Album Description

This new "Kings of…" BBE-series brings together the globe’s supreme supporter of a particular musical genre and asks them to reach deep into their vaults for lesser-known gems. The first release, The Kings Of Disco, is a compilation by two world-renowned DJ’s, Dimitri From Paris and Joey Negro. Famous for their science of mixing house with disco, the two DJs also have a prolific list of production & remix credits under their belts. In 1997 Dimitri From Paris released his first album Sacrebleu, a subtle mix of jazzy samba and soft house. With Sacrebleu selling over 80,000 copies, Dimitri went on to release the successful mix compilations, A Night at the Playboy Mansion,Disco Forever, followed by After the Playboy Mansion, and his most recent contribution to theIn the House Series .

Dave Lee (AKA Joey Negro), prominent Artist, Producer, Remixer , Arranger, Songwriter and DJ,is the producer ofchoice for artists and record companies the world over.One of the UK’s first heavyweight dance producers, Dave’s superior productions skills have led him to work with some of the brightest and biggest names in music including Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Artful Dodger, the Pet Shop Boys, Mariah Carey, Seal and Royksopp.

There’s no better way to introduce a new series than with the two dons of the disco house scene, who are sure to deliver a strong collection of retro grooves, disco anthems, and dancefloor classics. ... Read more

Album Details

An Excellent Single Disc Compendium of One of the Original Electro Groups of the Postpunk Era. Their First Album on Dindisc Records Made a Big Splash in the UK and on College Radio in the USA VIRGIN/EPIC Tried to Release a Hybrid Record of their First Two Albums that Met with Moderate Success. But it Wasn't Until the Placement of "if You Leave" in the Motion Picture "Pretty in Pink" and the Decsion to Market Thru A&m Records that the Band Finally Cracked the USA Charts. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Curve will never be accused of originality, but the group continues tomake effective recordings with a winning combination of driving rhythms,swirling noise guitars, and Toni Halliday's sexy vocals. Cuckoo is animprovement on 1992's Doppelganger, with strong standout tracks like therelentless "Crystal" and the monolithic "Turkey Crossing."--Jim DeRogatis ... Read more

Reviews (20)

4 and a half- their best by a clip! Eat it up!
Curves first three full lengths are all good- later albums come clean(their worst) and gift (solid return to old form) but its the early to mid 90s curve that is in top form. Even though both pubic fruit and doppleganger contain some amazing tracks- cuckoo is the most coherent and offers more versatile proof of their talent. Crystal is the first sign- a great moody piece that builds with the wall of sound guitar electronics- there is more restraint and control in their sound and it is also the best produced cd from the 90-94 period. acoustic guitars(a new lush approach) makes its appearance on left of mother- a truly beautiful ballad that was very unique at the time. This sound lead to alot the female triphop stuff so prevalent nowadays- in fact curve were well ahead of the game- and the garbage comparison is valid though curve came first and they have so much more to offer than garbage. Halliday wipes away all recent female rock singers-and its the voice alone that even without the great dense music would still be fantastic. One of my favs - a raw annie lennox style that is sexy-soulful-dark-pretty- any female trait is within her grasp and range. Credit must also go to garcia who played guitars-synths-programmed sounds-very talented multi-instrumentalist.(a nice mix of swirling neopsychedlic and newwave style guitars-shifting sounds and crazy shoegazer style distortion(not unlike some of u2s/ my bloody valentine-even sonic youth's work). the whole album is amazing even 10+ years later-. for newcomers buy this and pubic fruit and youve got the main meal -maybe add doppleganger for dessert! A stirring blend of indie rock electronica with an amazing sonic wall of sound. Essential 90s rock/pop!

Superb second album from Halliday and Garcia
Critics were waiting for Curve to trip up with their follow-up to `92's 'Doppelganger'. But they didn't. Incorporating a more electronic feel to the album, Curve again thrilled fans and critics alike. Reviews posted here suggesting this is not as good as 'Doppelganger' are, in my view, completely unfounded. It is as good as their debut.

'Missing Link' goes all rock on us, but never loses its melody, proving Curve's versatility. 'Crystal' is a brilliant song. Combining a catchy chorus with Toni's intelligent lyrics and a bouncy bassline courtesy of Dean, this is a joy to listen to.
'Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus starts off menacingly enough but evolves into an marvellously beguiling pop song with some beautiful vocal melodies. 'Unreadable Communication' gives all of that days electronic producers a run for their money. Its dubby electronics envelop into a wall of noise of guitars with Toni's voice cutting through it all.

Elsewhere, 'Superblaster' is a perfect pop song, pop in the true sense, not N'Sync! 'Left of Mother' shows a more acoustic side of Curve, albeit involving some electronics.

This group set the standard which Garbage took and copied. Originals will always be better, as will Curve.

Swirling nostalgia
Back in the day, I must admit that I'd never paid Curve all that much attention. I'd sort of mentally filed them with Lush under 'female fronted shoegazer' and set them aside. But, as a series of fortuitous events led me to rediscover Lush (to much joy), I was tempted to give Curve a listen and see if I was missing anything.

And I was pleasantly surprised. Nothing groundbreaking here, but some very solid shoegazer-y pop. I found that I'd been correct to place Curve with Lush in the grand scheme of things - like Lush, they have swirly guitars, simple, urgent, beats, and vocals of the sort that critics usually describe as 'ethereal.' I hear a touch more menace to their sound than is to be found in Lush, and their lyrics (when deciperable - which is not always. Like many a shoegazer band Curve uses the voice more as another instrument than as the bearer of linguistic information) a bit bleaker.

The album is at its best when it strays from the usual shoegazer formula a bit. 'Crystal' injects a bit of Sonic Youth-y noise into the mix, and 'Left of Mother' builds a lovely and hypnotic song about a simple acoustic guitar line. Some of the other songs blur together in a swirl of guitar and multi-tracked vocals but there's nothing bad.

And overall, this is quite listenable indeed. It's a nice nostalgic blast that sounds, ultimately, quite fresh. Worth a listen.

Throw out your Evanescence LPs now
I'll try my damndest not to be an old fart, but the fact is that bands who've subsequently copied earlier bands cannot be given due props for the simple fact that they're only photocopies.

Curve set the bar with "Doppelganger", then raised it even higher with the singles collection "Pubic Fruit". But as a link between those two albums, "Cuckoo" hardly comes off as lacklustre. In fact, it meshes the softer, more melodic feel of the first album with a new vitality/abrasiveness.

"Superblaster" was the lead-off single, and it's a fine tune, but hardly the best of the bunch. That designation belongs to "Turkey Crossing", "Crystal", "Missing Link", and especially "Unreadable Communication".

The latter is a track just begging to be placed in a movie somewhere. The dynamics of the song hearken back to earlier synth gurus like Japan and Gary Numan, but the delivery by Toni Halliday is unmatched, even to this day.

Listening to it now, it only makes me realize how good that band really was, and how ahead of their time they were. One of the most underrated albums of the 90s.

One of the most overlooked bands from the '90s
I first became familiar with the band Curve back in the early '90s. While my peers were into lesser desirable forms of music, I was heavily into alternative music. I came upon this particular Curve album when I was perusing the record store for new music. My curiousity was piqued and I bought "Cuckoo" on a whim. Too be honest I have not listened to "Cuckoo" in almost a decade. At the time, I wasn't sure what to make of the music. I wasn't quite the fusion of rock and techno as I am now. I recently put in "Cuckoo" into my stereo tonight and found myself enjoying it more than I did when I was in high school (or a freshman in college). If anything, "Cuckoo" was way ahead of its time. If there is a modern equivalent to Curve today, it would have to be the band Collide. And maybe Garbage but with a Scottish accent. The similiarities in kaRIN and Toni Halliday's singing styles (in my opinion) are obvious. Both women have a seductive style of singing while the music is often abrasive and caustic. "Cuckoo" is definitely harder than its predecessor "Doppelganger", more guitar-orientated. As I continue to listen to "Cuckoo", I find myself falling more in love with the album. The songs are simply wonderful. I particularly enjoyed the first four tracks. Curve is truly one of the most underrated bands in the past ten years. They deserve a lot more recognition than most bands today. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

From the Clan...to Xymox
On this album Xymox brake their shell of depression and agonies of love (well not quite!, the words still flow in the same line of thought) to produce more accessible synth music with danceable beats, featuring songs somehow similar to "A Day" from their debut album. And I mention the word 'danceable' in it's more positive gloomy kinda dance meaning! Unlike their following three albums, the electronic rythms on this CD appeal to goth fans.

It's You! Evelyn
Not very popular in the USA and I prefer it that way. However everytime I play XYMOX for someone they love it. I have spawned many Xymox fans.
This is one of my all time favorite albums, I never get tired of it and it never dates. "Clementina" has put me through so many phases in my life, so many events, the song is always there, getting played. Ofcourse "Evelyn" conjures up so many fantasies in my mind when I hear it, usually little gothic fantasies. I have included "The River" on several homemade tapes and CD's that I have given to various lovers throughout the years, and always to welcome praise.
This album has been with me since I was a teen and I will take it through to my middle age...ofcourse this requires repeated purchases as they get worn out..

A Lost Masterpiece
Xymox' (formerly Clan of Xymox... and they have since returned to the "Clan of" moniker) 'Twist of Shadows' is truly one of the lost masterpieces of the late 80's. It was, is and shall forever be a wonderful work of mysterious dark synth music, perfectly balanced halfway between 'Substance'-era New Order and The Sisters of Mercy. The album was more electronic than their previous, more-Goth releases and combined ominous sounds with moments that were uplifting and hopeful.

"Evelyn" opens the album with an orchestral flourish, not unlike the way "Plainsong" opens The Cure's 'Disintegration', which evolves into a haunting yet strangely danceable piece about yearning and longing. "Obsession", also excellent, has a similar vibe and format. Next up is the Goth masterpiece "Craving" that could have been ripped straight from the Sisters 'Floodland'; it features the kind of juggernaut bass line that a Goth power song should. What follow are 2 ballads, something that Xymox had never done before: "Blind Hearts" is the most pop of anything on the album and "The River" is a minimal number sounding a bit like a clone of Peter Murphy's "My Last Two Weeks". On the 2nd half of the disc you can find "A Million Things" and "In the City", which are both energetic and moody blending synth, bass and wet-effected guitars. "Imagination" may be the best song on the album, yet oddly is the only one where female member Anka Wolbert replaces Ronny Moorings' baritone voice on lead vocals. The programming is very reminiscent of New Order's "True Faith", but the feel is more uplifting and hopeful. The album winds down with the dreamy, atmospheric instrumental "Clementina".

I have yet to see the revival of interest that this release deserves. While Clan of Xymox has had a resurgence, this album is deserving of more credit. Perhaps it is seen as the transition to Xymox' weaker years where they tried to go more directly into the pop mainstream - that's a shame.

"I keep dreaming of a million things, and they have wings"
The only purpose to listen to this record is to dance, but it is dancing with a dark purpose in the shadows. Following in the paths of New Order, Clan Of Xymox has it's own mystery. They were once on the great 4AD label, along with other groundbreaking groups, like Cocteau Twins, Colourbox, and others. "Twist of Shadows" is also a great record to listen to while cruising down the highway, and when you do, blast it and let the music drive you.
My five favorites on the record are as follows. 1)"A Million Things". The lyrics are great with beats that match. 2)"Craving". I love the slow build up to one of the coolest dance songs ever, that has a rock feel to it. 3)"In The City". This one has an eerie feeling to it, kind of what a city feels like at dusk. Awesome. 4)"Obsession". Pure dance floor magic. The longing that is expressed in the music is what makes Clan Of Xymox special. 5)"Evelyn" The title track and the hit of the record is just great. Clan of Xymox has a unique feel to thier music, a great cross of Cocteau Twins meets New Order, with a little techno trown in. I highly recommend this record if you are looking for music that is a little on the mysterious side.

The gloom doom with a twist
Bought the album out of curiosity,
Excellent fast numbers but as I got older (38 now), I treasure their slow ones. Love the melancholic lyrics.
Got blown away upon hearing "Tonight" & "The River".
"Consolidation" has got the same kick too.
Basically.... I played the tape to death! Finally got my hands on the CD almost 10 years later.
They've got a certain orchestral sting in their compositions.
A must for Ultaravox, 80's & Goth freaks.
De-Vision fans would love them too.
Still gives me the creeps after all these years.
Close your eyes, switch of the lights...feel the spine tingling eeriness ... Read more

Reviews (20)

evolution is sweet
'come from heaven', alpha's debut, remains one of my favorite albums; wandering through Tower the other day, i exclaimed rather embarrassingly when i happened upon its follow up, 'the impossible thrill.' not to gush, but the title is all too apt--how does one improve upon such loveliness? they've done it, though. more explicitly a late-seventies throwback, with groovier bass and percussion lines, less sampling, and a much less laid-back vibe, 'the impossible thrill' is overripe with intensity. the vocal work by Helen White and Wendy Stubbs and especially Martin Barnard (a great deal of my thrill stemmed from having an opportunity to hear more of his voice) is as good as always, but this time more emotionally raw and informed. the greatest improvement upon 'come from heaven' is in the instrumental arrangements; Colin and Andy have outdone themselves, taking the sound of the film soundtracks they sampled so aptly in their first album and translating them into grandiose original orchestrations with full strings, choirs, and a lovely funk sound. fans won't be disappointed; those new to alpha should experience both albums, but avoid 'pepper'--it is inferior.

a loosely connected lattice of disparate sound
I've been waffling. I've waffled. I wasn't sure what to make of this album when I first heard it. I mean, I liked it, sure, but how much? And why? Well, to the first question, I answer, 'a lot.' I think it might be my favorite this year. Maybe. As to the 'why?', well, it's different. I hadn't really heard anything but one other song by Alpha, so I don't know how similar their older stuff is to 'The Impossible Thrill', but this album is definitely different than anything else I've ever heard. And in a good way. It's quite a beautiful album. Some criticisms of the album that I've read have cited the seeming lack of song structure as one of the primary weaknesses of the album, but I think it's a major strength. Because the songs don't follow standard song structures, the album unfolds like a dream. It's still hard for me to keep up w/where some of the songs go. Quite an impressive effort.

Alpha is a Mellow band
I have listened to this album and the band's, Come from Heaven. This album has some deeper electronic effects than Come from Heaven. The songs are accessable. If you are familiar with trip hop bands like Mescalito, you may find some interesting simularities to One Path in a Million. The lead female singers voice is inviting. The whole album is mellow along the lines of Kreuder & Dorfmeister. It is a fine spin for a mellow, not too out there, lounges background music. I believe this band is capable of better, but I like this better than Come from Heaven. Give it a spin and you decide!

If you don't have it...
then you're not a true music fan. You will not be disappointed with your purchase. A Beautiful, Sprawling, Masterpiece!!!!

It's Ok.......
there are a few good songs on it, but I'm glad I have it in my collection anyway.......... ... Read more

Amazon.com

Saint Etienne's delicate, perfectly crafted blend of '60s pop and of-the-moment electronica has been replicated by so many other acts over the years that the band is threatened with losing its musical brand. The artistic achievement in Sound of Water has been diminished somewhat by competent musicians such as Broadcast and Mono having picked up the gauntlet Saint Etienne first threw down in 1988, and having taken the sounds to new places. Trends are fleeting by definition, and Saint Etienne, in the precarious position of being an inadvertent trendsetter, would have served their audience better with a little reinvention (the Cardigans made this transition magically with 1998's Gran Turismo). Rather, they stick to their overly precious formula, mixing cheap-sounding drum loops, Sarah Cracknell's snazzy-cool vocals, drawn-out melody, and subtle instrumentation (flute, harpsichord, bongos) with butterfly-fluttering techno. As lovely as it all is, by the end of the album, the ear is desperate to hear something more assertive--it's as unsatisfying as eating cotton candy all day when you long for lasagna. In all, the abundance of emotionless na na na's and la la la's result in no no no's. --Beth Massa ... Read more

Reviews (40)

Ignore the Amazon-written review
Possibly the most consistent of all St. E releases, "Sound of Water" is more innovative than "Good Humor" (but not as fun), and recaptures some of the brilliant pastiche of "Foxbase Alpha" and "So Tough." Don't expect the club-friendly tunes of those early albums though, or even a collection of clever pop singles like "Tiger Bay" or "Good Humor." "Sound of Water" is yet another departure for a band that successfully reinvents itself with each full-length.

This time out, with the help of German post-electronica artists To Rococo Rot, St. E adds bleeps, blips, and skittering beats to the most mellow tunes they've ever recorded. Sarah sounds amazing, and the best tracks like "Don't Back Down" use a soft cushion of overdubbed background vocals to support her effortless melodies.

Traces of vintage St. E are still present -- "Boy Is Crying" echoes the '60s feel of "You're In A Bad Way," and the middle of "How We Used To Live" offers a blissed-out trancey vibe similar to "He's On The Phone." But St. E are continuing to innovate, combining the often-overlooked ambient electronics of bands like Boards of Canada and Two Lone Swordsmen with classic Bacharach-style pop to create a fascinating modern sound. And if this album doesn't end all those Cardigans comparisons, people just aren't listening.

Long over due return for Sarah and the boys
This new album is a definite new departdure for Saint Etienne.Gone are the catchy pop tunes of the early 90's.It is a steady graduation from the last album proper 'Good Humour'--but it is no improvement on that magical c.d.The album starts off with the distorted sounds of a live concert and then glides in to an instrumental dominated track.You begin to feel that this is not really a collection of songs,but the sound of a group trying to capture a mood-a very mellow mood at that.It works on some songs like 'Don't back Down' and 'heart failed' but I do miss the old jaunty feeling and spirit of the older stuff.Sarah Cracknell's voice is the best part of Saint Etienne and I just feel they don't use it often enough here.3 stars may seem a bit harsh,but I'm just comparing it to their older stuff and I just don't think it's as good.I do,however admire them for taking a pretty new approach to their music,and who knows it might evolve into something really special soon.

Intriguing...a triumph.
One of the most overlooked, yet sonically glorious albums of the kickoff of the new millenium, "Sound of Water" finds the Saints pursuing a new angle of their thoughtful, careful approach to the production of sublime pop music.
Though the opening track doesn't really go anywhere, it adds an atmosphere of introduction of the subtley engaging..such is the nature of what follows.
"Heart Failed (In The Back of a Taxi)" is a brilliantly crafted tune with impeccable production, again setting a tone the album shall follow.
If any album was made for headphones, it is this one.
Only then can one truly appreciate the care with which these songs were produced..the micro-noises and atmospheric floats and glitches, will show you something new with each listen.
It is a non-instrusive album which will find its way into your repeated listening ventures.
However pleasant this may sound, however, the sublime, and effortlessly epic tune "How We Used to Live", is a cleverly veiled tale of a melancholy suicide. Once realized, the chorus of "sail away" may begin to get under one's skin in more disturbing ways than originally anticipated. It can turn one's opinion of the album far more melancholy, but it is done beautifully. Once looked at this way, the title is far more evocative...but the ending, where one gets to hear the sloshing water, can become silently heart-breaking and a chilling moment at once.

This album is highly reccomended for its delicate precision and commitment to pop-ecstasy.

Really Nice CD
Some people may find this CD to be a bit too airy but I love it. "sound of Water" does not assault the senses but immerses the listener in a warm bath of sound. This is great music for relaxation or as an accompaniment to a sitdown dinner.

Subtle Saint Etienne
I'm afraid Beth Massa is mistaken. This album is, in my opinion, a high, very high, point in the expansive Saint Etienne discography. If you're looking solely for He's on the Phone or Hug My Soul dance hits... well, your liable to be disappointed here. This is compact, mellow, smooth, glossy and understated. It lacks highs and lows, but rather runs consistently throughout for the most part, leading the listener from one perfectly crafted, electronica tinged track to the next. Yes, it takes a bit to grow on you. It's one of those albums. But, also characteristic of those albums is a longevity not seen with instant-gratification music. It's not as catchy as Good Humor, and not as dancey as Tiger Bay, and not as eclectic as Foxbase Alpha, but it's distinctive and consistent and wonderful. It's a wonderfully accomplished transition back to more artificial sounds, while remaining quite different from their early work.
Boy Is Crying is the weakest song I think, but probably only because it is sandwiched between other pieces of such high caliber. The end of Aspects of Lambert makes me tingle every time. If you really love Saint Etienne, you'll probably love this album. Sarah sounds as cool and sexy as ever. She drives me crazy, in a good way. All this goes to say, but this album. It will make your life happier. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

stick of dynamite
5/5.
"#10,upping street" is unmistakably one of B.A.D.'s best.hardcore beats had to have started somewhere, why not the 80s! big audio totally made their mark on music, and our stereos!
so basicslly, this means the origional art of sampling was created by artists like them.
music today totally sucks. that's not hard to see. "#10 upping street" had a solid beat that totally dented hip the beats of today. i'm 17, but i know what music is.

For Hard Core Fans Only
Mostly bland, by this time it seemed that BAD was dead in the water, nothing here matches the excitement of THIS IS. Especially annoying are 'Sightsee MC!', 'Ice Cool Killer' and 'The Big V'. BAD goes rap? No thanks. It's easy to see why they did the whole BAD 2 thing. Buy THE GLOBE instead.

Great Fun
I would like to give this album a bit higher rating, but being as objective as I can, even though I love it, I can't give it five stars, but would say it's a solid 3.5. Clarifications aside, this recording (I'm basing my review on the record which does not have the bonus tracks) is a definite high point of the 80s. The sampling is superb, as on the first effort, timely, hilarious, and an excellent punctuation to the tight grooves and start-stop music. This record has been a favorite bit of music to play for almost twenty years and still sounds fresh, enthusiastic, and relevant today.

Sample-heavy
Though not quite as good as the band's first album, "No. 10 Upping Street" still contains enough good songs to make it worthwhile. The best are "C'mon Every Beatbox," "Limbo the Law," "Sambadrome," and the drum machine solo "V. Thirteen." The signature B.A.D. sound of heavy sampling over a reggae, rap and synth-dance beats is ever present. It's a bracing mixture for those used to the type of material leader Mick Jones used to produce with his former mates in The Clash. But in its own way, it is every bit as challenging.

not their best
first thing i'd like to say is that mick shouls have never left the clash.now with that's out of the way.i've never really gotten into b.a.d. like i did with the clash(the greatest punk bands ever and one of my fav. bands)the reson why i say get this album is cause it shows mick's creative side,a side that made him leave the clash cause he wanted to continue to expirement with sounds like on combat rock and joe favored the punk.another reason to get this is because joe strummer produced it along with mick.some people think flea is the flea from the chili peppers(my favourite band)well he's not(go to the b.a.d. page and it tells his real name and it's not mike balzary like flea from the peppers is)for a better b.a.d. album go get the globe or higher power or even their latest f-punk. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Don't deny it..
By far the best TKK album, with 13 Above the Night in 2nd. This album has it all! Sex, Satan & fun! What else could you ask for in a CD?

Smile! Satan wants you for a special friend. . .
The perennial problem with so much industrial music is that it seems to take itself much too seriously. These folks, by contrast, have a sense of humour, and their lyrics and samples tend to be so very much over the top that you can't help but smile. "Daisy Chain for Satan", "Mommie", and "Kooler than Jesus" are some of their best songs.

The Thrill Kill Kult
This album is amazing, very dark, gothic-esq, but still includes their seventies/funk/devil disco feel, which you have to love, something nobody has ever done better, or even came close to their style. "Days of Swine and Roses," is a classic track, with its quintessential gothic/dance melodic beat and disturbing lyrics.."Christian Zomibe Vampires.....I am the father of nothing, the father of blood" Kooler then Jesus is an amazing track, c'mon it's already called 'Kooler then Jesus," you can't beat that. The track was originally from a previously released 12inch, very good dancy track. Rind the Mindway is yet another good track, so is the disturbing Waiting for Mommie, as is Burning Dirt, hell this whole album is perfection. I would say this is their best if not their best album, basically because I feel partial to "Cuz it's hot," &"Daisy Chain for Satan," is actually at the end of cuz it's hot," on the single. This is a must album for this genre of music, and basically for any serious music lover. I got through high school with this album, maybe that makes me sound sick, but it was my savior...smiles I danced many a night to this track at clubs and parties when this was big, or with my group of friend's years ago. Now I'm an old man (29)...but listening to this brings back memories. Ok go now and buy it!

It cuts like a knife.
Even though I owned their debut first, "A Daisy Chain For Satan" was the first song I ever heard from them, and I instantly wanted to hear more. Musically this is a great techno/industrial album, but lyrically it's very dark. Sex, drugs, and Satan. Some of the tracks are very upbeat and aggressive, while others are almost hypnotic, especially in the right state of mind. The albums "I See Good Spirits and I See Bad Spirits" and "Sexplosion" are excellent as well, but I think this one is probably even more essential. It's a good combination of all things "TKK". Plus it's now remastered with extra tracks. I'll never get rid of my vinyl though. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Follow-up nerves
Last year 'The Benjamin Gate' debuted '[Untitled]' to rave reviews. It was sufficient to catch the eyes of Ausy Christian-rockers 'The Newsboys', and America got it's first exposure to the South African group. While press photos make the band look like a wannabe No Doubt, The Benjamin Gate defined themselves as undefinable, by creating familiar but distinct music. While most Christian bands these days are simply trying to copy successful secular artists, The Benjamin Gate is definately the most original Christian band to hit the scene in years. Many bands who release edgy debuts that go big, wus out and go mainstream on their second album, Adrienne and the boys reject the sell-out manuever and stay true to their fans without going the way of Creed and simply rehashing their successful album, assuming that their fans are too stupid to tell the differance. '[Untitled]' was an edgy techno-rock praise and worship CD with lyrics a la The Smashing Pumpkins. 'Contact', with it's uncomprimisingly 'Gate' cover art, delivers a matured sound that is reminiscent of meeting a father after meeting his son. The lyrics, however, are the biggest leap between albums. The praise and worship is left behind for a more human take on Christianity. It's unusual to hear an angsty Christian band, but The Benjamin Gate strikes a cord as they deal with the struggles of Christians in the secular world. This makes the title make a good deal of sense. It's about the Contact betwen Christians and non-Christians. [Untitled] is obviously a reverent referance to the humility in praise and worship. Among the specific subjects are purity in relationships ('The Calling') and anti-conformity ('Do what you say'). 'Contact' while a very differant experience from '[Untitled]' is unarguably Benjamin Gate.

One Great Impulse Buy...
As the title would imply, I bought this on impulse at a recent trip to Best Buy... I'm a sucker for nifty CD covers, and this is no exception. Anywho, that's not really what drew me, what drew me was the Free Sampler to give to a friend... I dunno why... it just drew me to this CD, for some unexplainable reason. (Not to mention that I saw the music video for "All Over Me" from Untitled...). After listening to it, I don't regret it one bit. Album highlights are defintely "Overkill" and "The Calling". I listened to these countless times, and it never gets old... neither does the rest of the CD, for that matter. It's such a fresh sound that it blows you away. I'm kicking myself now for missing them when they came in concert a few weeks ago.

As for Christian music artists turning to ambiguity later in their careers, all I have to say to that statement is that people only want to hear pure worship so much before it gets a little boring, so the artists turn to more poetic lyrics. If you don't like it, there are artists that do nothing but pure worship... just my 2 cents.

Overall, this CD is mind-bogglingly amazing with beautiful lyrics and amazing music to boot. I recommend it to anyone.

Begian Gate at it's best!!!
I herd thier first song "How Long" of thier first CD. But didn't get around to getting it. I like it sound like style of Garbage. Then I was told how good this CD was. I listen to it. Thought good. Then Bought it. I loved it it rocks.Everything I like in Rock music. The Style reminds me more of U2 and the Cranbriess. With sound of it's own. It's got some great rock singles of "Lift me up" and "The Calling". But the rest of the albums just as good. The Lyrics are so from the hart and is so well done. It's a total masterpice. I love altrenative rock and I love it done like this. This easyly one of the best Christian alternative rock CD's of the year. Between them and tree 63 past realsies. Sth Africia looks to be the place for great Alternative rock groups. It's one CDs I just love listen to. Well done I not prasie but I like in Christian music lyrics writtern. Bengian Gate at it's best. Grab it now!!!
-DF

The Ben' Gate's Progression
The Benjamin Gate totally blew me away with their first album "Untitled" with a unique style of acoustics, loops, and vocals. With numerous recognition for songs like "All Over Me", "Lay It Down", and "How Long", I was very pleased to find out that they had released their sophomore album, "Contact". I suppose I'm a little late-to-the-gun seeing as how I just picked it up a few weeks ago from today but it was well worth the money spent.
The band brings a lot of their old techniques in their music mixing it with newer, fresh ideas that adds flavor to the new release. Their focus, of course, is to reveal to the listening public that living according to a perfect will in God and trying to be yourself in this world are two very interesting and beneficial things. Packed with all kinds of ideas through the music and led on by Adrienne Liesching's empowering and unmistakable vocals, the music reaches to the soul but speaks to the everday human as well.
With "The Calling", the message conveyed is that God is calling and we shouldn't ignore that or turn away from the fact that his love is waiting there for us. "Do What You Say" speaks of how we try to be individual in our own way, living under a holy command but dealing with the pressures of the world. Songs like "Light" and "Overkill" portray friendliness both by us sharing it to others and God showing it compassionately to us. "Need" (my all time favorite, f.y.i.) is a praise to God saying that whatever we feel or need we should give to him and not try to handle things on our own. Other songs like "Tonight" and "The Way You Are" are others dealing with how we should be and not be ashamed. "Fall Away", the last song on the album, speaks of our never ending quest to stay in the will. Even though we 'fall away', God can catch us.
The album truly puts a new perspective on the band and the message they convey in both the lyrics and the music itself. I honestly hope to hear more out of the Benjamin Gate in the future.

Get It Now
A MUST HAVE for Alternative Christian fans. Little did I know that less than a year after hearing this awesome CD that the band would be breaking up. Their unique sound coupled with an extraordinary boldness for Christ has left an eternal imprint on my heart. Look for the Demographics, ComPutYourHeadUpInMyHeart, and Spinning Head EP's on the shared files and auction sites if you are lucky to come across them. ... Read more

Album Description

1998 sophomore album for the UK dance-pop duo, currently out-of-print in the U.S. 15 tracks, including the hit, 'The Flipside'. When describing the album, All Music Guide said, 'Abalance of contradictions, Moloko keeps inventiveness and listenability high on their second album'. Standard jewel case. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE?
I just got this CD and to say it surpasses Moloko's debut, "Do You Like My Tight Sweater" is an understatement. This go round on "I Am Not A Doctor", Roisin Murphy's vocals are more mature and tighter than on the first release, and the production is flawless, mixing various styles together into a cohesive package that is sure to impress any funkateer, pop-fan or clubhead! Highly Recommended!

Trippier, hoppier, and even more fun for you...
If you were blown away by Moloko's debut release ("Do You Like My Tight Sweater?"), you'll be even more tickled by their follow up, "I Am Not A Doctor". The fifteen tracks show Moloko at their most infectious -- even if there's not a doctor in the house, you won't mind waiting around for a cure once this album gets under your skin. Although some of the tracks ("Sing it Back", "Caught in a Whisper") are a wee bit more more generically "dance" oriented than those on "Sweater", fans of Moloko's zany improvisiational, Freud-gone-amok lyrics and beats won't be disappointed by such standouts as "Knee Deep", "Be Like You", "The Id", and "Over My Head". Those curious little interstitial tracks you loved on "Sweater" (i.e., "Dirty Monkey") are back here again as well -- "Sorry" gives you a minute and a half of beats a la Kraftwerk circa 1981 with a lyrical delivery Yoko Ono would be proud of. If all this sounds confusing and pretentious, relax, it's not -- "I Am Not A Doctor" is 70 minutes of unabashed fun and groovy beats with intelligence and style. Worth every penny of the import price for the gorgeous cover graphics alone. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Aisle 10 (Hello Allison)," the first single from thissophomore album, is everything you'd hope for from a Grand Royalsigning. Over a loping funk track, Marty James raps about being crushedout on a customer at his day job, leading his JonathanRichman-style narrative to a whopper of a pop chorus. Okeeblowhas more than that surprise up its sleeve. Like out-there hip-hoppers from Basehead to Beck, James letshis eclectic palette of sounds flow in an unself-conscious way. Bluesylicks, early-'70s soul keyboards, Chili Peppers-esque balladry, andeven an overreaching bite of "Moonlight Sonata" are all present andaccounted for. James's book of words ranges similarly far and wide,supplying not only the cry for "help in aisle 10," but a parodicaccount of meeting a 10-year-old who immediately outstreets him ("Star6") and a sketch of homeless life ("Freeway"). While the ambition hereisn't always up to the execution, it's hard not to keep coming back fora taste of James's enthusiasm and overflow of ideas. --RickeyWright ... Read more

Reviews (16)

HOT Scapegoat Wax CD!
The talent the Beastie Boys scout for their record label typically matches their own musical tastes -- and Scapegoat Wax is one of their noteworthy finds. Fresh from Chico's house-party circuit, Wax's Marty James has cultivated an album of diverse styles. On Okeeblow, co-produced with Beasties collaborator Mario Caldato, Jr., James can hop-scotch from rap to hip-hop to '70s funk with admirable agility. "Freeway" is a D'Angelo-style R&B soul track, complete with falsetto harmonies; "Crawling" is an acoustic guitar-driven ballad along the lines of Incubus' "Drive." Despite the requisite scratching and genre-bending, Okeeblow doesn't sound sample-heavy. When he raps on "Evelyn" and "Almost Fine," James fits in with progressive rappers like Outkast and the Roots, who tend to avoid samples in favor of live instrumentation. However, both "Crawling" and "Space to Share" -- while demonstrating James' ability to write and perform well in different genres -- fail to mesh with the otherwise seamless hip-hop-DJ vibe. Lyrically and stylistically, Scapegoat Wax best relates to artists like Beck and the Beastie Boys, wacky alchemists who successfully transcend musical boundaries.

HOT Scapegoat WAX!
Awesome album, everyone! Scapegoat Wax Okeeblow (Grand Royal) Goes well with: The Roots, Everlast, Beck's Midnite Vultures The talent the Beastie Boys scout for their record label typically matches their own musical tastes -- and Scapegoat Wax is one of their noteworthy finds. Fresh from Chico's house-party circuit, Wax's Marty James has cultivated an album of diverse styles. On Okeeblow, co-produced with Beasties collaborator Mario Caldato, Jr., James can hop-scotch from rap to hip-hop to '70s funk with admirable agility. "Freeway" is a D'Angelo-style R&B soul track, complete with falsetto harmonies; "Crawling" is an acoustic guitar-driven ballad along the lines of Incubus' "Drive." Despite the requisite scratching and genre-bending, Okeeblow doesn't sound sample-heavy. When he raps on "Evelyn" and "Almost Fine," James fits in with progressive rappers like Outkast and the Roots, who tend to avoid samples in favor of live instrumentation. However, both "Crawling" and "Space to Share" -- while demonstrating James' ability to write and perform well in different genres -- fail to mesh with the otherwise seamless hip-hop-DJ vibe. Lyrically and stylistically, Scapegoat Wax best relates to artists like Beck and the Beastie Boys, wacky alchemists who successfully transcend musical boundaries.

Amazing album / Ecclectic sound
I heard Aisle 10 ( Hello Allison) on MTV2 one night and thought it was incredibly catchy & the video was hilarious. I had to pick up this album see what it's about. I'm glad I did this is one of the most creative, ecclectic albums I've heard in a while. Marty James has a unique style of rapping over looped samples in a hip hop style on songs Aisle 10 & Star 6. This album incorporates hip hop with Aisle 10, blues, funk on the song Freeway, & soul with Crawling. His influences are evident from Beasties to Chili Peppers & Beck. Stand out tracks are Aisle 10, Freeway, Crawling & Party of one but the whole album is outstanding the produciton is done very well. One of my favorite albums in the 90's & recommend checking it out.

Buy This CD!!
This guys from my home town Chico, CA. Not only is he an awesome dude, hes a great singer and songwritter. His new CD Okeeblow has it all, from up-beat Hip-Hop tracks, To Mellow Jack Johnson Style songs that Im pretty sure anyone will enjoy. He's come a long way in a short period of time. Support Scapegoat and buy his CD and stay away from Kazaa....

Smooth yet Grooves
First....don't listen to other so called critics who might bash this record or Scapegoat Wax in general..they are jealous. This record is amazing and its depth and diversity are the reason. From 70's tinged soulful smooth tracks like "Light of The Moon" to more hip/hop/rap tracks like "Eardrum", this record is addictive. The jazzy/pop (what i call MEATY) tracks are "Freeway" , "Space to Share" , "Perfect Silence"....The man can sing like a white Stevie Wonder(just with a smooth more deliberate voice). Marty James is amazing, and this record reflects just that. Remember, its all about what comes out of you speakers into your ears...NOTHING ELSE matters...This WILL please your ears, trust me...Just buy it!!!... ... Read more

Album Description

The follow up to their last full-length 'Sound Of Water', this is a collection of b-sides, instrumentals and exclusive new tracks. Includes CD-ROM video with two versions of 'How We Used To Live'. 12 tracks 'Roseneck', 'Northwestern', Queen of Polythene', 'Stevie', 'Red Setter', 'Shoot Out The Lights', 'Mountain Rain', 'Bar Conscience', 'Le Ballade De Saint Etienne', 'Thank You', 'Boy Is Crying' and 'Lose That Girl'.Standard jewel case. 2001 release. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

You could do no wrong with Saint Etienne
... "Queen of Polythene" is just absolutely dreamy, something you expect to hear in a cool breezy jazz bar on a Saturday night. If you love Sarah Cracknell's honey-smooth voice (and who doesn't?), hearing her sing in Francaise in "Le Ballade de Saint Etienne" will make your heart melt with delight. "Northwestern" continues the Etienne's tradition of creating fabulous pop music with a dash of evil mixed in. Yes, it's an album of B-sides, but the flow is still surprisingly smooth. And finally, the included video for "How We Used to Live" is worth the purchase alone. Because, hey, where else in the States can you find a SE video?

I'm a big St Et fan, but.....
oh my god, this album is the WORST one they have ever done. EVER. Even Sound of Water was better than this, and that was pretty much rubbish. B-sides of rubbish is even worse. I'm sorry I wasted money on this CD, seeing how I have all of their other albums and from 1991 to 1998, they were sublime. Perfect. Could do no wrong. This music has no beat, no tune, no melody. It's just DULL. If you like all the rest of their music, you will probably HATE this. A real step in the wrong direction.

Never an interlude in creativity or style.
This album is an excellent addition to everyone's music collection and another great one from STE.

a subtle symphony
Interlude provides further insight into Saint Etienne in 2000, revealing the quiet experimentalism of Sound of Water set into more standard 3 minute dreampop contexts. Not as grandiose as Sound of Water, nor as sublime as their previous b-side collections (You need a mess of help to stand alone, Continental, and Fairfax High) but a fine stopgap collection as we all await the next album. Too bad Sub Pop got the track listing wrong, and the remixes are guilty but unnecessary pleasures.

Excellent companion to 'Sound Of Water'
As someone who initially got into St. Etienne as a way to tie myself over while waiting for the next Cardigans release, 2000's 'Sound Of Water' came as a revelation: 10 tracks with elements of brit-pop, dance, and lounge, great song-writing and just about the best production you could ask for (and you're missing out if you're not using headphones to pick up all the subtle elements). All in all, it was the best album of 2000, in my opinion. 'Interlude' is more of the same, and almost as good, as the out-takes and b-sides collected here stand their ground next to the main album. Only the meandering instrumental "Bar Conscious" threatens to derail the disc, but it passes and gives way to better material. In the end a good disc for those who like their past work, but start with 'Sound Of Water' if you're a new listener. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

It rocks!
A great band with a different sound but the Soup Dragons still sound good even for today and it still rocks!!!, The first track to the last will keep the party going!

Make a special rock party with this album - YEAH !!!
The music of this album has a special atmosphere; it also produces complete new sounds compared with the previous works of the band. It's so nice to enjoy it if one can appreciate the quality of the arrangements and also the recording result : they're a mix of so many noises ranging not only from the different instruments effects but also from special effects directly coming from the 60's version of the Star Trek serials! The songs are object of my passion for the Soup Dragons music. Sophisticated rock it is, with a spice of soul music. Do you rock a la Soup Dragons ?

Great Stuff
The reviewer was quite rough. Not every song on this CD is great, but it has some of the most rockinest music I have ever heard for the most part, especially the first two tracks.

Great Album!! One Of A Kind`
An great POP/ROCK Album, A little rock a little dance and a little regga..but a lot of great music ... Read more

Album Details

Released in 1994, this Title is Unavailable in the USA Includes "Paradigm Shift", "Beethoven", "Ivory Tower" and Thirteen More. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Newborn Alphaville
Alphaville has sailed a long trip from their tribut island ( Forever Young) to new land ( Prostitute ). Quitars are come to help keyboards. Alphaville has changed its basic sound much darker and songs are longer than before. If you loved Alphaville's first album, you won't necessarily like this album
because Alphaville isn't anymore 80s synt-pop band. When you hear for exemple Fools and Beethoven, you will know, what I mean.
Prostitute is not easy album to listen through because there are 16 tracks and maybe some booring ballads. It takes long time before you begin to enjoy all album. Be patient and listen all over again then you find how a wonderful musical journey Prostitute can offer you. My favourite songs are Impossible Dream, Ivory Tower and Iron John. Imbossible Dream is a very beautiful ballad for human love with great chorus which can almost reach to sky. Ivory Tower uses Alphaville's earlier hit songs names ( Forever Young, Mystery of Love, Romeos...) skilfully and with good taste. This dramatic song especially its end: "Oh my God! I feel so alone! I am 1 000 000 light years away from home. It seem to be a tragedy. How can I live in Germany. My another house is burning down..." Lyrics are just awesome! Iron John reminds a little Alphaville's earlier hits but it is much darker. Borrow this cd to your friend or library and make you own decision. Finally, Alphaville is not a dead band!

Enter Alphaville & enter a world of music and dreams...
My Alphaville collection is FINALLY up to date when I bought this CD and although SALVATION is the most recent album they have released (at the time of this entry), I have to say that it was well saving the best for last and THAT was a HARD choice to make. It is a diverse album full of suprises and experimental sounds for Alphaville. There are songs like "Ivory Tower" that is every AV-fans dream (trust me-I know what I am saying). There up-beat songs like "Apollo." Songs to make you think, songs that make you cry, songs that are for fun and songs that make you dream. Buy this album and you will be very glad you did!

The Impossible Cream
There's very good tracks like "Ascension Day" (very powerful track), "The Impossible Dream", "Iron John", "Ivory Tower", "Beethoven" and "Euphoria" (unfortunately there's three minute instrumental in this song before it starts, it becomes better while reaching the end). Anyway the more you listen to this album the more you'll like it. This must be Alphaville's second best album.

The best Alphaville album ever!
Get over "Forever Young" and "Afternoons in Utopia". Those are classics, but... THE REAL ALPHAVILLE are here in "Prostitute"!!!
I am a huge fan of the band, and talking about the pop music in general - I think this album is the most professional record that has ever been produced. With just over 70 min. of playing time, this album is a unique mix of different moods and attitudes in both music and lyrics. Marian Gold's incredible voice is at its best. It's quite a shame M. Gold is one of those artists, who are left underestimated, as I think he's a very talanted singer and songwriter... I wish there had been more hit singles released out of the album, apart from "Fools" and "The Impossible Dream". My personal favourite tracks are: "Ivory Tower", "Iron John", "All In The Golden Afternoon", "Ascension Day".
In conclusion, I have to say this album is a must-have CD for every fan of intelligent pop music.

The best album of 1994 (Perhaps the album of the decade!)
There is a definite crime involved with this album, the crime of neglect. eight years ago America was deprived of the most complex, compelling and dynamic material thus created by AV. One can understand how threatened the American labels felt when they heard this music. After hearing this sound why would you want to go back to the radio?

Okay, enough of the polemics.
Prostitute is a vital album. It reflects a difficult time in the bands' history. The themes presented here are deep, meaningful and stirring. Gold, Echolette and Lloyd don't make this an easy experience - this isn't Forever Young. The previous albums allow you to visit them. Prostitute is a complete experience; one best followed from start to finish.
The sound is dark, mature and far more sophisticated than most synth-bands. I consider 'The Impossible Dream', 'Iron John' and 'Euphoria' to be among the best work they've ever done.

A defining album of the 1990's, quite possibly THE defining album of the 90s. Yes, Salvation is excellent but there is something inherently more powerful in this haunting tome.

Listen and perpare to be moved. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A near-perfect CD with super vocals, beats, and arrangements
I first discovered The Beloved with the release of this album. In the summer of '93 I used to hear "Sweet Harmony" every morning on my drive into work, and I was hooked. I later bought their first album (Happiness) and their latest (X) when it was released. This is the album to start with if you're interested in The Beloved. The songs on this album are mellow, beautiful, and very danceable. Grooves that reach out and pull you in combined with flawless musical arrangements make this album a must have. As a whole, the album only has one subpar track out of eleven. "Paradise Found" is a bit boring at over 7 minutes. But the rest of this album is amazing. My favorite tracks (believe me, it's difficult to pick) are "Spirit," the aforementioned "Sweet Harmony," "Outerspace Girl," and "Dream On." But, like I said, the rest of this album is amazing as well. Jon Marsh's lead vocals make the music seem even more soothing. "Let The Music Take You" is the title of one of the tracks and it's good advice for those who buy this album. The mood of it is very relaxing and free. It's a beautiful album that gives you a great feeling when you listen to it, so let it pull you in and put you in a good mood. Consisting of Jon Marsh, his wife Helena, and on this album a host of other musicians, the Beloved are the best group nobody has ever heard of. This is a meticulously crafted album. I currently own over 350 discs and this one makes my top five. Need I say more?

This is a great album!
My two favorite songs on this album are "Sweet Harmony" & "Dream On", I originally had this on a single then had to by the cd & it's great. I would recommend this album to anyone. The music is dream like & the lyrics are flowing. I just wish that this band was more popular in the US. Unfortunately really great music always gets passed over for what's popular.

Perfect
I dare anyone to put a review here with less than 5 stars on this.

There is some amazing music on this disc!
I worked for a dance club in college, and Outerspace Girl was a favorite among dj's. There are other songs on the album that are amazing, but this song is really my favorite. There's just something about it that puts you in better mood, every time. I absolutely love it!

spaced out seduction
The Beloved are on a much higher plane of thinking than most pop bands. Your awareness and outlook are raised by listening to this cd. My first exposure to the band was with Beavis and Buthead...the obnoxious duo liked the video for "Sweet Harmony" because everyone was naked but then hated it in the end because they didn't show what they were looking for. Still, I liked it and was given this cd by a friend. A lot of the tracks stand out to me but some are a little over the top (Rock to the Rhythm of Love and Let the Music Take You). The two I consider my favorite would be You've Got Me Thinking and 1000 Years from today. They are a little slower than the rest but incredibly beautiful musically and lyrically. The songs on here are very sensual and have a spaced out feeling to them...like I said on a higher plane. Listening to this always makes me feel good...especially now in light of recent events.

"...try to find a place we can all belong...if we unify we should really try...make a better world...let's come together right now (oh yeah) in sweet harmony" ... Read more

Reviews (6)

glad I found this !
The song How We Do is bangin ... as well as the whole cd !! a mixture of Prince, Egyptian Lover,& Soft Cell Good stuff .. recommend !! Hope to hear more things in the future from these guys !!

But what else is there out there, anyway?
The composition on this release deserves 5 stars. The mix, well, unless you have maybe 15 bands of graphic eq, don't try to listen to this album through headphones (you might hurt yourself). While you've got your eq out, you might want to cut the annoying lead vocal out while you're at it. 5 solid tracks out of 13.

Ultra Sex never stops!
Mount Sims is one of those groups that deserves so much more credit than they have received. Sure, Mount Sims has a following, but there are other groups like Ladytron and Fischerspooner who are receiving most of the acclaim for electroclash music. I think that Mount Sims takes things one step further by adding one more aspect to their music: real 80's revival. The best song on the album "How We Do" even has some fun lyrics with the singer saying "And the way you comb your hair, like it's 1982". The lead singer in Mount Sims is a male voice very similar to that of Felix Da Housecat. "Escape Hatch", "Black Sunglasses", "Togeter Alone" are all worthy and are the standout tracks on this album (in my opinion). "Escape Hatch" has the 80's video game synthesizers in it which sounds so freaking awesome when layered between around the male vocalist from Mount Sims. "Black Sunglasses" is a pretty big hit (and a good one) in the underground electroclash movement, as it appears on a handful of compilations. "Together Alone" is very, very, very similar to "Hella Good" by No Doubt, which was a big song in the USA last year. However, Mount Sims has even outdone that top hit with "Together Alone".

This is one of those albums that needs to be purchased early on. Don't put it off. I can't think of many electroclash albums in my collection that are more thrilling than this one.

This album should come with a pack of condoms
This album is everything moist and utterly, humanly sexy...qualities most electronic/electro music lacks. The electronic beats are appealing in it's retro 80's New Wave feel, but the best parts are the juicy lyrics and the gutteral voice of Mount Sims. He can actually carry a tune, and writes really naughty lyrics that manage to be poetic also. My favorite is "Escape Hatch," which not only has a neo-pop, catchy melody, but also really profound lyrics that desribes how love/sex is an escape from the mundane, literally mechanical grind of daily life. When he croons, "I want to escape with you...under the naked glass...disappear in your room...look what the future has," it is really easy to identify with that intense image. Other good songs include: "How We Do" "Black Sunglasses" "Good Service" (I love the double entendre of this song) "Together Alone." If you like Human League, Dead or Alive, Giorgio Morodor, early Duran Duran and other 80s New Wave (especially electronic Brit groups such as New Order, Pet Shop Boys), plus earthy raunchiness, buy this album.

More like 3 1/2 stars, but closer to 4
This is a really decent collection of songs. "How You Do", "Good Service", and "Hollywood Bride" are all varied, inventive, catchy and fun. What this album lacks is a really good mix and a bit of production. Although electro mixes are notoriously dry, this one sounds like it went straight from the computer to cd. The songs sound a little dead as a result. There are also times where a few backing vocalists might have helped to flesh things out a bit. These criticisms aside, Mt. Sims writes great songs and deserves a wonderful future in pop! This album would be a welcome addition to a collection that includes Fischerspooner and Ladytron. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Not an essential purchase
This really isn't a very good album, I'm sorry to say. For years, Erasure have been giving the world terrific pop music, characterized by beautiful melodies and singing, while aiming for a classic electronic sound away from any techno/dance du jour. Like lots of long-running groups, they've gotten the urge to 'experiment' a bit with their sound - and there's never anything wrong with that if it produces some good stuff.

However, in a rush to try something outside the typically "Erasure-ish" sound, they really didn't replace it with anything distinctive or compelling. A lot of the tracks seemed unfinished, and the whole CD sounds like an unfocused demo. All the acoustic guitars, one take sounding vocals, and some more hard-hitting beats aren't unwelcome in principle, but they don't seem to have grasped that those require different songwriting approaches. In fact, I'd say it's really in the song-writing that the album falls down. Erasure songs have proven to sound great without the electronics (there's a beautiful acoustic version of their "Sono Luminous"!), but on LOVEBOAT the unusual sonic window-dressing just exaggerates how under-written the songs are.
One other problem: some listeners may find the equalization and mixing to be annoying, especially on "Where In the World" where the bass is cranked to an absurd level. It's things like that that make this CD seem sloppy and careless. If you're new to Erasure, you're advised to look elsewhere for the magic.

This is the first Erasure album since the debut to truly flop, in both the UK and the US. The music-buying public got it right. Erasure have made wonderful albums in the past, and have made another since. This just isn't one of them.

salvaging the wreckage
After reading so many terrible reviews of Loveboat over the past couple of years, I was extremely hesitant to buy the album, but finally figured that it was part of Erasure's history, and deserved a listen.

My initial reaction to the album was a desire to corner Vince and Andy and ask them to tell me, with a straight face, that they actually thought this was a good album to put out. With repeated listens, there are seven songs that are either decent or great, and four that are truly horrible and best forgotten.

The good songs:

Freedom- Perhaps a little naive thematically, but still a good single. The lyrics are kind of esoteric, which isn't a bad thing. I especially love the line, "You've got to believe."

Where in the World- Yes, it's mixed wrong. At least three or four times during the song, you hear feedback! Still, Andy sings it in the lower register of his voice, and lyrically it's quite melancholy, without being sappy.

Alien- A very relaxing, dreamy song, with that addictive "ooh-ah." The sound mix is right, and it's a shame that it wasn't released as a single. The only minor complaint is that at the end of song, you hear a brief reprise of the song, at a very low volume, for more than a couple of seconds! (Hope I explained myself there!)

Here in My Heart- Another would-be single, very uplifting and full of energy. Classic Erasure.

Love is the Rage- I can't bring myself to like the first line, "Woman, if I were your woman...". Gee, Andy, how can you sing that with a straight face? Anyhow, it's a guitar-laden track, again slightly distorted, but very different from most anything else they had done to date.

Catch 22- Sonically, it's a more relaxed version of Here in My Heart. Very likeable, expect for the "no misdemenor, there's a ring upon my finger" line, which made me cringe. Again, slightly drowned out.

Moon & The Sky- Erasure's attempt to create something bombastic. It kind of reminds me of Fangoria, the Spanish goth-techno group. If mixed properly, it could have worked, but then again they did release the maxi single, so it's been redeemed.

The bad songs for me are Crying in the Rain, Perchance to Dream (why do so many people like this horrible song?), Mad as We Are, and Surreal. They are as much fun or soothing as having blisters on the bottom of your feet. The rest of the album, properly mixed, would have been fine, but these tracks are unredeemable!

Well, hopefully Vince and Andy have learned from this fiasco of an album, and won't make the upcoming Nightbird a repeat experiment.

Loveboat
Loveboat~ Erasure is a misnomer for this sorry effort. The album should have been called Titanic 2 since one has a sinking feeling through the entire album and it never gets any better. Shame...

Don't board this boat
Concur with the reviewer who was very disappointed with the sound quality of Penchant to Dream. That was the only song where Andy Bell's amazing voice could potentially be utilized, but the mix came out like a bad load of laundry: static-y and murky.
For some reason critics like this album. However, its abysmal chart performance in the UK and US reflects its true nature. It is extremely mediocre and put me to sleep. Sounded like Clay Aiken droning to over-produced drivel.
The best Erasure album is I Say, I Say, I Say.

a Sonic mess, but with great tunes
I dock this CD one point because of the production, engineering and mixing. If it was supposed to be mixed this way, then I must be missing out on something. Most of the tunes on this disc, especially my personal favorite "Perchance to Dream", are mixed so oddly, with the vocals mixed way down and the bass SO way up front, it makes a horrible murky thudding mess of almost any system I play it on, whether it's on my home system , my computer system, my walkman, or in my truck. I have to adjust the bass so far down that it makes most of the songs inaudible and unenjoyable. That said, the majority of the tunes themselves are brilliant, as usual, full of the hooks fans have come to expect from Erasure. I find far less material I consider "filler" on Loveboat than on earlier, more popular releases such as Wild! and The Innocents. All in all, not as bad as many fans are making this out to be. I just think Loveboat should have been remastered or given to another remixer before being released in the US. I think it would have been more succesful. Then again, I'm sure Andy and Vince are happy with it, otherwise they wouldn't have let it go out like this. If I could sit them down and ask them myself, I surely would. ... Read more

Album Details

A Long Lost Live Relic from the Band Started by Joy Division/New Order Bassist Peter Hook, David Hicks and Chris "c.j." Jones. This Concert was Recorded in 1991. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Jesus... what an album!
This one is 2 concerts of joy from Revenge from August 3 and January 31 1991. Good quality and certainly an add-on to One True Passion V. 2.0 from last year. New Order fans; buy it! ... Read more

Album Description

A 16-song Kollection of all your Kult favorites; THE BE(a)ST OF TKK Kovers their Kareer from the earliest days to the end of the century!Features Sex On Wheelz and 'Cuz It's Hot. 16 trackks of foulmouthed depravity and cheap thrills! ... Read more