I thought My Bloody Valentine’s – Loveless was on to an interesting idea, fusing Jesus and Mary Chain noise pop with the ethereal rhythms of Cocteau Twins, but lacked the song-writing prowess to turn this into a classic. The good songs tend to sound similar and the boring ones stagnant and would benefit if they’d been shortened (filler perhaps?). The publicity it received in the early 90’s was very good, making many top 10 lists, but has waned recently, because it’s one of those albums that’s decent, but derivative. Not that the distorted trance-like rhythms are bad, it’s just IMO Jesus and Marychains’ massive influence overshadowing “Loveless”. As I said it’s not a bad record. IMO it’s more of a derivation of “Psycho Candy’s” pop melodies and dirty distorted guitars, than an “evolution”. However if you never heard of JAMC or the Cocteau Twins, then all I can say is ignorance is bliss and enjoy this record. But when I listen to MBV, i begin to lose interest half way through a song and start thinking, that sounds like J&MC, or they remind me of Cocteau Twins, or maybe Bauhaus or Sonic Youth. Great bands absorb influences into something new, whereas bands that fall short, wear them on their sleeve.
May 7, 2010
March 31, 2010
November 6, 2009
Best New Wave Songs of the 80’s
1> ABC – The Look of Love Pt 1. This band had the new Romantic vibe in spades. Lush sophisticated orchestrated disco pop songs performed urgently and earnestly. The album “Lexicon of Love” simply pure pop candy.
2> Thompson Twins – Love Lies Bleeding. Before they become popular and began to take themselves to seriously, they were a delightful and charming new wave dance band outfit, that occasionally provided a little edge to provide a bit of drama. This song finds them at delivering the catchest and most memorable performance. One of several great cuts off their best album, “Side-Kicks…”
3> Tears for Fears – Pale Shelter. Another contenders for top 80’s bands, TfF were the whining man’s signature band. Always on the verge of complete mental collapse due to the slightest whiff of rejection, these boys harnessed all of their ill feelings into their classic album “The Hurting”. Success made them happy, but unfortunately, boring. “Pale Shelter” is the most deliciously angst driven piece of pop you’ll ever hear.
4> Aztec Camera – Oblivious. The single most under-rated and under appreciated album from the early 80’s, Aztec Camera “High Land, Hard Rain”, is a masterfully crafted acoustic guitar driven Brit-Pop album, lead by mastermind, Roddy Frame. A virtuoso guitarist, as well as an expressive and at times melancholy vocalist, Roddy Frame had the type of talent that the like of Elvis Costello were envious of. “Oblivious” was the best song on the amazing album.
5>Echo and The Bunnymen – Never Stop. Really, this could have been one of a dozen of Bunnymen songs, including “Do It Clean”, “Villiers Terrace”, “A Promise”, “Killing Moon” and many others. This was one band that was tight, dark and edgy.
September 25, 2009
Meat Puppets: Artists w/the Greatest Change-ups?
Who are some artists who displayed the most radical change in musical direction over a series of albums? For better or for worse. I.E .The Meat Puppets.
Meat Puppets I – Hard-Core
Meat Puppets II – Cow Punk
Upon the Sun – Psychedelic Country Rock
In a matter of three releases, the Puppets when from sounding retarded to refined.
What a strange trip it was from MP I to Upon the Sun, which is may favorite. It’s just such so laid back, odd and tuneful, compared to “I” which was a hardcore classic. When they toured supporting the debut, the Puppets didn’t like being spit on by their hardcore fans, and decided they needed a change of direction.
The Saints Album Review All Fools Day
I just rediscovered “All Fools Day”, and unlike the first three discs, this has the big 80’s stadium rock sound, and is very well put together in a craft-like sort of way. Bailey’s got a wonderfully expressive voice and musically there’s a lot of good twists and turns. I recommend it but be warned, it’s closer to pop than punk.