don't Love Me Aha Aha Aha" - - B) "Sabine Sabine Sabine"
Single release by German new wave, Neue Deutsche Welle, Trio (stylised: TRIO) consisting of Stephan Remmler on vocals & keyboards, Gert Krawinkel on guitar and Peter Behrens on drums. The A-side became the band's best-selling and only international hit. The single was first issued in February with its original German title "Da Da Da ich lieb dich nicht du liebst mich nicht aha aha aha".
27 October 2013
Rest In Peace, Lewis
Lou Reed r.i.p. (Mar. 2, 1942 - Oct. 27, 2013)
Lou Reed, Rock Legend, Dies at 71 (KTLA)
Lou Reed, RIP (Brooklyn Vegan)
Music World mourns (Metro.co.uk)
Remembering Lou Reed (The Atlantic Wire)
Lou Reed, Rock Legend, Dies at 71 (KTLA)
Lou Reed, RIP (Brooklyn Vegan)
Music World mourns (Metro.co.uk)
Remembering Lou Reed (The Atlantic Wire)
Kitchens of Distinction "Capsule - The Best of KOD: 1988-94" (2003)
Capsule - The Best of KOD: 1988-94 (compilation)
release date: Apr. 21, 2003
format: cd
[album rate: 3,5 / 5]
Compilation album by Kitchens of Distinction and an essential and fine collection, actually. Compilation albums rarely are. The album comes in two versions: a standard 1-disc cd release containing many of their best tracks from all four studio albums and a total of 16 tracks in no particular order, it seems, and then it comes in a limited 2 cd version, mainly for collectors because it includes a bonus cd containing rare single tracks - live, acoustic, or demo versions. What they really should've done was to release a 'rarities edition' only (excluding all the familiar songs) 'cause if you're really interested in singles, B-sides, live versions, and rare takes, well, you obviously already have most of their official releases. So, the 2 cd edition is a costly investment when you're only interested in disc two :-/ Needless to say, I chose the limited 2 disc edition, and the first disc is a rather strange compilation. The tracks are brilliant singles but the order of the songs makes it hard to listen to when you happen to know what great tracks normally would follow on the original release, and if I should rate that disc alone, I would hand it 3-4 stars. The strange order is not good but if you have no idea of the band's music, the order is irrelevant, and the single tracks are truly fine but also insufficient as a best of, and that is the name of the release, isn't it?! The second disc is simply great, and I'm thankful that it was released, but as an album it's hardly homogeneous, as all best of albums, but as a musical document, it's priceless.
release date: Apr. 21, 2003
format: cd
[album rate: 3,5 / 5]
Compilation album by Kitchens of Distinction and an essential and fine collection, actually. Compilation albums rarely are. The album comes in two versions: a standard 1-disc cd release containing many of their best tracks from all four studio albums and a total of 16 tracks in no particular order, it seems, and then it comes in a limited 2 cd version, mainly for collectors because it includes a bonus cd containing rare single tracks - live, acoustic, or demo versions. What they really should've done was to release a 'rarities edition' only (excluding all the familiar songs) 'cause if you're really interested in singles, B-sides, live versions, and rare takes, well, you obviously already have most of their official releases. So, the 2 cd edition is a costly investment when you're only interested in disc two :-/ Needless to say, I chose the limited 2 disc edition, and the first disc is a rather strange compilation. The tracks are brilliant singles but the order of the songs makes it hard to listen to when you happen to know what great tracks normally would follow on the original release, and if I should rate that disc alone, I would hand it 3-4 stars. The strange order is not good but if you have no idea of the band's music, the order is irrelevant, and the single tracks are truly fine but also insufficient as a best of, and that is the name of the release, isn't it?! The second disc is simply great, and I'm thankful that it was released, but as an album it's hardly homogeneous, as all best of albums, but as a musical document, it's priceless.
25 October 2013
Imperiet "2:a augusti 1985" (1985) (live)
org. vinyl cover |
release date: Oct. 1985
format: vinyl (MLR 50) / digital (1992 reissue)
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,42]
rec. by Stefan Glaumann
label: Mistlur - nationality: Sweden
4th album release by Imperiet is a live album recorded after Blå himlen blues and in the aftermath of a long international tour, which brought the band to Nicaragua, Mexico, Cuba and the USA. The album is recorded Aug. 2, 1985 [in Swedish: album title] in Sweden at Västerås folkpark, Västerås (near Stockholm).
Imperiet had long been known as a fabulous live band, which this album also serves to document; however, it's mostly just for fans, as the sound and production isn't impressive, but then you know it's recorded as is without post-production overdubs.
1992 cd reissue |
Dire Straits "Making Movies" (1980)
Making Movies
release date: Oct. 1980
format: vinyl (6359 034) / cd
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,76]
producer: Jimmy Iovine, Mark Knopfler
label: Vertigo Records - nationality: England, UK
Tracklist: 1. "Tunnel of Love" - 2. "Romeo and Juliet" (4 / 5) (live) - 3. "Skateaway" - 4. "Expresso Love" (4 / 5) (live) - 5. "Hand in Hand" - 6. "Solid Rock" (4 / 5) (live) - 7. "Les Boys"
3rd studio album by Dire Straits is the follow-up to Communiqué (Jun. 1979). During the recording sessions of the album, tensions between the two Knopfler brothers culminated in younger brother David leaving the band to pursue his own solo career and also leaving the band reduced to a trio. Mark Knopfler's wish to make use of Patti Smith and Bruce Springsteen producer Jimmy Iovine led to the contact of keyboardist Roy Bittan of Springsteen's backing band The E-Street Band, and Bittan is credited as additional personnel (together with guitarist Sid McGinnis) and he plays a central part in the sound of the album, which also marks a stylistic change for Dire Straits. The band had surged playing British blues rock but that style is almost gone here and replaced by a new and more mainstream sound building on American contemporary pop / rock with r&b and rock roots - e.g. Bruce Springsteen. The album was the first I purchased with the band at the time of its release, and it was close to being my favourite album of the time. I just found that it was a bit too nice and polished, but the production sound is quite remarkable for its time, and today, I count the album among the band's top 3 albums.
[ allmusic.com 4,5 / 5, Rolling Stone 4 / 5 stars ]
release date: Oct. 1980
format: vinyl (6359 034) / cd
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,76]
producer: Jimmy Iovine, Mark Knopfler
label: Vertigo Records - nationality: England, UK
Tracklist: 1. "Tunnel of Love" - 2. "Romeo and Juliet" (4 / 5) (live) - 3. "Skateaway" - 4. "Expresso Love" (4 / 5) (live) - 5. "Hand in Hand" - 6. "Solid Rock" (4 / 5) (live) - 7. "Les Boys"
3rd studio album by Dire Straits is the follow-up to Communiqué (Jun. 1979). During the recording sessions of the album, tensions between the two Knopfler brothers culminated in younger brother David leaving the band to pursue his own solo career and also leaving the band reduced to a trio. Mark Knopfler's wish to make use of Patti Smith and Bruce Springsteen producer Jimmy Iovine led to the contact of keyboardist Roy Bittan of Springsteen's backing band The E-Street Band, and Bittan is credited as additional personnel (together with guitarist Sid McGinnis) and he plays a central part in the sound of the album, which also marks a stylistic change for Dire Straits. The band had surged playing British blues rock but that style is almost gone here and replaced by a new and more mainstream sound building on American contemporary pop / rock with r&b and rock roots - e.g. Bruce Springsteen. The album was the first I purchased with the band at the time of its release, and it was close to being my favourite album of the time. I just found that it was a bit too nice and polished, but the production sound is quite remarkable for its time, and today, I count the album among the band's top 3 albums.
[ allmusic.com 4,5 / 5, Rolling Stone 4 / 5 stars ]
Red House Painters "Red House Painters" (2) (1993)
Red House Painters (2)
release date: Oct. 25, 1993
format: digital
[album rate: 3 / 5] [3,22]
producer: Mark Kozelek
label: 4AD Records - nationality: USA
Track highlights: 2. "Bubble" - 3. "I Am a Rock" - 5. "New Jersey" - 7. "Blindfold"
3th studio album by Red House Painters released on 4AD follows only 5 months after Red House Painters [I] (May '93). Like that, it only carries the title of the band name, thus being referred to as either Red House Painters [II], or Red House Painters [Bridge], with reference to the front cover.
Apparently, the album contains leftovers or songs from the same studio recordings as the previous album. It contains two covers: "I Am a Rock" written by Paul Simon and originally performed by Simon & Garfunkel, and the American national anthem "The Star-Spangled Banner" written by the American poet Francis Scott Key.
In my mind this is their so far least interesting album.
[ allmusic.com 3,5 / 5 stars ]
release date: Oct. 25, 1993
format: digital
[album rate: 3 / 5] [3,22]
producer: Mark Kozelek
label: 4AD Records - nationality: USA
Track highlights: 2. "Bubble" - 3. "I Am a Rock" - 5. "New Jersey" - 7. "Blindfold"
3th studio album by Red House Painters released on 4AD follows only 5 months after Red House Painters [I] (May '93). Like that, it only carries the title of the band name, thus being referred to as either Red House Painters [II], or Red House Painters [Bridge], with reference to the front cover.
Apparently, the album contains leftovers or songs from the same studio recordings as the previous album. It contains two covers: "I Am a Rock" written by Paul Simon and originally performed by Simon & Garfunkel, and the American national anthem "The Star-Spangled Banner" written by the American poet Francis Scott Key.
In my mind this is their so far least interesting album.
[ allmusic.com 3,5 / 5 stars ]
23 October 2013
Pretenders "Pretenders"
release date: Jan. 11, 1980
format: vinyl / cd (2014 remaster)
[album rate: 4 / 5] [4,16]
producer: Chris Thomas
label: Real Records / MFSL - nationality: UK / USA
Track highlights: A) 1. "Precious" (4 / 5) - 2. "The Phone Call" - 3. "Up the Neck" - 4. "Tattoed Love Boys" (4 / 5) - 6. "The Wait" (live at Rockpalast 1981)- 7. "Stop Your Sobbing" - - B) 1. "Kid" (5 / 5) - 2. "Private Life" - 3. "Brass in Pocket" (4 / 5) - 4. "Lovers of Today" - 5. "Mystery Achievement"
Studio album debut by British-American act Pretenders here consisting of only American-born member front-figure Chrissie Hynde on vocals and rhythm guitar along with three British co-founders: guitarist James Honeyman-Scott, bassist Pete(r) Farndon, and drummer Martin Chambers.
The album came out in Britain and showed an alternative path in between more established rock acts - who were actually skilled instrumentalists - and the contrary 'true' punk rockers of the now 'dead' British scene, which made way for new wave in various disguises. This wasn't the kind of new wave you would associate with Elvis Costello, The Jam, XTC, or any other act on either side of the Atlantic. If anything, they have more in common with Blondie and The Police, who also found their individual paths in between electrified new wave and more melody- / ballad-oriented pop / rock. Not unlike Andy Sumners of The Police, Honeyman-Scott came out as a shining guitar-hero of a younger generation and Hynde silenced all critics with her punchy vocal and songwriter skills, which immediately placed her alongside the best of the best. This is a debut that has gone down in music history as one of the strongest and purest original first releases next to Elvis Presley, The Clash, Velvet Underground, The Who, and only a few others who came out this strong on their first album out.
My vinyl issue is a Spanish first edition despite having a "No. 1 GB" fake ticker (looks like a ticker but is part of the cover art) on the front cover indicating it was issued on a later date in Spain when the album had peaked as Number #1 in Britain.
The album is a must-have in any collection of modern rock-music and it's a natural title in "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die". The album has been reissued and remastered many times, and I still think the original version is the best - the 2006 remaster is really one to avoid, but the 2014 remaster reflects a much better job done.
[ allmusic.com, Rolling Stone, Mojo, Spin, Blender 5 / 5, Uncut 4,5 / 5 stars ]
22 October 2013
Lou Reed "The Bells" (1979)
The Bells
release date: Apr. 1979
format: digital
[album rate: 2,5 / 5] [2,35]
producer: Lou Reed
label: Arista Records - nationality: USA
9th studio album by Lou Reed following his double live album Live: Take No Prisoners (Nov. 1978). The mid-70s found Lou Reed moving away from glam rock and making music primarily in pop / rock with a certain art rock profile. Here he expands his stylistic universe and incorporates disco and funk. I never really liked the album that much, and find it more of a transition period. Normally, Lou writes his songs all by himself, but here most songs are composed in a collaboration work with either Nils Lofgren (tracks #1, #4, #6), Michael Fonfara (tracks #2 and #3), Marty Fogel (tracks #2 and #9), Ellard Boles (tracks #2 and 8), or Don Cherry (track #7). At worst, it sounds somewhat like a poor imitation of Bruce Springsteen.
[ allmusic.com 4 / 5 stars ]
release date: Apr. 1979
format: digital
[album rate: 2,5 / 5] [2,35]
producer: Lou Reed
label: Arista Records - nationality: USA
9th studio album by Lou Reed following his double live album Live: Take No Prisoners (Nov. 1978). The mid-70s found Lou Reed moving away from glam rock and making music primarily in pop / rock with a certain art rock profile. Here he expands his stylistic universe and incorporates disco and funk. I never really liked the album that much, and find it more of a transition period. Normally, Lou writes his songs all by himself, but here most songs are composed in a collaboration work with either Nils Lofgren (tracks #1, #4, #6), Michael Fonfara (tracks #2 and #3), Marty Fogel (tracks #2 and #9), Ellard Boles (tracks #2 and 8), or Don Cherry (track #7). At worst, it sounds somewhat like a poor imitation of Bruce Springsteen.
[ allmusic.com 4 / 5 stars ]
Kitchens of Distinction "Cowboys and Aliens" (1994)
Cowboys and Aliens
release date: Oct. 1994
format: cd (TPLP 53 CD)
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,74]
producer: Kitchens of Distinction, Pascal Gabriel, Pete Bartlett
label: One Little Indian - nationality: England, UK
Tracklist: 1. "Sand on Fire" (4 / 5) - 2. "Get Over Yourself" - 3. "Thought He Had Everything" - 4. "Cowboys and Aliens" (4 / 5) - 5. "Come on Now" - 6. "Remember Me?" - 7. "One of Those Sometimes Is Now" (4 / 5) - 8. "Here Come the Swans" - 9. "Now It's Time to Say Goodbye" (4 / 5) - 10. "Pierced" - 11. "Prince of Mars" (4 / 5)
4th and final studio album by Kitchens of Distinction - at least up until 2013 follows two years after The Death of Cool.
release date: Oct. 1994
format: cd (TPLP 53 CD)
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,74]
producer: Kitchens of Distinction, Pascal Gabriel, Pete Bartlett
label: One Little Indian - nationality: England, UK
Tracklist: 1. "Sand on Fire" (4 / 5) - 2. "Get Over Yourself" - 3. "Thought He Had Everything" - 4. "Cowboys and Aliens" (4 / 5) - 5. "Come on Now" - 6. "Remember Me?" - 7. "One of Those Sometimes Is Now" (4 / 5) - 8. "Here Come the Swans" - 9. "Now It's Time to Say Goodbye" (4 / 5) - 10. "Pierced" - 11. "Prince of Mars" (4 / 5)
4th and final studio album by Kitchens of Distinction - at least up until 2013 follows two years after The Death of Cool.
For a long time it was a major disappointment to me, although, many consider the album as one of the band's best. It's the continued journey away from what I enjoyed the most about their music: the distorted shoegaze noise pop. Instead the band focuses on dream pop, which really isn't bad. I just thought, it sort of drowned aiming at a more polished mainstream arena. I know this may sound awkward, as I happen to love a lot of pop / rock artists. It was probably because of their initial originality and unique sound, which bore reminiscence of gothic rock and post-punk that I regretted this slow transformation. Today, I can see that, but it took me another decade before I realised its "hidden" beauty. 'Cause the album has some strong and sheer beautiful tracks like "Sand of Fire", "Cowboys and Aliens", "One of Those Sometimes Is Now" and "Now It's Time to Say Goodbye". Yes, for quite some time my impression was bland, and I thought of it as a clearly weaker release. After years of maturing it just grew better and better - also, I read some fine reviews praising the album, so I couldn't just let it go, and I'm glad I didn't. I think it fits so very nicely within their special musical universe of indie dream pop with a touch of noise pop and that ever so undefinable shoegaze, and once you dig into it, you'll might just understand why Interpol has mentioned KOD as one of their favourite artists. Julian Swales' reverberating guitar is all over this fine album. However, the album wasn't the band's breakthrough. In fact, it was mostly ignored and the band was subsequently released from its label contract. They shortly sought a restart in '96 as Kitchens O.D. and released the single Feel My Genie on Fierce Panda Records only to dissolve a few months later in '96.
Recommendable.
[ allmusic.com 4 / 5 stars ]
Recommendable.
[ allmusic.com 4 / 5 stars ]
20 October 2013
The Smiths "Ask" (1986) (single)
Ask, 12'' single
release date: Oct. 20, 1986
format: vinyl (RTT 194)
[single rate: 4 / 5] [4,00]
producer: John Porter, Steve Lillywhite
label: Rough Trade Records - nationality: England, UK
Tracklist: A) 1. "Ask" (4 / 5) - - B) 1. "Cemetry Gates" (4 / 5) - 2. "Golden Lights" (4 / 5)
Single release by The Smiths, and yet another fine single This time it's not just an album track, although, the first track on the B-side is from The Queen Is Dead (1986). The title track only appears on later compilations (the first is The World Won't Listen, 1987), and "Golden Lights" may be found on the compilation Louder Than Bombs (1987).
release date: Oct. 20, 1986
format: vinyl (RTT 194)
[single rate: 4 / 5] [4,00]
producer: John Porter, Steve Lillywhite
label: Rough Trade Records - nationality: England, UK
Tracklist: A) 1. "Ask" (4 / 5) - - B) 1. "Cemetry Gates" (4 / 5) - 2. "Golden Lights" (4 / 5)
Single release by The Smiths, and yet another fine single This time it's not just an album track, although, the first track on the B-side is from The Queen Is Dead (1986). The title track only appears on later compilations (the first is The World Won't Listen, 1987), and "Golden Lights" may be found on the compilation Louder Than Bombs (1987).
18 October 2013
Siouxsie and the Banshees "Once Upon a Time / The Singles" (1981)
release date: Dec. 1981
format: digital
[album rate: 4 / 5]
producer: various
label: Polydor Records - nationality: England, UK
Compilation album by Siouxsie and the Banshees comprising the band's single releases from 1978 to '81 is a 10-track album with a total playing time at just above 30 minuttes. The album contains ten A-side singles from the band's first four albums including the four non-album tracks "Hong Kong Garden", "The Staircase (Mystery)", "Mittageisen", and "Israel" all of which is listed in chronological order showcasing the band's progression from dark abrassive post-punk via more complex gothic rock to embrace art pop on "Arabian Knights".
A fine but somewhat short collection, but for completists it's essential as it also contains well-known non-album songs.
16 October 2013
Human League "Dare!" (1981)
Dare!
release date: Oct. 16, 1981
format: vinyl (V2192) / digital (1983 reissue)
[album rate: 4 / 5] [4,16]
producer: Martin Rushent, The Human League
label: Virgin Records - nationality: England, UK
3rd studio album by Sheffield-founded synthpop band The Human League.
The album is enlisted in "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die".
[ allmusic.com, Q Magazine, Record Collector 5 / 5, Mojo, Rolling Stone 4 / 5 stars ]
release date: Oct. 16, 1981
format: vinyl (V2192) / digital (1983 reissue)
[album rate: 4 / 5] [4,16]
producer: Martin Rushent, The Human League
label: Virgin Records - nationality: England, UK
3rd studio album by Sheffield-founded synthpop band The Human League.
The album is enlisted in "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die".
[ allmusic.com, Q Magazine, Record Collector 5 / 5, Mojo, Rolling Stone 4 / 5 stars ]
15 October 2013
Imperiet "Blå himlen blues" (1985)
Blå himlen blues
release date: Mar. 1985
format: vinyl (MLR-45) / cd (1997 reissue)
[album rate: 4 / 5] [3,86]
producer: Jeff Eyrich, Stefan Glaumann, Imperiet
label: Mistlur - nationality: Sweden
Track highlights: A) 1. "CC Cowboys" - 3. "Sura-baya-Johny" - 5. "Tonårs Jesus" - - B) 1. "Blå himlen blues" - 4. "Fred"
2nd full-length studio album by Imperiet. Founding member and drummer Gunnar 'Gurre' Ljungstedt - who had been part of Ebba Grön - left the band during the recording sessions and was replaced by Fred Asp (former Reeperbahn).
Stylistically, the band has moved into a bolder blues rock styled art rock, today perhaps better labelled alt. rock.
Together with the follow-up Synd (Mar. 1986) this is one of the best studio releases by the band.
Imperiet received the Swedish Rockbjörnen (Swedish Grammy) for the album.
release date: Mar. 1985
format: vinyl (MLR-45) / cd (1997 reissue)
[album rate: 4 / 5] [3,86]
producer: Jeff Eyrich, Stefan Glaumann, Imperiet
label: Mistlur - nationality: Sweden
Track highlights: A) 1. "CC Cowboys" - 3. "Sura-baya-Johny" - 5. "Tonårs Jesus" - - B) 1. "Blå himlen blues" - 4. "Fred"
2nd full-length studio album by Imperiet. Founding member and drummer Gunnar 'Gurre' Ljungstedt - who had been part of Ebba Grön - left the band during the recording sessions and was replaced by Fred Asp (former Reeperbahn).
Stylistically, the band has moved into a bolder blues rock styled art rock, today perhaps better labelled alt. rock.
Together with the follow-up Synd (Mar. 1986) this is one of the best studio releases by the band.
Imperiet received the Swedish Rockbjörnen (Swedish Grammy) for the album.
13 October 2013
Omara Portuondo "Buena Vista Social Club Presents: Omara Portuondo" (2000)
Buena Vista Social Club Presents: Omara Portuondo
release date: May 9, 2000
format: cd
[album rate: 4 / 5]
producer: Jerry Boys, Nick Gold
label: World Circuit Records - nationality: Cuba
Track highlights: 1. "La sitiera" - 2. "He perdido contigo" - 3. "¿Dónde estabas tú?" - 4. "Mariposita de primavera" - 5. "Canta lo sentimental" - 8. "No me llores más"
Studio album release by Omara Portuondo that followed the famous Buena Vista Social Club album (1997), on which Omara performs with Ibrahim Ferrer. The music is cuban jazz, latin jazz, vocal jazz, or son cubano, a style that blends vocal jazz with afro-cuban rhythms and Spanish Portuguese folk-oriented music like fado, sometimes bolero. The music is wonderfully sentimental, and it's really wondrous how closely related the music is with that of the coladeira or morna as heard by Cesária Évora of Cape Verde in Africa, the 'musica peruana by Susana Baca of Peru, and fado by Cristina Branco of Portugal. All four of them are sublime vocalists and performers of music that combines latin jazz with African jazz and in that make strong use of traditional elements of (Spanish) Portuguese folk traditions.
release date: May 9, 2000
format: cd
[album rate: 4 / 5]
producer: Jerry Boys, Nick Gold
label: World Circuit Records - nationality: Cuba
Track highlights: 1. "La sitiera" - 2. "He perdido contigo" - 3. "¿Dónde estabas tú?" - 4. "Mariposita de primavera" - 5. "Canta lo sentimental" - 8. "No me llores más"
Studio album release by Omara Portuondo that followed the famous Buena Vista Social Club album (1997), on which Omara performs with Ibrahim Ferrer. The music is cuban jazz, latin jazz, vocal jazz, or son cubano, a style that blends vocal jazz with afro-cuban rhythms and Spanish Portuguese folk-oriented music like fado, sometimes bolero. The music is wonderfully sentimental, and it's really wondrous how closely related the music is with that of the coladeira or morna as heard by Cesária Évora of Cape Verde in Africa, the 'musica peruana by Susana Baca of Peru, and fado by Cristina Branco of Portugal. All four of them are sublime vocalists and performers of music that combines latin jazz with African jazz and in that make strong use of traditional elements of (Spanish) Portuguese folk traditions.
12 October 2013
"Blade Runner" (1982)
Blade Runner (soundtrack)
release date: 1982
format: vinyl
[album rate: 2,5 / 5]
producer: Jack Elliott
label: WEA / Full Moon - nationality: USA
Official soundtrack by New American Orchestra to the Ridley Scott movie "Blade Runner" (1982). 'Official', yes; however, it is NOT the original soundtrack (OST) recording, but to confuse things, it was produced, released and promoted as the official album from the film. The original soundtrack wasn't released until 1994 and is (rightfully) credited Greek artist Vangelis. This, the orchestral adaptation released in '82 is without the actual Vangelis score from the film and basically only consists of an adaptation of the original music.
The "Love Theme" track (feat. Dick Morrisey on sax) is a stunning track and THE musical highlight of the album. The rest here is a bit too much jazz-inspired new age music for orchestra, which is something I don't really appreciate all that much.
The original soundtrack by Vangelis is on the other hand something entirely different.
release date: 1982
format: vinyl
[album rate: 2,5 / 5]
producer: Jack Elliott
label: WEA / Full Moon - nationality: USA
Official soundtrack by New American Orchestra to the Ridley Scott movie "Blade Runner" (1982). 'Official', yes; however, it is NOT the original soundtrack (OST) recording, but to confuse things, it was produced, released and promoted as the official album from the film. The original soundtrack wasn't released until 1994 and is (rightfully) credited Greek artist Vangelis. This, the orchestral adaptation released in '82 is without the actual Vangelis score from the film and basically only consists of an adaptation of the original music.
The "Love Theme" track (feat. Dick Morrisey on sax) is a stunning track and THE musical highlight of the album. The rest here is a bit too much jazz-inspired new age music for orchestra, which is something I don't really appreciate all that much.
The original soundtrack by Vangelis is on the other hand something entirely different.
R.E.M. "Out of Time" (1991)
Out of Time
release date: Mar. 12, 1991
format: vinyl (7599-26496-1) / digital
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,48]
producer: Scott Litt & R.E.M.
label: Warner Bros. - nationality: USA
Tracklist: A) 1. "Radio Song" - 2. "Losing My Religion" - 3. "Low" - 4. "Near Wild Heaven" (4 / 5) - 5. "Endgame" (2,5 / 5) - - B) 1. "Shiny Happy People" (4 / 5) - 2. "Belong" - 3. "Half a World Away" (4 / 5) - 4. "Texarkana" (2,5 / 5) - 5. "Country Feedback" (2,5 / 5) - 6. "Me in Honey"
7th studio album by R.E.M. is their second for Warner Bros. and their 3rd collaboration work with producer Scott Litt. The vinyl release side A is labelled 'Time side' and the B-side 'Memory side'.
This is when things fell into place for the band, at least commercially. The album was and has always been a disappointing release in my mind, and it just doesn't come near the greatness of its three predecessors Lifes Rich Pageant (1986), Document (1987), and "Green" (1988). Music critics prophetised the band's breakthrough after every single studio album since Reckoning, and after Lifes Rich Pageant they said it was a certified fact... But it wasn't. In fact, it seemed it would never be, and instead the band should forever exist on the verge to stardom, at least up until this hit the stores and a whole world finally decided to embrace the band.
Listening to the album today, it makes perfect sense, and basically much like I felt back then. Gone were the mystique, the complex meanings of song titles, the alt. rock and jangle pop trademark with strong bonds to 1960s psychedelic folk rock, and instead they came out like... butterflies or 'shiny happy people' looking for a nice garden party to crash in on - they even remembered to bring the host a nice present. Before they were rebels and angry young men - now they had matured into every mother-in-law's dream-come-true. Well, there you have it - how could they not succeed?!
Yes, "Losing My Religion" is a mighty fine song, though I never found it truly great, and "Near Wild Wild Heaven" and "Shiny Happy People" are so cute and positive that it's hard to stay miserable. I also love to hear Kate Pierson's great additional vocals but... it's nearly too slick, so polished and without edges of any kind. Like: too round as it doesn't harm or stir up anyone or anything. I mean, even my parents probably liked it, which isn't that bad, I also enjoy Frank Sinatra, Astrud Gilberto and a lot of mainstream popular music, it's just hard when your 'edgy' and non-conformist heroes decide they wanna play tourists and they pick all-inclusive or just hit the highway like everyone else with a camper. I still love the voice of Michael Stipe so much that I couldn't fully reject it, but I was sad by this new progression into full-blown pop / rock and stadium concerts, which soon followed, and I'm not far from agreeing with Richard Cromlin of The Los Angeles Times when he states "R.E.M. Recovers as Boy George Goes Dancing".
Thinking of this album and the band at this stage of their career, I come to think of them as Coldplay, and I don't really mean that in a very positive kind of way, although, R.E.M. [in my mind much greater] proved to shine again later on [Coldplay, they still don't shine anywhere except from driving back and forth to the bank].
[ allmusic.com 2,5 / 5, Los Angeles Times 3 / 5, Rolling Stone 4 / 5 stars ]
release date: Mar. 12, 1991
format: vinyl (7599-26496-1) / digital
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,48]
producer: Scott Litt & R.E.M.
label: Warner Bros. - nationality: USA
Tracklist: A) 1. "Radio Song" - 2. "Losing My Religion" - 3. "Low" - 4. "Near Wild Heaven" (4 / 5) - 5. "Endgame" (2,5 / 5) - - B) 1. "Shiny Happy People" (4 / 5) - 2. "Belong" - 3. "Half a World Away" (4 / 5) - 4. "Texarkana" (2,5 / 5) - 5. "Country Feedback" (2,5 / 5) - 6. "Me in Honey"
7th studio album by R.E.M. is their second for Warner Bros. and their 3rd collaboration work with producer Scott Litt. The vinyl release side A is labelled 'Time side' and the B-side 'Memory side'.
This is when things fell into place for the band, at least commercially. The album was and has always been a disappointing release in my mind, and it just doesn't come near the greatness of its three predecessors Lifes Rich Pageant (1986), Document (1987), and "Green" (1988). Music critics prophetised the band's breakthrough after every single studio album since Reckoning, and after Lifes Rich Pageant they said it was a certified fact... But it wasn't. In fact, it seemed it would never be, and instead the band should forever exist on the verge to stardom, at least up until this hit the stores and a whole world finally decided to embrace the band.
Listening to the album today, it makes perfect sense, and basically much like I felt back then. Gone were the mystique, the complex meanings of song titles, the alt. rock and jangle pop trademark with strong bonds to 1960s psychedelic folk rock, and instead they came out like... butterflies or 'shiny happy people' looking for a nice garden party to crash in on - they even remembered to bring the host a nice present. Before they were rebels and angry young men - now they had matured into every mother-in-law's dream-come-true. Well, there you have it - how could they not succeed?!
Yes, "Losing My Religion" is a mighty fine song, though I never found it truly great, and "Near Wild Wild Heaven" and "Shiny Happy People" are so cute and positive that it's hard to stay miserable. I also love to hear Kate Pierson's great additional vocals but... it's nearly too slick, so polished and without edges of any kind. Like: too round as it doesn't harm or stir up anyone or anything. I mean, even my parents probably liked it, which isn't that bad, I also enjoy Frank Sinatra, Astrud Gilberto and a lot of mainstream popular music, it's just hard when your 'edgy' and non-conformist heroes decide they wanna play tourists and they pick all-inclusive or just hit the highway like everyone else with a camper. I still love the voice of Michael Stipe so much that I couldn't fully reject it, but I was sad by this new progression into full-blown pop / rock and stadium concerts, which soon followed, and I'm not far from agreeing with Richard Cromlin of The Los Angeles Times when he states "R.E.M. Recovers as Boy George Goes Dancing".
Thinking of this album and the band at this stage of their career, I come to think of them as Coldplay, and I don't really mean that in a very positive kind of way, although, R.E.M. [in my mind much greater] proved to shine again later on [Coldplay, they still don't shine anywhere except from driving back and forth to the bank].
[ allmusic.com 2,5 / 5, Los Angeles Times 3 / 5, Rolling Stone 4 / 5 stars ]
Show lyrics <- click...
~ ~ ~
"Near Wild Heaven"
"Whenever we hold each other
We hold each other
There's a feeling that's gone
Something has gone wrong
And I don't know how much longer I can take it
House made of heart, break it
Take my head in your hands and shake it
In this near wild heaven
Not near enough
(Inside, living inside, living inside)
Near wild heaven
(Living inside, living inside, living inside)
Near wild heaven
Whatever it takes I'm giving
It's just a gift I'm given
Try to live inside
Trying to move inside
And I always thought that it would make me smarter
But it's only made me harder
My heart thrown open wide
In this near wild heaven
Not near enough
(Inside, living inside, living inside)
Near wild heaven
:: (Living inside, living inside, living inside)
Near wild heaven
I'm holding my hands together
Holding my feet together
Holding myself together
In this near wild heaven
Not near enough
Near wild heaven
Near wild heaven
:: (Living inside, living inside, living inside)
Near wild heaven"
~ ~ ~
"Near Wild Heaven"
"Whenever we hold each other
We hold each other
There's a feeling that's gone
Something has gone wrong
And I don't know how much longer I can take it
House made of heart, break it
Take my head in your hands and shake it
In this near wild heaven
Not near enough
(Inside, living inside, living inside)
Near wild heaven
(Living inside, living inside, living inside)
Near wild heaven
Whatever it takes I'm giving
It's just a gift I'm given
Try to live inside
Trying to move inside
And I always thought that it would make me smarter
But it's only made me harder
My heart thrown open wide
In this near wild heaven
Not near enough
(Inside, living inside, living inside)
Near wild heaven
:: (Living inside, living inside, living inside)
Near wild heaven
I'm holding my hands together
Holding my feet together
Holding myself together
In this near wild heaven
Not near enough
Near wild heaven
Near wild heaven
:: (Living inside, living inside, living inside)
Near wild heaven"
~ ~ ~
11 October 2013
T. Rex "Hits! - The Very Best of T. Rex" (2002)
Hits! - The Very Best of T. Rex (compilation)
release date: 2002
format: cd
[album rate: 3,5 / 5]
Track highlights: 1. "Hot Love" - 2. "Ride a White Swan" - 3. "Bang a Gong (Get It On)" (4 / 5) - 4. "Telegram Sam" - 5. "Metal Guru" (4 / 5) - 6. "Chariot Choogle" - 8. "Spaceball Ricochet" - 9. "Children of the Revolution" (4 / 5) - 10. "Solid Gold Easy Action" - 11. "Born to Boogie" - 12. "20th Century Boy" - 20. "I Love to Boogie"
A best of compilation album should at least contain a majority of the best tracks, and this only just achieves this as several great tracks are missing and it contains some tracks that makes you wonder how they found their way to this. At least "Hot Love", "Ride a White Swan", and "Children of the Revolution" are found here. They are all single hit tracks (from Feb. 1971, Oct. 1970, and Sep. 1972 respectively) and they weren't included on any of the band's studio album releases.
release date: 2002
format: cd
[album rate: 3,5 / 5]
Track highlights: 1. "Hot Love" - 2. "Ride a White Swan" - 3. "Bang a Gong (Get It On)" (4 / 5) - 4. "Telegram Sam" - 5. "Metal Guru" (4 / 5) - 6. "Chariot Choogle" - 8. "Spaceball Ricochet" - 9. "Children of the Revolution" (4 / 5) - 10. "Solid Gold Easy Action" - 11. "Born to Boogie" - 12. "20th Century Boy" - 20. "I Love to Boogie"
A best of compilation album should at least contain a majority of the best tracks, and this only just achieves this as several great tracks are missing and it contains some tracks that makes you wonder how they found their way to this. At least "Hot Love", "Ride a White Swan", and "Children of the Revolution" are found here. They are all single hit tracks (from Feb. 1971, Oct. 1970, and Sep. 1972 respectively) and they weren't included on any of the band's studio album releases.
10 October 2013
Peter Gabriel "Peter Gabriel" (1) (1977)
release date: Feb. 10, 1977
format: cd (2003 remaster)
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,68]
producer: Bob Ezrin
label: Virgin Japan / Real World - nationality: England, UK
Track highlights: 1. "Moribund the Burgermeister" (live) - 2. "Solsbury Hill" (4 / 5) (official video) (live montage) - 3. "Modern Love" (official video) - 6. "Slowburn" - 8. "Down the Dolce Vita" - 9. "Here Comes the Flood"
Studio solo album debut by Peter Gabriel released two years after leaving the succesful British prog rock band Genesis is Gabriel's first of four consecutive studio albums with identical titles - all of which originally released on Charisma Records. The album is commonly referred to as "Peter Gabriel 1" / "Peter Gabriel I"or simply: 'Car' with reference to the front cover. Gabriel has gathered up a list of fine backing musicians for the album, including guitarist Robert Fripp (of King Crimson), and a list of American musicians: guitarist Steve Hunter, session bassist Tony Levin, keyboardist Larry Fast, drummer Allan Schwartzberg and percussionist Jimmy Maelen. Fripp would re-join Gabriel on his two following studio releases, Fast on the next three albums, and Tony Levin would be a stable musician on all of Gabriel's future albums.
Stilistically, Gabriel is still working in the style of prog rock but has turned his back on the longer progressive part of the music and turned to a combo of Lou Reed / David Bowie / Brian Eno / Roxy Music-type of glam rock and art rock using both guitars and synths.
It's an album that refers to and builds on the established traditions of popular music, instead of embracing elements from the punk rock invironment, but it's still a mighty fine release taking rock to new grounds. The album is the first of three Peter Gabriel albums to be included in "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die".
[ allmusic.com 4,5 / 5, Record Mirror 4 / 5, Uncut 3,5 / 5, Q Magazine 3 / 5 stars ]
Nino Rota "Amarcord" (OST) (1973)
Amarcord (soundtrack)
release date: 1973
format: cd
[album rate: 3,5 / 5]
Track highlight: 1. "Amarcord"
A wonderful soundtrack by Nino Rota to a marvellous film. Fellini's movie is a classic and the music by Nino Rota matches the movie like... nothing else. Generally, I just find that soundtrack music by Rota requires the movie, whereas music by another great (the greatest) Italian composer, Ennio Morricone often lives its own sacred life.
release date: 1973
format: cd
[album rate: 3,5 / 5]
Track highlight: 1. "Amarcord"
A wonderful soundtrack by Nino Rota to a marvellous film. Fellini's movie is a classic and the music by Nino Rota matches the movie like... nothing else. Generally, I just find that soundtrack music by Rota requires the movie, whereas music by another great (the greatest) Italian composer, Ennio Morricone often lives its own sacred life.
Original vinyl cover |
The Sound "Heads and Hearts" (1985)
Heads and Hearts
release date: Feb. 1985
format: vinyl (STAT LP 24) / cd (2001 remaster)
[album rate: 4 / 5] [4,02]
producer: Wally Brill
label: Statik Records - nationality: England, UK
4th studio album by The Sound following one year after the mini-album Shock of Daylight is the band's first full-length studio album on Statik and their first and only with punk rock, new wave and synthpop producer Wally Brill.
release date: Feb. 1985
format: vinyl (STAT LP 24) / cd (2001 remaster)
[album rate: 4 / 5] [4,02]
producer: Wally Brill
label: Statik Records - nationality: England, UK
4th studio album by The Sound following one year after the mini-album Shock of Daylight is the band's first full-length studio album on Statik and their first and only with punk rock, new wave and synthpop producer Wally Brill.
09 October 2013
Dieters Lieder "Hvor flink kan man blive?" (1988)
Hvor flink kan man blive?
release date: 1988
format: digital
[album rate: 2,5 / 5]
producer: Kim Sagild
label: Genlyd - nationality: Denmark
Track highlights: 9. "Dig & mig"
2nd studio album by Dieters Lieder follows the debut Jeg ka' lieder released five years earlier. Meanwhile, the band has experienced their biggest succes with the pop-song "Dig og mig", which may have resulted in a change of style. This new album is in a distinct pop / rock sphere without traces of new wave and / or post-punk from their debut. This was a huge disappointment to me when I listened to the album for the first time. The band had been on their own, playing a daring new wave style, which was a strange blend, but here they have turned to pop with a distinct element of funk. The band is now in a new line-up still with the brothers Gerup, who both share the part as lead vocalist and Martin has changed his primary instrument and now is playing keyboards. Halfdan E plays bass - he would later on become an acclaimed composer / producer - and new drummer is Morten Kaufmann.
The band released the album, as well as the debut, on the label Genlyd, founded by the Danish band Gnags, and that may be the band's closest stylistic reference here. It now seems without a will to dare make new music. The band is mostly known for having had the composer / producer Halfdan E on bass from '83 and for being almost synonymous with the single track "Dig og mig", which was originally released in 1984, but it wasn't really noticed until the track featured in the Danish TV-series "Sonny Soufflé Chok Show" in '86 (link). And in '99 the track was covered by the Danish act, Blå øjne (link), and that brought some fame to the band. In 2008 Natasja also covered the song in a dance hall version - again with some success (link). The band dissolved in 1989 shortly after releasing Hvor flink kan man blive.
release date: 1988
format: digital
[album rate: 2,5 / 5]
producer: Kim Sagild
label: Genlyd - nationality: Denmark
Track highlights: 9. "Dig & mig"
2nd studio album by Dieters Lieder follows the debut Jeg ka' lieder released five years earlier. Meanwhile, the band has experienced their biggest succes with the pop-song "Dig og mig", which may have resulted in a change of style. This new album is in a distinct pop / rock sphere without traces of new wave and / or post-punk from their debut. This was a huge disappointment to me when I listened to the album for the first time. The band had been on their own, playing a daring new wave style, which was a strange blend, but here they have turned to pop with a distinct element of funk. The band is now in a new line-up still with the brothers Gerup, who both share the part as lead vocalist and Martin has changed his primary instrument and now is playing keyboards. Halfdan E plays bass - he would later on become an acclaimed composer / producer - and new drummer is Morten Kaufmann.
The band released the album, as well as the debut, on the label Genlyd, founded by the Danish band Gnags, and that may be the band's closest stylistic reference here. It now seems without a will to dare make new music. The band is mostly known for having had the composer / producer Halfdan E on bass from '83 and for being almost synonymous with the single track "Dig og mig", which was originally released in 1984, but it wasn't really noticed until the track featured in the Danish TV-series "Sonny Soufflé Chok Show" in '86 (link). And in '99 the track was covered by the Danish act, Blå øjne (link), and that brought some fame to the band. In 2008 Natasja also covered the song in a dance hall version - again with some success (link). The band dissolved in 1989 shortly after releasing Hvor flink kan man blive.
08 October 2013
New Order "Murder" (1984) (single)
Murder, 12'' single
release date: May 1984
format: digital (FBN 22)
[single rate: 2,5 / 5] [2,72]
producer: New Order
label: Factory Benelux - nationality: England, UK
Tracklist: A) 1. "Murder" (2,5 / 5) - - B) 1. "Thieves Like Us" (Instr.) (3 / 5)
Single release by New Order as FBN 22 on the Belgian sub-label Factory Benelux. At this point I had just bought new singles and albums as they were released without listening to them first. As long as it was New Order, everything was in order... After this my expectations were beginning to calm down. I think the B-side clearly is the best, although, it's an instrumental version of the previous single release. Like the previous single "Thieves Like Us", both tracks are included on the 2008 'Collector's Edition' of Power, Corruption & Lies, but somehow it's not included on the 2005 compilation album Singles, which should be a a compilation of all single releases.
release date: May 1984
format: digital (FBN 22)
[single rate: 2,5 / 5] [2,72]
producer: New Order
label: Factory Benelux - nationality: England, UK
Tracklist: A) 1. "Murder" (2,5 / 5) - - B) 1. "Thieves Like Us" (Instr.) (3 / 5)
Single release by New Order as FBN 22 on the Belgian sub-label Factory Benelux. At this point I had just bought new singles and albums as they were released without listening to them first. As long as it was New Order, everything was in order... After this my expectations were beginning to calm down. I think the B-side clearly is the best, although, it's an instrumental version of the previous single release. Like the previous single "Thieves Like Us", both tracks are included on the 2008 'Collector's Edition' of Power, Corruption & Lies, but somehow it's not included on the 2005 compilation album Singles, which should be a a compilation of all single releases.
Everything but the Girl "The Language of Life" (1990)
The Language of Life
release date: Jul. 31, 1990
format: digital
[album rate: 3 / 5] [3,16]
producer: Tommy LiPuma
label: Atlantic Records - nationality: England, UK
Track highlights: 3. "Meet Me in the Morning" - 4. "Me and Bobby D" - 6. "Take Me" - 10. "The Road"
5th studio album by Everything but the Girl this time on a new larger label and with a renowned producer, Tommy LiPuma who was well-reputed for his work with primarily American stars of contemporary r&b, jazz pop, and modern standards. This makes this another sophisti-pop album but with a smoother and warmer sound that fits them quite nicely, LiPuma succeeds in bringing back some of the trademarks from their early days when they were put aside Sade for a reason, stylistically. The album was recorded in Los Angeles and several American artists contribute on the album, eg. Omar Hakim on drums, Michael Brecker and Stan Getz on sax. Most songs are written by Ben Watt, a few was written together with Thorn, and one song, "Take Me", is written by Cecil & Linda Womack. Although, I don't find it among their best, it's neither their least interesting effort.
[ allmusic.com 2 / 5 stars ]
release date: Jul. 31, 1990
format: digital
[album rate: 3 / 5] [3,16]
producer: Tommy LiPuma
label: Atlantic Records - nationality: England, UK
Track highlights: 3. "Meet Me in the Morning" - 4. "Me and Bobby D" - 6. "Take Me" - 10. "The Road"
5th studio album by Everything but the Girl this time on a new larger label and with a renowned producer, Tommy LiPuma who was well-reputed for his work with primarily American stars of contemporary r&b, jazz pop, and modern standards. This makes this another sophisti-pop album but with a smoother and warmer sound that fits them quite nicely, LiPuma succeeds in bringing back some of the trademarks from their early days when they were put aside Sade for a reason, stylistically. The album was recorded in Los Angeles and several American artists contribute on the album, eg. Omar Hakim on drums, Michael Brecker and Stan Getz on sax. Most songs are written by Ben Watt, a few was written together with Thorn, and one song, "Take Me", is written by Cecil & Linda Womack. Although, I don't find it among their best, it's neither their least interesting effort.
[ allmusic.com 2 / 5 stars ]
Radiohead "Pablo Honey" (1993)
Pablo Honey [debut]
release date: Apr. 20, 1993
format: digital
[album rate: 2,5 / 5] [2,62]
producer: Sean Slade, Paul Q. Kolderie
label: Parlophone / EMI - nationality: England, UK
Track highlights: 2. "Creep" - 3. "How Do You?" - 6. "Anyone Can Play Guitar" - 12. "Blow Out"
Studio debut album by British 5-piece britpop guitar-band Radiohead consisting of Thom Yorke on vocals, guitar, tape loops, the two brother Greenwood: Jonny on guitar, piano and organ, and with Colin on bass. The last two members are Ed O'Brien, also on guitar and backing vocals, and lastly Phil Selway handling drums. In Britain, Radiohead was compared to the bands of the American grunge rock scene and the band was referred to as the British Nirvana, but mostly the debut wasn't an overwhelming success, and many critics found - what I think of it - that there are so many references to other bands that it's difficult to talk about an original release. Not so much alone because of the many sources of inspiration but simply because it either sounds as The Smiths, U2, Nirvana, or whatever band from grunge rock, britpop or pop / rock... and never really as something new or even an original mix. I find the album a bit boring and of little interest, although, the above-mentioned songs are all clearly above mediocre.
The single track "Creep" became a hit, however, it brought the band a sore experience as it turned out that it's a song , which shares similarities with "The Air I Breathe" by The Hollies from 1973. Radiohead was sued for plagiarism, and lost the case, which is why Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood from The Holies are credited for writing "Creep". Comparing the two songs, the case against Radiohead and the verdict only seems like an unjust court decision.
[ allmusic.com (retrospect), Q Magazine, Rolling Stone (retrospect), Uncut (retrospect) 3 / 5, Blender 2 / 5 stars ]
release date: Apr. 20, 1993
format: digital
[album rate: 2,5 / 5] [2,62]
producer: Sean Slade, Paul Q. Kolderie
label: Parlophone / EMI - nationality: England, UK
Track highlights: 2. "Creep" - 3. "How Do You?" - 6. "Anyone Can Play Guitar" - 12. "Blow Out"
Studio debut album by British 5-piece britpop guitar-band Radiohead consisting of Thom Yorke on vocals, guitar, tape loops, the two brother Greenwood: Jonny on guitar, piano and organ, and with Colin on bass. The last two members are Ed O'Brien, also on guitar and backing vocals, and lastly Phil Selway handling drums. In Britain, Radiohead was compared to the bands of the American grunge rock scene and the band was referred to as the British Nirvana, but mostly the debut wasn't an overwhelming success, and many critics found - what I think of it - that there are so many references to other bands that it's difficult to talk about an original release. Not so much alone because of the many sources of inspiration but simply because it either sounds as The Smiths, U2, Nirvana, or whatever band from grunge rock, britpop or pop / rock... and never really as something new or even an original mix. I find the album a bit boring and of little interest, although, the above-mentioned songs are all clearly above mediocre.
The single track "Creep" became a hit, however, it brought the band a sore experience as it turned out that it's a song , which shares similarities with "The Air I Breathe" by The Hollies from 1973. Radiohead was sued for plagiarism, and lost the case, which is why Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood from The Holies are credited for writing "Creep". Comparing the two songs, the case against Radiohead and the verdict only seems like an unjust court decision.
[ allmusic.com (retrospect), Q Magazine, Rolling Stone (retrospect), Uncut (retrospect) 3 / 5, Blender 2 / 5 stars ]
06 October 2013
Bauhaus "The Singles: 1981-1983" (1983)
The Singles: 1981-1983 (compilation)
release date: Oct. 1983
format: vinyl (Mini-album) / digital
[album rate: 4 / 5]
producer: Bauhaus, Hugh Jones, John Sparrow
label: Beggars Banquet - nationality: England, UK
Tracklist: A) 1. "The Passion of Lovers" (4 / 5) - 2. "Kick in the Eye" (3,5 / 5) - 3. "Spirit" (5 / 5) - - B) 1. "Ziggy Stardust" (4,5 / 5) - 2. "Lagartija Nick" (3,5 / 5) - 3. "She's in Parties" 4,5 / 5)
A compilation ep or Mini-album released after Bauhaus split in mid-1983. In 1985 the double vinyl compilation album Bauhaus 1979–1983 was released containing all of these tracks and an additional 17 [!] tracks - in 1986 this was released on cd on two separate volumes.
release date: Oct. 1983
format: vinyl (Mini-album) / digital
[album rate: 4 / 5]
producer: Bauhaus, Hugh Jones, John Sparrow
label: Beggars Banquet - nationality: England, UK
Tracklist: A) 1. "The Passion of Lovers" (4 / 5) - 2. "Kick in the Eye" (3,5 / 5) - 3. "Spirit" (5 / 5) - - B) 1. "Ziggy Stardust" (4,5 / 5) - 2. "Lagartija Nick" (3,5 / 5) - 3. "She's in Parties" 4,5 / 5)
A compilation ep or Mini-album released after Bauhaus split in mid-1983. In 1985 the double vinyl compilation album Bauhaus 1979–1983 was released containing all of these tracks and an additional 17 [!] tracks - in 1986 this was released on cd on two separate volumes.
04 October 2013
Lisa Miskovsky "Violent Sky" (2011)
Violent Sky
release date: Jan. 28, 2011
format: digital
[album rate: 1,5 / 5]
Tracklist: 1. "This Fire" (2,5 / 5) - 2. "Got a Friend" (3 / 5) - 3. "Lover" (1,5 / 5) - 4. "Silver Shoes" (2 / 5) - 5. "Some of Us" (2,5 / 5) - 6. "Call Me Anything But My Name" - 7. "Get It On" - 8. "Wise Guy 2010" - 9. "Let Them Come" - 10. "A Little High"
4th studio album release by Lisa Miskovsky.
Got a Friend is an Okay single from this album but gosh the rest is poor songwriting. This is like Madonna meets Abba meets Alanis Morissette meets Tina Dicko goes to an X-Factor audition, and passes [Yeah? Wow!], and is eventually sent on to win the lot... 'cause everyone knows what that takes :-/
.. and I'm really bored. Even without the country style, she doesn't succeed with this one. Luckily, Sweden has so much more to offer.
release date: Jan. 28, 2011
format: digital
[album rate: 1,5 / 5]
Tracklist: 1. "This Fire" (2,5 / 5) - 2. "Got a Friend" (3 / 5) - 3. "Lover" (1,5 / 5) - 4. "Silver Shoes" (2 / 5) - 5. "Some of Us" (2,5 / 5) - 6. "Call Me Anything But My Name" - 7. "Get It On" - 8. "Wise Guy 2010" - 9. "Let Them Come" - 10. "A Little High"
4th studio album release by Lisa Miskovsky.
Got a Friend is an Okay single from this album but gosh the rest is poor songwriting. This is like Madonna meets Abba meets Alanis Morissette meets Tina Dicko goes to an X-Factor audition, and passes [Yeah? Wow!], and is eventually sent on to win the lot... 'cause everyone knows what that takes :-/
.. and I'm really bored. Even without the country style, she doesn't succeed with this one. Luckily, Sweden has so much more to offer.
Lisa Miskovsky "Fallingwater" (2003)
Fallingwater
release date: Oct. 2003
format: digital
[album rate: 2,5 / 5]
Tracklist: 1. "Lady Stardust" (3,5 / 5) - 2. "A Brand New Day" (2 / 5) - 3. "Sing to Me" (2,5 / 5) - 4. "You Dance Just Like Me" - 5. "Sweet Dreams" - 6. "One Dark Night" - 7. "Midnight Sun" - 8. "Butterfly Man" - 9. "Restless Heart" - 10. "Joan of Arc" (2,5 / 5) - 11. "Take Me By The Hand" - 12. "Back to Stoneberry Road"
2nd studio album release by Swedish composer and pop singer Lisa Miskovsky. The album was very well-received in Sweden and the album went all the way to top the national albums chart list selling 'Platinum'. The singer / songwriter of Kent, Joakim Berg, produced the album, which wasn't released internationally until 2005. The first track "Lady Stardust" was an immediate hit but like many of the other tracks, she appears to be too much of a polished (too sweet and superficial) Swedish version of Alanis Morissette, for my taste, and then there's this country element that just doesn't make it better.
release date: Oct. 2003
format: digital
[album rate: 2,5 / 5]
Tracklist: 1. "Lady Stardust" (3,5 / 5) - 2. "A Brand New Day" (2 / 5) - 3. "Sing to Me" (2,5 / 5) - 4. "You Dance Just Like Me" - 5. "Sweet Dreams" - 6. "One Dark Night" - 7. "Midnight Sun" - 8. "Butterfly Man" - 9. "Restless Heart" - 10. "Joan of Arc" (2,5 / 5) - 11. "Take Me By The Hand" - 12. "Back to Stoneberry Road"
2nd studio album release by Swedish composer and pop singer Lisa Miskovsky. The album was very well-received in Sweden and the album went all the way to top the national albums chart list selling 'Platinum'. The singer / songwriter of Kent, Joakim Berg, produced the album, which wasn't released internationally until 2005. The first track "Lady Stardust" was an immediate hit but like many of the other tracks, she appears to be too much of a polished (too sweet and superficial) Swedish version of Alanis Morissette, for my taste, and then there's this country element that just doesn't make it better.
T. Rex "Dandy in the Underworld" (1977)
Dandy in the Underworld
release date: Mar. 11, 1977
format: cd
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,28]
producer: Marc Bolan
label: EMI Records - nationality: England, UK
Track highlights: 1. "Dandy in the Underworld" - 4. "I'm a Fool for You Girl" - 5. "I Love to Boogie" - 7. "Jason B. Sad" - 12. "Teen Riot Structure"
12th and final studio album by T. Rex. As usual all tracks were written by Bolan and the band name served as a mere pseudonym for Bolan himself as the only lasting member at this point was bassist Steve Currie who had been in the band since 1970. The album was a return to form and to laud as it peaked at number #26 on the album chart list despite not being a punk rock or new wave release. The previous album Futuristic Dragon (1976) was despite its inclusion of funk and soul more in sync with his material from the early 70s than this, where Bolan again has simplified the musical expression by turning down the glam rock side and turning up boogie rock, which at this point a band like Status Quo had success with. A few tracks even have art rock or new wave elements, and the album is by many critics seen as Bolan's swan song. He was back in people's mind as TV host for music program featuring new artists, and he even toured with one of Britain's very first punk rock bands, The Damned. A few years later gothic rock became associated with glam rock and Bolan was one of the finest origins but he didn't experience a second glorification as he died in a car crash, Sep. 1977.
release date: Mar. 11, 1977
format: cd
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,28]
producer: Marc Bolan
label: EMI Records - nationality: England, UK
Track highlights: 1. "Dandy in the Underworld" - 4. "I'm a Fool for You Girl" - 5. "I Love to Boogie" - 7. "Jason B. Sad" - 12. "Teen Riot Structure"
12th and final studio album by T. Rex. As usual all tracks were written by Bolan and the band name served as a mere pseudonym for Bolan himself as the only lasting member at this point was bassist Steve Currie who had been in the band since 1970. The album was a return to form and to laud as it peaked at number #26 on the album chart list despite not being a punk rock or new wave release. The previous album Futuristic Dragon (1976) was despite its inclusion of funk and soul more in sync with his material from the early 70s than this, where Bolan again has simplified the musical expression by turning down the glam rock side and turning up boogie rock, which at this point a band like Status Quo had success with. A few tracks even have art rock or new wave elements, and the album is by many critics seen as Bolan's swan song. He was back in people's mind as TV host for music program featuring new artists, and he even toured with one of Britain's very first punk rock bands, The Damned. A few years later gothic rock became associated with glam rock and Bolan was one of the finest origins but he didn't experience a second glorification as he died in a car crash, Sep. 1977.
03 October 2013
Stoffer og Maskinen "Astronaut" (2013)
Astronaut
release date: Feb. 4, 2013
format: digital
[album rate: 3 / 5]
Track highlights: 1. "Timeglasset" (3,5 / 5) - 2. "Tiger & gazelle" (3 / 5) - 5. "Byens tage" (4 / 5) - 6. "Bag dine øjenlåg" (3 / 5) - 8. "Kærestebrevet" (3,5 / 5) - 10. "Og i hans øjne..." 3 / 5) - 11. "Tænkte ikke på livet" (3,5 / 5) (acoustic live version)
2nd studio album release by the Danish pop band Stoffer og Maskinen. It's a better release compared to the debut album Stoffer og Maskinen (2008), which almost didn't have a single interesting track. "Byens tage" is a really fine contemporary pop song. Two or three fine tracks don't make a great album but I think they have potential to make a really fine release, and at least they seem to have found more of their own style. This is not indie pop / indie rock as the debut but a more polished style. Their blue-eyed pop sometimes has a hint of Swedish The Knife but on the weaker tracks they have a similar sound and style (1980s?) to that of Nikolaj og Piloterne, only, I think this is generally an improvement to that.
release date: Feb. 4, 2013
format: digital
[album rate: 3 / 5]
Track highlights: 1. "Timeglasset" (3,5 / 5) - 2. "Tiger & gazelle" (3 / 5) - 5. "Byens tage" (4 / 5) - 6. "Bag dine øjenlåg" (3 / 5) - 8. "Kærestebrevet" (3,5 / 5) - 10. "Og i hans øjne..." 3 / 5) - 11. "Tænkte ikke på livet" (3,5 / 5) (acoustic live version)
2nd studio album release by the Danish pop band Stoffer og Maskinen. It's a better release compared to the debut album Stoffer og Maskinen (2008), which almost didn't have a single interesting track. "Byens tage" is a really fine contemporary pop song. Two or three fine tracks don't make a great album but I think they have potential to make a really fine release, and at least they seem to have found more of their own style. This is not indie pop / indie rock as the debut but a more polished style. Their blue-eyed pop sometimes has a hint of Swedish The Knife but on the weaker tracks they have a similar sound and style (1980s?) to that of Nikolaj og Piloterne, only, I think this is generally an improvement to that.
Stoffer og Maskinen "Stoffer og Maskinen" (2010)
Stoffer og Maskinen [debut]
release date: Mar. 15, 2010
format: digital
[album rate: 2 / 5]
Studio debut album by the Danish duo Stoffer og Maskinen, consisting of Andreas 'Maskinen' Sommer (programming and production) and Christoffer 'Stoffer' Budtz (vocals). I don't think this is a very good debut. It only sounds like a wannabe-Mew band. The first two tracks are like rehearsals on Mew tracks and neither instrumentation or vocals are near that. Other tracks sound like a fusion of the teenage bands Carpark North and Dúné... and that's not really aiming at anything.
release date: Mar. 15, 2010
format: digital
[album rate: 2 / 5]
Studio debut album by the Danish duo Stoffer og Maskinen, consisting of Andreas 'Maskinen' Sommer (programming and production) and Christoffer 'Stoffer' Budtz (vocals). I don't think this is a very good debut. It only sounds like a wannabe-Mew band. The first two tracks are like rehearsals on Mew tracks and neither instrumentation or vocals are near that. Other tracks sound like a fusion of the teenage bands Carpark North and Dúné... and that's not really aiming at anything.
Søren Huss "Oppefra & ned" (2012)
Oppefra & ned
release date: Oct. 15, 2012
format: cd
[album rate: 4 / 5] [3,94]
producer: Søren Huss, Hussband
label: Universal - nationality: Denmark
Track highlights: 1. "Det er ganske enkelt" (5 / 5) - 2. "De sorte tal" (4 / 5) - 4. "Oppefra og ned" - 6. "Fru Mørke" - 8. "Adgang forbudt" (4 / 5) - 9. "Øjeblikket" (4 / 5) - 10. "Den smukkeste sommerdag" (4 / 5)
2nd studio album by Søren Huss co-produced with Hussband, aka Christoffer Møller, Jeppe Kjellberg, Morten Jørgensen og Jesper Elnegaard ('Hussband' is a wordplay with the word 'house-band', which is spelled 'husband').
The album is the difficult follow-up to a great solo debut, and yes, he did it again! This is another fine studio album, and a much more positive and energetic pop / rock album. It contains some downright fine narratives and in some ways it's actually bettering the debut by reaching a high quality level, and in another way it doesn't reach the same high level by also having a few album fillers (tracks #5-7). Anyhow, both albums are unique releases showing that great music still comes from this small country when only one knows where to look.
release date: Oct. 15, 2012
format: cd
[album rate: 4 / 5] [3,94]
producer: Søren Huss, Hussband
label: Universal - nationality: Denmark
Track highlights: 1. "Det er ganske enkelt" (5 / 5) - 2. "De sorte tal" (4 / 5) - 4. "Oppefra og ned" - 6. "Fru Mørke" - 8. "Adgang forbudt" (4 / 5) - 9. "Øjeblikket" (4 / 5) - 10. "Den smukkeste sommerdag" (4 / 5)
2nd studio album by Søren Huss co-produced with Hussband, aka Christoffer Møller, Jeppe Kjellberg, Morten Jørgensen og Jesper Elnegaard ('Hussband' is a wordplay with the word 'house-band', which is spelled 'husband').
The album is the difficult follow-up to a great solo debut, and yes, he did it again! This is another fine studio album, and a much more positive and energetic pop / rock album. It contains some downright fine narratives and in some ways it's actually bettering the debut by reaching a high quality level, and in another way it doesn't reach the same high level by also having a few album fillers (tracks #5-7). Anyhow, both albums are unique releases showing that great music still comes from this small country when only one knows where to look.
02 October 2013
Erik Grip "Gammelt & nyt" (1986)
Gammelt & nyt, (compilation)
release date: 1986
format: vinyl (EXL 30030)
[album rate: 3,5 / 5]
producer: Holger Laumann
label: Exlibris - nationality: Denmark
9th album by Danish folk troubadur and singer / songwriter Erik Grip is a compilation of primarily previously released songs, although it also contains two new compositions, thus framed by the title ['Old and New'].
release date: 1986
format: vinyl (EXL 30030)
[album rate: 3,5 / 5]
producer: Holger Laumann
label: Exlibris - nationality: Denmark
9th album by Danish folk troubadur and singer / songwriter Erik Grip is a compilation of primarily previously released songs, although it also contains two new compositions, thus framed by the title ['Old and New'].
BEST OF 1982:
Laurie Anderson "Big Science" (1982)
Big Science [debut]
release date: Apr. 19, 1982
format: vinyl (WB K 57 002) / cd (2007 remaster)
[album rate: 5 / 5] [4,78]
producer: Laurie Anderson, Roma Baran
label: Warner Bros. - nationality: USA
Tracklist: 1. "From the Air" (5 / 5) - 2. "Big Science" - 3. "Sweaters" - 4. "Walking & Falling" - 5. "Born, Never Asked" (5 / 5) (live) - 6. "O Superman (For Massenet)" (5 / 5) - 7. "Example #22" - 8. "Let X=X" (live) - 9. "It Tango"
Studio album debut by Laurie Anderson released on Warner - the 2007 remaster by Nonesuch Records. This is a corner-stone of modern pop music, and it's a masterpiece of avant-garde art rock synthpop - and it's still fantastic. The music is extremely original, although one may find that she's inspired by other artists of modern classical minimalism and musique concrete, e.g. Frank Zappa, Jean Michel Jarre, John Cage, and perhaps most evidently: Philip Glass. Nevertheless, Anderson had already experimented with other ways of musical output from the 1960s, and the music on Big Science also contains traces to German, French, and Japanese electronic pop music but her special sound remains unique. The minimalist music is of course central but her play with words and lyrics is likewise at supreme level, which makes it such a masterpiece.
1982 Favourite releases: 1. Laurie Anderson Big Science - 2. Dead Kennedys Plastic Surgery Disasters - 3. Elvis Costello & The Attractions Imperial Bedroom
release date: Apr. 19, 1982
format: vinyl (WB K 57 002) / cd (2007 remaster)
[album rate: 5 / 5] [4,78]
producer: Laurie Anderson, Roma Baran
label: Warner Bros. - nationality: USA
Tracklist: 1. "From the Air" (5 / 5) - 2. "Big Science" - 3. "Sweaters" - 4. "Walking & Falling" - 5. "Born, Never Asked" (5 / 5) (live) - 6. "O Superman (For Massenet)" (5 / 5) - 7. "Example #22" - 8. "Let X=X" (live) - 9. "It Tango"
Studio album debut by Laurie Anderson released on Warner - the 2007 remaster by Nonesuch Records. This is a corner-stone of modern pop music, and it's a masterpiece of avant-garde art rock synthpop - and it's still fantastic. The music is extremely original, although one may find that she's inspired by other artists of modern classical minimalism and musique concrete, e.g. Frank Zappa, Jean Michel Jarre, John Cage, and perhaps most evidently: Philip Glass. Nevertheless, Anderson had already experimented with other ways of musical output from the 1960s, and the music on Big Science also contains traces to German, French, and Japanese electronic pop music but her special sound remains unique. The minimalist music is of course central but her play with words and lyrics is likewise at supreme level, which makes it such a masterpiece.
1982 Favourite releases: 1. Laurie Anderson Big Science - 2. Dead Kennedys Plastic Surgery Disasters - 3. Elvis Costello & The Attractions Imperial Bedroom
Show lyrics <- click...
~ ~ ~
"It Tango"
"She said: it looks. don't you think it looks a lot like rain?
He said: isn't it. isn't it just. isn't it just like a woman?
She said: it's hard. it's just hard. it's just kind of hard to say.
He said: isn't it. isn't it just. isn't it just like a woman?
She said: it goes. that's the way it goes. it goes that way.
He said: isn't it. isn't it just like a woman?
She said: it takes. it takes one. it takes one to. it takes one to know one.
He said: isn't it just like a woman?
She said: she said it. she said it to no. she said it to no one.
Isn't it. isn't it just? isn't it just like a woman?
Your eye. today's work. to look into them.
your eyes. it's a day's work. just. looking into them."
"She said: it looks. don't you think it looks a lot like rain?
He said: isn't it. isn't it just. isn't it just like a woman?
She said: it's hard. it's just hard. it's just kind of hard to say.
He said: isn't it. isn't it just. isn't it just like a woman?
She said: it goes. that's the way it goes. it goes that way.
He said: isn't it. isn't it just like a woman?
She said: it takes. it takes one. it takes one to. it takes one to know one.
He said: isn't it just like a woman?
She said: she said it. she said it to no. she said it to no one.
Isn't it. isn't it just? isn't it just like a woman?
Your eye. today's work. to look into them.
your eyes. it's a day's work. just. looking into them."
~ ~ ~
Laurie Anderson
~ ~ ~
Laurie Anderson (aka Laura Phillips Anderson, born Jun. 5, 1947 in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, USA) is an American art pop avant-garde and performance artist. Alongside her studio albums releases, she has worked with many other artists (musicians and non-musicians), and released several live albums, and she has also dedicated much of her live performances to the spoken-word genre. She has been honored with prizes for her music and for her musical influence to electronic and art pop music in general. She married Lou Reed in 2008.
~ ~ ~
01 October 2013
Laid Back "... Keep Smiling" (1983)
... Keep Smiling (Club Edition)
release date: 1983
format: vinyl (MdLP 6150)
[album rate: 3 / 5] [3,06]
producer: 'De Syv Små Dværge'
label: Medley Records - nationality: Denmark
2nd studio album by Laid Back in a Club Edition - exclusively for Pladeringen.
release date: 1983
format: vinyl (MdLP 6150)
[album rate: 3 / 5] [3,06]
producer: 'De Syv Små Dværge'
label: Medley Records - nationality: Denmark
2nd studio album by Laid Back in a Club Edition - exclusively for Pladeringen.
Killing Joke "Me or You?" (1983) (single)
Me or You?, 7'' single
release date: Oct. 1983
format: vinyl (EGO 14)
[single rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,28]
producer: John Porter, Killing Joke
label: EG Records - nationality: England, UK
Tracklist: A) "Me or You?" - - B) "Wilful Days"
Single release by Killing Joke is two non-album tracks, and the single peaked at position #57 on the UK singles chart list.
release date: Oct. 1983
format: vinyl (EGO 14)
[single rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,28]
producer: John Porter, Killing Joke
label: EG Records - nationality: England, UK
Tracklist: A) "Me or You?" - - B) "Wilful Days"
Single release by Killing Joke is two non-album tracks, and the single peaked at position #57 on the UK singles chart list.
Madness "7" (1981)
7
release date: Oct. 1981
format: cd (1989 reissue) / digital (2010 Deluxe Edition)
[album rate: 4 / 5] [3,88]
producer: Clive Langer, Alan Winstanley
label: Virgin Records / Union Square - nationality: England, UK
Track highlights: 1. "Cardiac Arrest" - 2. "Shut Up" - 3. "Sign of the Times" - 5. "Mrs. Hutchinson" - 7. "Grey Day" - 9. "Promises Promises" - 10. "Benny Bullfrog"
*Disc 2: 2. "Sign of the Times" (BBC Richard Skinner session recording) - 7. "It Must Be Love" - 9. "In the City" - 10. "Cardiac Arrest (12" Extended Version)"
*2010 2 Disc Deluxe Edition
3rd studio album by Madness originally released by Stiff Records has like the first two albums the producer-team Langer-Winstanley - here with a title that simply refers to the size of the band.
The album sounds much like the predecessor with tracks pointing back in time with uptempo aggressive beats, songs that are more mainstream-founded and compositions with British pub rock attitude and humour. "Grey Day" was the first single from the album, and it does sound as if from another album in mind as it's a more political and rock-based track that would've been fitting for The Clash or the like.. The official video does, however quite nicely, try to make it a typical Madness production. It peaked as number #4 on the singles chart list. "Shut Up" reached number #7, but frankly I think, "Cardiac Arrest" would have been the easy choice for a single release - which it was though; however, not until Feb. '82 when it was issued in a remixed version [!?!] peaking at number #14...
Anyway, the album - reaching a position as number #7 on the albums chart list in the UK - didn't reach the same high sales numbers as its two predecessors, perhaps because the band still was hard to place: were they for the vast masses of mainstream pop / rock, or a cult-audience, and then why release an album that truly signals incoherence in terms of style, seriousness and production sound?
Well, I like it, and think of it as an album they needed to make before going mainstream. In retrospect it links nicely with Absolutely and the successor The Rise & Fall (1982).
The 2010 Deluxe Edition is a fine edition with relevant A- and B-side singles as bonus material. "It Must Be Love" (cover of Labi Siffre 1971 song) from Nov. '81 is an almost essential Madness song but it was only released as a single after the release of 7, hence otherwise only issued on compilation albums.
Highly recommendable.
[ allmusic.com 4 / 5, Rolling Stone 3 / 5 stars ]
release date: Oct. 1981
format: cd (1989 reissue) / digital (2010 Deluxe Edition)
[album rate: 4 / 5] [3,88]
producer: Clive Langer, Alan Winstanley
label: Virgin Records / Union Square - nationality: England, UK
Track highlights: 1. "Cardiac Arrest" - 2. "Shut Up" - 3. "Sign of the Times" - 5. "Mrs. Hutchinson" - 7. "Grey Day" - 9. "Promises Promises" - 10. "Benny Bullfrog"
*Disc 2: 2. "Sign of the Times" (BBC Richard Skinner session recording) - 7. "It Must Be Love" - 9. "In the City" - 10. "Cardiac Arrest (12" Extended Version)"
*2010 2 Disc Deluxe Edition
3rd studio album by Madness originally released by Stiff Records has like the first two albums the producer-team Langer-Winstanley - here with a title that simply refers to the size of the band.
The album sounds much like the predecessor with tracks pointing back in time with uptempo aggressive beats, songs that are more mainstream-founded and compositions with British pub rock attitude and humour. "Grey Day" was the first single from the album, and it does sound as if from another album in mind as it's a more political and rock-based track that would've been fitting for The Clash or the like.. The official video does, however quite nicely, try to make it a typical Madness production. It peaked as number #4 on the singles chart list. "Shut Up" reached number #7, but frankly I think, "Cardiac Arrest" would have been the easy choice for a single release - which it was though; however, not until Feb. '82 when it was issued in a remixed version [!?!] peaking at number #14...
Anyway, the album - reaching a position as number #7 on the albums chart list in the UK - didn't reach the same high sales numbers as its two predecessors, perhaps because the band still was hard to place: were they for the vast masses of mainstream pop / rock, or a cult-audience, and then why release an album that truly signals incoherence in terms of style, seriousness and production sound?
Well, I like it, and think of it as an album they needed to make before going mainstream. In retrospect it links nicely with Absolutely and the successor The Rise & Fall (1982).
The 2010 Deluxe Edition is a fine edition with relevant A- and B-side singles as bonus material. "It Must Be Love" (cover of Labi Siffre 1971 song) from Nov. '81 is an almost essential Madness song but it was only released as a single after the release of 7, hence otherwise only issued on compilation albums.
Highly recommendable.
[ allmusic.com 4 / 5, Rolling Stone 3 / 5 stars ]
Underworld "Second Toughest in the Infants" (1996)
Second Toughest in the Infants
release date: Mar. 4, 1996
format: cd (1998 reissue)
[album rate: 3 / 5] [3,62]
producer: Underworld
lable. JBO - nationality: England, UK
Track highlights: 1. "Juanita / Kiteless / To Dream of Love" - 2. "Banstyle / Sappys Curry" - 3. "Confusion the Waitress" - 4. "Rowla" - 5. "Pearls Girl" (4 / 5) - 8. "Stagger"
4th studio album by Underworld and the second as a electronic trio.
The band continue its explorations into trance but also with hints of breakbeat.
It's a rather experimental release where the band adds conventional instrumentation to its predominantly electronic style by the use of loops, and they seem to explore more on this compared to the predecessor Dubnobasswithmyheadman from 1994, which appears as a more coherent electronic album, but Second Toughest in the Infants reveals a distinct trait of balancing the pace of slow meditative parts with bolder energetic outburst, which is a dynamic recipe they would keep to on later releases.
The album was not an immediate favourite, but I have come to reevaluate my initial thoughts more than once when speaking of this particular album. With this, they're on the right move away from early electronic techno and trance in their sound of progressive house, and this particular album has always been there in the outskirts of great albums and is a true grower once you let it unfold.
The album is the trio's second electronic release on which they show that they have found their style, and this is their first truly successful originally sounding studio album, imho.
It was released to critical acclaim, it peaked at number #9 on the UK albums chart list, and it has been included in Mojo's "100 Greatest Albums of Our lifetime" and in "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die" - the so far only by Underworld.
[ allmusic.com 5 / 5, NME 4 / 5 stars ]
release date: Mar. 4, 1996
format: cd (1998 reissue)
[album rate: 3 / 5] [3,62]
producer: Underworld
lable. JBO - nationality: England, UK
Track highlights: 1. "Juanita / Kiteless / To Dream of Love" - 2. "Banstyle / Sappys Curry" - 3. "Confusion the Waitress" - 4. "Rowla" - 5. "Pearls Girl" (4 / 5) - 8. "Stagger"
4th studio album by Underworld and the second as a electronic trio.
The band continue its explorations into trance but also with hints of breakbeat.
It's a rather experimental release where the band adds conventional instrumentation to its predominantly electronic style by the use of loops, and they seem to explore more on this compared to the predecessor Dubnobasswithmyheadman from 1994, which appears as a more coherent electronic album, but Second Toughest in the Infants reveals a distinct trait of balancing the pace of slow meditative parts with bolder energetic outburst, which is a dynamic recipe they would keep to on later releases.
The album was not an immediate favourite, but I have come to reevaluate my initial thoughts more than once when speaking of this particular album. With this, they're on the right move away from early electronic techno and trance in their sound of progressive house, and this particular album has always been there in the outskirts of great albums and is a true grower once you let it unfold.
The album is the trio's second electronic release on which they show that they have found their style, and this is their first truly successful originally sounding studio album, imho.
It was released to critical acclaim, it peaked at number #9 on the UK albums chart list, and it has been included in Mojo's "100 Greatest Albums of Our lifetime" and in "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die" - the so far only by Underworld.
[ allmusic.com 5 / 5, NME 4 / 5 stars ]
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