release date: Aug. 20, 2002
format: cd
[album rate: 4 / 5] [4,12]
producer: Peter Katis, Gareth Jones
label: Matador - nationality: USA
Track highlights: 1. [untitled] (4 / 5) - 2. "Obstacle 1" (5 / 5) - 3. "NYC" (4 / 5) (live 2003) (live at Glastonbury 2005) - 5. "Say Hello to the Angels" (4 / 5) - 6. "Hands Away" - 8. "Stella Was a Diver and She Was Always Down" - 9. "Roland" - 11. "Leif Erikson" (4 / 5)
Studio debut album by Interpol. This album launched and soon dominated the post-punk revival wave that took place in the new millennium. I had double feelings about the album but eventually accepted it as a classic. The thing is, they would not have been able to make this music without Joy Division and Kitchens of Distinction (some would add a few others as well), however, that's how music is made. An artist listens to something that inspires and then goes on to create his/her own work despite what one might find of reminiscences. The critical reception of the album was generally positive, although, some tend to bring up the sources of inspiration and by that points to a lesser original creation. This is great music and the point is, this is not simply copying or new versions of 10 or 20 year-old music, but one may find the sources of inspiration in several tracks, and so what?! When I first listened to "Say Hello to the Angels" (after the first 40 secs), I couldn't help but thinking of The Smiths and their song "This Charming Man" but really, it's different song, and Interpol's track is another ball game. The music director Floria Sigismondi worked with the band on several music videos, e.g. "Obstacle 1" is a nice example. I really enjoy the voice of Paul Banks and the guitar play of Daniel Kessler, who has a great blend of fine guitarists' sound.
[ allmusic.com 5 / 5, NME 4 / 5, Rolling Stone 3 / 5 stars ]
2002 Favourite releases: 1. The Streets Original Pirate Material - 2. Interpol Turn on the Bright Lights - 3. Johnny Cash American IV: The Man Comes Around
