Reviews (44)

Better then than now
When this album came out in the US in 1985, it seemed really interesting to me. The mood...Andrew Eldritch keeps the accelerator going up and down, always feels like the band has a terrific pent-up energy that is never released. Perfect innovation in a time when rock music was going either to simple basics or to wretched excess. This is dark without drone. It was appealing to a college student who didn't want any more sappy love music or "Slow Ride." I cannot highlight one song over another; the theme is consistent.

Years later, I heard Fields of the Nephilim for the first time. Yes, in the earlier stuff there's some striking imitation. If you listen to "Laura," which includes pre-FALAA tunes from the Neph, then pick up "Dawnrazor," the Sisters absorption becomes obvious.

This is not to disparage Fields of the Nephilim. In my view, the Sisters of Mercy dissolved into nothing more than Eldritch's playtoy due to incessant lineup changes. The Neph hung on a little longer and took that gothic-inspired theme much farther, before exhausting it and piddling off into obscurity. "Nephilim" and "Elizium" are more enduring works, not matching Eldritch's lyrical poetry but surpassing the Sisters in musical creativity and studio polish. Today, these recordings are a lot more enjoyable to listen to than anything the Sisters put up. I don't believe the Neph would have amounted to anything, though, without a serious shove from "First and Last and Always."

Over the years, I have gotten a great deal of pleasure out of all of these albums and have mourned the groups' inability to extend a momentary flourish into a more expansive genre. The great thing here is the power the Sisters and the Neph generated without guitar distortion--loud and clear.

Still classic, but could use a disclaimer
A bit aurally anachronistic at first (Eldritch's deep, booming bass vocals sounding like David Bowie slowed to half speed, when coupled with pop-ish drum and keyboard patterns that so immediately ressurect the 80's, brought a frown to my face the first time I put this disc on), like many underrated albums, FALAA begins to grow on you after awhile until it eventually draws you fully into its sound. There isn't really a display of major songwriting talent on this album; what seems to save it from falling into a forgettable mid-eighties power-pop nihil are the vocals...The Sisters helped redefine the stereotypical goth pretense that as long as you sounded depressed when you played music it would sound good. So why did I give it four stars? Because, well, it simply *is* good. The album's songs flow very well from one to the next, and manage to keep your interest up. The first five songs are definitely ones worth remembering, and the last five ain't so bad either, although you may find yourself wishing it would end as the songs seem to get longer and lack the intensity of the first half. Warning: Don't listen to this album unless if you're slightly depressed...Eldritch's bullfrog croak will sap your energy like a hot summer day.

100+ Stars...
Folks, I have a tendancy to change my favorite artist/album, very often. I know I recently stated ELO's 'Discovery' as my all-time favorite, but after listening to this album a few times today, I have been forced to change my mind. I may change again, and trust me it gets annoying - but I will never stop loving this album. The guitars are low, haunting, and chiming echos that linger in your thoughts for the longest time. Eldrich is a pure musical genious. His dark, haunting, and extremley low vocals have influenced every Goth band this side of the equator. Amazing vocals. This music sounds like something you would hear at a graveyard. It's not rock, It's not metal, It's...Goth. It is hard to describe. IT Is beautifully crafted, dark, romantic, classical influenced goth music. And It's excellent. Everything. 'Black Planet', 'Walk Away', 'No Time To Cry' and 'Marian' are all dark and brooding, dismal and dreary. They my disturb as during the music you will begin to think of death. But this music is excellent. A must own, pure brilliance - A Classic.

The Best Sisters Album?
FALAA never got the recognition or club play of its follow-up "Floodland" but that doesn't mean it wasn't as good if not better. This album, their official debut (though many EPs and singles preceded it), wasn't as clearly danceable or built for primetime. However, it was darker, more foreboding and perhaps more consistent start to finish. There are no weak spots on this. For me, the singles "No Time to Cry" and "Walk Away" are great but likely rank in the bottom 1/3 of the 10 songs. And if you can find the b-sides then get them; "Poison Door" would have been one of the best songs on the album.

There were few albums at the time this dark yet able to remain catchy and vibrant. The Cure's "Pornography" was equally dark but not nearly as accessible - not necessarily a bad thing depending what you want. Bauhaus may have been more artistic, yet it took many years for a larger audience to realize their brilliance.

All in all, this may be the Sisters best. I have heard it maybe 1,000 times and every song has been a favorite at one time or another. "Nine While Nine", "Marian", "Some Kind of Stranger and the title track are epic tales of loss, betrayed love, smoldering desperation and loneliness. A must for anyone a little dark on the inside.

Note: for people who claim that Fields of the Nephilim were nothing more than a Sisters clone, that is a sad and empty claim that reflects more on your lack of knowledge than on reality. It may have seemed true at first but Nephilim went on to release several amazing works. "The Nephilim" and "Elizium" are unparalelled in this genre and most others, including TSOM. "Elizium" might be the most fully realized vision ever created in what is called Goth but it transcends the label so greatly it is pointless to use the term.

Essential goth-metal.
This debut of theirs may not be as popular as their next two albums, but it's still my favorite. It starts off with the great "Black Planet", which sets the mood for the rest of the disc. "Walk Away" and "No Time To Cry" seem to be favorites, but I don't like them as much as the rest. "Marian [version]" is an amazing and hypnotic song. Both "Possession" and "Nine While Nine" I like alot, and the former has an awesome bass groove. But the track I love most, and what makes this my favorite album of theirs, is the epic "Some Kind Of Stranger". It's got to be one of the most gothic, and dramatic love songs I've ever heard. I've played it by candlelight many times. Fans of "Bauhaus" and "Type O' Negative" order this now. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Having threatened to enter into retirement after 2000's bleak goodbye letter, Bloodflowers, weathered British goth idols the Cure turned around only to discover their sound being commandeered by the likes of the Rapture, Hot Hot Heat, and Interpol. Is it any wonder the band seems a little put out on its self-titled 13th studio album? The disc sounds like a terse history lesson covering all eras of its back catalog, from the baroque post-punk of 1981's Faith ("Labyrinth") and jangle-pop of 1987's Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me ("Taking Off") straight through the atmospheric dirges of 1989's Disintegration ("The Promise") and the dark-tinged MOR of 1996's Wild Mood Swings ("The End of The World"). It's not so much a comeback effort as a collection of templates affirming that no one does the Cure better than themselves. --Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (120)

"you promised me another dream"
Time will tell if "The Cure" stands up as a classic in the canon, but it's new, fresh sounding, and a fantastic listen. The track "Lost" ranks right up there with all the great opening Cure tracks such as "Plainsong", "Want", and "Open" to name a few. The pent up emotion waiting to explode, those first few brushes of dissonant guitar as Robert whispers, "I can't find myself", his vocal is the lead instrument as the song swirls to an explosive finale. That's one of the beauties of this album..his voice is in such good form, he's not just singing lyrics, his voice is complenting the music.

"Labyrinth" is another interesting song. I love the dual production. The song explodes out of gorgeous sinister murkiness midway to explode in clear in your face reality.

I'm only on the third listen, and it's easy to tell that the rewards of the album creep out with repeated spins.

Most Cure fans try to compare each new release to their earlier works, and it's really difficult to place this album. I hear a little bit from "Disintegration" onward in it. Make no mistake though, this album stands on it's own.

Really looking forward to hearing these songs live this summer on the Curiosa tour.

'though not their greatest, still a good listen
"THE CURE" album is not my favorite album by the Cure, but it stands on its own as a solid unique effort by Robert and the boys. Some songs flash back to earlier albums. Anniversary could easily have been found on the Faith album. The Promise could have been a B-side from the Kiss Me album. Even the Head on the Door was represented. It was nice to hear self-loathing turn in to anger with Us and Them, a song I still can't get out of my head. After the first song Lost (which I should have known was going to suck because every 1st song on every album in the last 15 years sucked)I really got into. From Anniversary on I was hooked. Downsides...there are a few. Robert's a bit screachy throughout the album and for Christ sake can we get Jason to stop cymbal crashing through the entire album. Boris would never approve. I miss Boris and Porl. The Cure hasn't been the same since their departure. "The Cure" is for Cure fans and God bless 'em for it. If Robert makes it, I'll always love it.

Still Taking Off
Taking Off is one of the really stand out songs on the recent album by The Cure. Other great songs among this spectacular album are Anniversary, The End of the World, Lost, and Alt. End. The CD is perfect for listening to while hanging out with friends or relaxing. The Cure are still going strong into a new decade.

Boring and uneven
I have always been a Cure fan, but this was the first one that did nothing for me at all. Can't find a single hook or good melody. Listened to it 4 times so far, keep hitting the "next track" button. A HUGE disappointment. The songs sound - MESSY and disorganized.

all in a box
With the new album out, The Cure is redicovering their old roots and forming a few new ones in the process. Headlining with their Curiosa Festival and the new album out in stores, the band proves that they still have the juice needed to get the goths, new wavers, and indie kids alike dancing to their music.

Discover the sound or reaquaint yourself, now. ... Read more

Album Description

Another classic reissue from Superfecta Recordings. Not only are the original 11-tracks from LONG LIVE THE NEW FLESH presented in their remastered glory, but 4 bonus tracks (also remastered) have been added to the mix: The extended versions of "Postcards From Paradise" and "Siamese Twist," as well as their respective B-Sides, "I'm Not Like Everybody Else" and "Dumbest Thing." The bonus tracks have never before appeared on CD.

Nick Marsh, Flesh's lead singer, has supplied a slew of classic photos and memorabilia that are reproduced for the package and he even penned the liner notes. The booklet also includes the original lyrics.

On top of all that, this CD features just about the biggest alternative hit from 1987, "I Go Crazy," first heard in John Hughes’ motion picture, Some Kind of Wonderful. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

THANK YOU!!!!
Okay, wow! I have been waiting YEARS for this to be reissued. This has got to be one of the BEST albums from the '80s!! "Postcards From Paradise" was the soundtrack to my senior year of high school. Even the lesser known songs "Sleeping Dogs", "Crash" and "Lucky Day" are amazing! And the bonus tracks *bows to Superfecta* I'm just amazed I actually have this. ... Read more

Reviews (36)

How long before some more of this?
Before I start the review, I should explain that I'm not a goth more of a synth man with a penchant for some rock music - mostly commercial mind.

My first exposure to SOM was This Corrosion back in '87. I'd never heard anything by the previous incarnation, and don't really wish to hear more either after listening to the last three tracks on this compilation. This CD lists the tracks in reverse chronological order with the three tracks from early SOM last. All three of these sound incredibly weak compared to what comes before, although I'd like to have heard the "new" Sisters remake Walk Away and No Time To Cry.

There are no signs of weakness in the other tracks included here, lots of power and powerfully under-stated vocals from Andrew Eldritch. This CD showcases the extended versions of these songs (aside from the last three) and they hurl along mostly at 200mph so don't get in the way. One thing I would say is that Vision Thing sounds more commercial than the previous gem Floodland, but commerciality is not always a bad thing (unless you hate boy bands...).

Whatever you think, it's obvious that SOM are no ordinary rock/goth band. I can't imagine anyone-else tempting Ofra Haza to sing on Temple Of Love (1992) or Terri Nunn on Under The Gun. The Jim Steinman co-written More is fantastic if a little repetitive, this collaboration should be explored more by Eldritch.

Best tracks - This Corrosion, Temple Of Love (1992), More and Dominion/Mother Russia.

The beautiful, yet rocking side of Gothic/Industrial
While "Lucretia, My Reflection" will always call to mind clove cigarettes, black lace and Doc Martins, elements of this collection go far beyond a single scene or narrow categorization, such as this media-influenced notion of "Goth".

The Sisters of Mercy sound is motorcycle guitar meets Bach, and it works. Lead singer and frontman Andrew Eldritch's voice is quintessential Gothic, a la Peter Murphy, carrying all the edginess you'd expect to come with the black-leather, pale-skin look, but soothing in its own right. Lyrically, the songs hit a mark that eludes today's wannabe Goth/Pop tunes. When's the last time anything in the top 40 approached the sharp complexity of "I hear the roar of a big machine/Hot metal and methedrine"? What's more, these lyrics dare to have haunting depth, as the chorus of probably their best-known song, "More," pleas for what we all want: "And I need all the love I can get/And I need all the love that I can't get, too."

This CD is a must for anyone who's ever worn black lipstick, as well as for anyone who's ever wondered why someone might want to.

Who said this is good?
I read some glowing reviews of this CD so I thought I would give it a chance....big mistake. This has to be one of the worst CDs I've ever bought, it's uninspired and features poor production values. Just terrible, I can't believe this is a greatest hits collection, I would hate to hear the CDs these songs were taken from.
If you're hungry for some new music the new Beastie Boys CD is Great, Bonds "Classified" is really good and Mr.Deviant's "Techno Obsession" is just killer, it's a mix of power rock and hard dance music.

Pure Trash
I might as well listen to Michael Jackson...it would be the same thing.

Goth??
I was listening to Floodland in the 80's, not to mention the Cure, Joy Division, and Ministry. I never wore black eye makeup or hung around people who did, or dyed my hair black. So called Goth's misappropriated great music and slapped their stupid label on it, thereby limiting its appeal to non-Goths who also do not want a label slapped on them. The whole Goth thing to me is very sad, and very, very bourgeoise. How suburban can you get. F-off and leave my music alone. ... Read more

Reviews (33)

"Beautiful"
Since 1998, when Jon Crosby released his stunningly artistic goth/industrial LP album, "Visual Audio Sensory Theater", he has greatly achieved a well-sculpted, evocative step into a different breed of music and sound all his own. To say that his majestic voice is just "excellent" is not enough. You have to feel the soul in his voice and the emotions to truly comprehend the peaceful, yet still fairly dark sacredness this landmark alternative goth rock album expresses. From the opening track, Turquoise (which is mind-blowingly powerful), to the soft closing track, "Desert Garden", there's always the presence of true and provocative emotion from start to finish. The loving closing track has great acoustic chords. I haven't found one bad or filler song on this whole CD since I put it in my player. I hope you'll experience the same. This is the Vast album we've all been waiting for and it's finally here. If you are new to Vast, you've got a lot to look forward to.

Definately a step back in the right direction...
After their disappointing second album, it's good to have Vast getting back on the right track. Granted, "Visual Audio Sensory Theatre" set the bar pretty steep, but looking back on it, "Music for People" was just a weak, overly commercial effort. Does the music on "Nude" reach up the lofty heights of quality set by their debut? Quite frankly, No. It feels a bit stilted, while the debut had an effortless flow. The music isn't as diverse as either of the previous albums, and lyrics, while personal, aren't as powerful as Crosby's lyrics have been in the past. However, there is a lot to like here, as well. "Turquoise" and "Desert Garden" are great as bookends, "Be with me" is great and "Japanese Fantasy" is just cool. And I'm glad to hear that Jon Crosby has some more good songs in him. It gives me hope for the future.

This CD rocks!
I am a huge VAST fan. I fell in love with the first CD back during my college radio days. I was really taken aback when I saw a live performance back in 1998. (I actually did get to meet Jon several times after that.) I was hooked from then on. This third album, 6 years after that live performance, is fantastic.

Nude harkens back to VAST's early days, when their sound was darker, more gothic in nature, more alluring and mysterious. (Even though their second album was good also, it was also very mainstream sounding, hence why this album was released on another label.) This album attempts the difficult task of recapturing that sound and making it unique and new. I think that is accomplished.

My favorite tracks are "Thrown Away" and "I Can't Say No to You." I think fans of Beck, Nine Inch Nails, and other eclectic rock groups will greatly enjoy this album. I have listened to it approximately 40 times since my purchase, and continue to listen to it willingly.

Thrown Away? Try Blown Away!
I am a huge VAST fan. I fell in love with the first CD back during my college radio days. I was really taken aback when I saw a live performance back in 1998. (I actually did get to meet Jon several times after that.) I was hooked from then on. This third album, 6 years after that live performance, is fantastic.

Nude harkens back to VAST's early days, when their sound was darker, more gothic in nature, more alluring and mysterious. (Even though their second album was good also, it was also very mainstream sounding, hence why this album was released on another label.) This album attempts the difficult task of recapturing that sound and making it unique and new. I think that is accomplished.

My favorite tracks are "Thrown Away" and "I Can't Say No to You." I think fans of Beck, Nine Inch Nails, and other eclectic rock groups will greatly enjoy this album. I have listened to it approximately 40 times since my purchase, and continue to listen to it willingly.

If you like Euro-rock & club music, then check out VAST!
If you like the clubby & Eurorock, then definitely check out V.A.S.T. Founded by Jon Crosby, it includes Norm Block on drums, Thomas Froggart on base & Jon himself on everything else. The music itself is clubby & base-heavy, but very danceable. Jon's vocals are a cross between Bono & Morten Harket of a-ha, one of my favorite bands; remember "Take On Me"? Well, you should check out their 2 most recent albums, "Minor Earth/Major Sky" & "Lifelines" - their darker moments are strongly reminiscent of V.A.S.T. To me it's a cross between them & U2, with a strong admixture of club sound. Jon's influences are stated as the Cure & U2, & it shows - this has a slight New-Waveish feel to it. I think it is an admixture of all three of these bands. There is a lot of acoustic guitar blended with piano & keyboard. There is even a touch of Middle-Eastern sound here & there. It's up-to-date, yet a touch retro. With all the melodic strengths of the afore-mentioned bands, the melodies shimmer along over percussion & base. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Reviews (163)

One of the greatest CD's, by far the band's best work
It is obvious that Stabbing Westward's music has greatly grown and matured ever since their original CD; "Ungod". "Wither Blister Burn & Peel" was a great follow-up, but this album is the band's best work. I was actually very surprised to read many fan's reviews, saying that this album wasn't as carefully put together and didn't have the same energy or power behind it.

If you listen closely to the lyric's of the songs, the general flow of the music, and the way the songs are structured, you will notice that the album is essentially written in four parts. Similar to the rest of Stabbing Westward's work, the CD focuses on relationships and where they go wrong. The other theme present is how we mess up in life and how to get back on the right track. A very depressing album.

The first four songs focus on how we mess up in life and the terrible, threatening mistakes we make. "Darkest Days" is a great opening song, makes great use of the band's percussion and Chris Hall's emotional lyrics. Second is "Everything I Touch", a powerful song discussing how he ruins everything he gets involved with. Afterwards are (in my opinion) the two best songs on the album. "How Can I Hold On? (Dog Attack)" is a fast-paced gothic/industrial tune that gets the adrenaline going. The follow-up is "Drugstore", the most emotionally-charged song on the CD, talking about drug abuse and the influence that people have on each other.

The second portion of the album deals with relationships, specifically the ones that are torn apart by lies, disagreements, etc. "You Complete Me" is really the only upbeat song in this section, and pretty much on the album as well. "Save Yourself", "Haunting Me", and "Torn Apart" are more adrenaline-pumping songs, all strong and fast-paced.

Then, sitting right in the middle is the portion to listen to when you're feeling down, when you've reached that low point in life that's hard to get out of. "Drowning" and "Goodbye" are slow-moving, but no less emotional than anything else on here. But the real standout's in this section are "Sometimes It Hurts" and "Desperate Now".

Wrapping the album up is the most emotion-filled, most powerful portion of the entire album. The theme behind it is standing behind your beliefs in life. The pure anger and violence in "When I'm Dead" and "The Thing I Hate" makes them some of the best industrial tunes out there. "On Your Way Down" uses skillful guitar playing and lyrics, which refer to how celebrities screw people over in life to get to the top. The closing track on the album, "Waking Up Beside You" is enough to bring a lot of people to tears. This song rises above the majority of the rest of the band's work.

Although the album is split into four general themes and sections, it also has the capability to flow through as one theme, a strange talent that is rare to find in a CD and a band itself. I strongly recommend this, and anything else by Stabbing Westward, to anyone who likes hard rock and industrial.

Stabbing Westward's Metallic Rock...
Stabbing Westward really hits the nail hard with the hammer on DARKEST DAYS, probably one of the most angst-y rock albums to grace us in 1998. With angry and dark lyrics about failed relationships and the like, Stabbing Westward made the music more metallic than industrial. DARKEST DAYS is hard charging and full of emotion.

"Save Yourself" was a great choice for a first single...it rocks hard and gets down to the point. "When I'm Dead" and "Torn Apart", however, win the battle for most angry rockers on this album. "When I'm Dead" is a twister of scalding guitars, angry vocals, and a fast pace. "Torn Apart" is also seething with angry guitars and throbbing drums. I really liked "Sometimes It Hurts", the beat, the guitars, the words fit right together in the song. The video might make your head spin, but the song you can't forget. The closer "Waking Up Beside You" seems to be an ode to the longing of a morning with a lover. All in all, this whole album is what I had hoped Stabbing Westward would create.

DARKEST DAYS is what many fans have come to cherish from Stabbing Westward. It's a cathartic ride from start to finish, and you're carefully cautioned to hop on for the ride at your own risk. This really is angst at it's most genuine and painful...done Stabbing Westward style.

Safety in Mediocrity
Darkest Days is pretty bad. I've spent a couple minutes here staring blankly at this pulsating screen trying to come up with an opening statement a little smarter sounding than that, but alas, it'll serve it's purpose. The only thing more discouraging than this band's total lack of originality is the apparently bloated following it's recieved. Bloated, in fact, can be applied to this album in a number of different ways. First, the lyrics, which I would consider bloated with hot air. Like a balloon. A big, angsty, self-absorbed balloon. Honestly, nothing here transcends the level of drama you'll see on an episode of Dawson's Creek. There's no symbolism (at least none worth mentioning), no creativity, and, here's the kicker, no sincerity. Quite a few popular rock bands manage to complain about failed relationships and the amount of suckage involved with life (suckage usually brought on by said relationships) over the same number of tracks Stabbing Westward do. It's not deep, it's not moving, it's not romantic. It's dumb and trite. Not unlike the music, which plays out like really lame sounding, cookie-cutter industrial. Or really bad sounding Nine Inch Nails. Which, essentially, is what this band is, a poor man's Nine Inch Nails. Take away the talent, the lyrical integrity, the complex song arrangements, and the diversity, and you might get something akin to Stabbing Westward. And I'm not the type of person who thinks every modern electro-rock act is an NIN ripoff - I think Orgy are far from it, and extremely talented - but the boys in Westward are just too obvious to get away with it. Spare yourself the mediocrity and look someplace else.

excelent album
This is probably the best cd ever realeased by the group. It has a dark heavy metal aspect not found on their later cd's. The #1 song of course is "drug store" listen and be amazed.

Sliping underground
To my embarasement I accidently posed this on their self titled album.....I don't like their self titled album .....

First off.... many people in here make some kind of reference to Nine Inch Nails in thier reviews.I must say Stabbing Westward sound nothing like Nine Inch Nails, and I own every NiN album.

I just recently heard this album,and I was blown away, I own Wither Blister Burn and Peel and it is no where near as good as this though it is awesome.

My favorite songs on this cd are Drugstore, and The Thing I hate. The Guitars on Drugstore really remind me of KMFDM and the synth is very awesome and agressive,reminds me a lot of Front Line Assembly.The vocals are all very clean.

This album took a deep breath and dived further into the underground industrial scene.

As much as I really like Nine Inch Nails I would have to say that this album from stabbing Westward is the best place for beginers to start if they want to get that modern Metropolis Industrial feel.

until later my friends ... Read more

Reviews (43)

Middle of pack by Ministry's standards
I'll start by saying that i have every album since "Land of rape..." (except "spoon") and believe that Filth Pig is absolutely their best album....That album is WAY WAY underrated...
This is a good album, but it seems like Jourgensen has taken all those bad reviews on the albums since Psalm 69 to heart and figures he may as well try to remake that album in some ways to please the general Ministry fan...It has some very very good moments but leaves more to be desired than some of their other albums..the first time i heard No W i was blown away....but the album loses intrigue during the middle group of songs before finishing well with WKYJ and Worm....

In general this seems to be a mix between the sounds of Mind is a Terrible...and Psalm 69...lots of samples and fast songs...
But to me the album just isn't as moving or captivating as Filth Pig, Animositisomina, and half of the songs on Psalm 69...i'd give it 3.5 stars if i could, and chose to round up for continuing to put out great music over the past 15-20 years....

Can Ministry survive Barker's departure?
The big question after it became known that guitarist Paul Barker has left Ministry was whether the music would maintain its sharpness and its characteristic drive.

The verdict? I think it's too early to say even though the new album is out and it's anything but bad. For one thing, throughout the first 6 songs it's obvious that the recipe has remained the same, in fact, it's hardly noticeable that Barker is absent.

The problem is that those first 6 songs are basically reminding us rather of the past, more specifically the "Psalm 69" album several years ago. Now that is called, in my book, "taking the safe route".

But then the very next songs are a welcome surprise, in the sense that there's a tendency for experimentation reminiscent of "Filthpig" and "Dark side of the spoon". That, i call promising.

For, what has given Ministry the title of "pioneers" is the fact that they've always pushed their music forward, defined and redefined their genre, and provided a cue for modern rock music as a whole. That's why songs 7-9 are important in my opinion.

As a whole, and keeping in mind that actually all 4 of Ministry's last albums have, in one way or the other, been political, this one is heavily political, almost like an election campaign album. No, none of Ministry's members are running for anything but they are intent to stop someone from retaining office if you get my hint.

On top of that, it seems that Jourgensen is spearheading a movement amongst musicians right now in that direction evident by the recent compilation Ministry appeared in.

Ministry wont lose any fans with this release and they might even win over some new ones. To me, their next album will be even more intriguing. It's then that we'll see if without Barker they have the stuff to remain the vanguard of contemporary rock or metal.

But, until then, "Houses of the mole" will more than do...

Best album since Psalm 69
I used to be a huge Ministry fan back in the 90's. But with the release of Filth Pig my love for the band started to fade and every album since Filth Pig only made things worse. So I didn't go out and buy this album right away... I figured I would check it out if I found it used someday. Well I decided what the hell the other day and I am pleased to say Ministry is back and this album rocks! Thanks Al!

Best album since Filth Pig
No W - Like all the album openers since LORAH, this song is fast and heavy, yet with a hardcore type of drum sound. The vocals are spit out so fast, I'm thankful that Al decided to include the lyrics in the CD booklet for the second straight album. Unlike Psalm 23, there is no guitar solo, which isn't necessarilly a bad thing, since I'm almost relieved to hear the chorus around the 3:00 mark, instead of that annoying, pointless guitar whacking.

Waiting - Starts out with the pummeling drum beats that sound like they originated from a drum machine, followed by the ramblings of a preacher, leading into a pretty cool speed metal riff chimes in. Great, and catchy song. Either this or World could work as the second single from this album.

Worthless - I'd hate to rip off some pretentious Rolling Stone critic here, but in the same way that "Useless" was described in the RS review for FP, the songtitle here pretty much sums up my feelings on this song. Not very catchy nor does it have any hooks. It's heavy and angry, but thats about it. Al mentioned that he liked 8 out of the 9 songs on this album, so I have to wonder if this is the one he didn't like.

Wrong - I remember reading an old interview with Al from before the release of Psalm 69, in which he described the songs from the "new" album as having an S.O.D. type of sound to them. I don't really hear any songs on Psalm 69 that remind me of Speak English or Die, but this song definitely does. The guitar riff is fast, cruhchy, and very catchy, just like most of the songs off Speak English or Die. This song especially reminds me of "Freddy Kreuger". Definitely my favorite song on the album.

Warped City - The lyrics read like a synopsis to an hour long A & E special or a new James Patterson novel. Definitely twisted, with a sound similar to that of Jesus Built My Hot Rod

WTV - Wow. Definitely the best out of all the TV songs. Hilarious samples mixed in with the spaced out riffs that our a common theme to all the tv songs, with lightning fast riffing while Al barks out the vocals.

World - Slow and sludgy, and kind of reminds me of Lava. A definite change of pace from the first six songs.

WKYJ - Not your typical Ministry song, with respects to repetition. Lots of variation throughout this song, without much of a rhythm really being established. A kick ass guitar solo kicks in around the middle of the song, and the song concludes with some whacked out DJ leading you directly into the final song.

Worm - I remember Al mentioning that he was working on some song about suicide that he "described" as one of the most beautiful songs he's ever written. I really don't get that feel from reading the lyrics or listening to the song. Songs like Machine Head's "Descend the Shades of Nights" or Killing Joke's "Dark Forces" can reduce me to tears, but this song just has a lighthearted feel to it, and is certainly not what I was expecting. Not really that somber at all, but it trudges along for over 8 minutes, and never loses my attention.

I had high hopes for this album, and was not disappointed. Overall, I'd say it's my second favorite album behind Filth Pig, and ahead of Animositisomina. Can't wait to see them in concert again!

MINISTRY RE-INSPIRED
From the beginning of the opening track you will immediately realize that the Ministry are re-inspired and hungry. Coming off their weakest effort with the Animosity album, Al seems to be determined to make good music again. In fact, this album harkens back to the days of "Mind is a TTT" and has even more quality songs than "Psalm 69". My only complaint is that the album seems to short - what lasts an hour, feels like only ten minutes. Also, the overt political themes are not quite as entertaining as the lyrics in their previous CDs, but overall the great riffs make this one of their best. Possibly lacking in any one "landmark" song, every track is at least above average. A solid work from start to finish, "Houses" is a true comeback CD, and their strongest effort in 15 years. It will be interesting to see which of these songs develop into true classics...

pros:
+ great samples & more of them
+ return to song style of "Mind TTT"
+ great riffs and powerful songwriting
+ makes you forget about the animosity album ... Read more

Reviews (72)

No Sophomore Album Curse Here
Stabbing Westward follows up their successful debut, Ungod, with this gem, Wither Blister Burn & Peel. It's a tossup whether this album or Darkest Days can be considered their best work. WBB&P has a softer feel than Darkest Days, but that is perfectly fine with me. Their radio singles "Shame" and "What Do I Have To Do?" really showcase this bands' talent. Christopher Hall pulls you in with his dark lyrics and the rest of the instruments hold you there. My favorites are "I Don't Believe", "Shame", "What Do I Have To Do?", "Why", and "Sleep". You owe it to yourself to pick up one of the best industrial rock albums ever!

P.S. If you're disappointed SW broke up you'll be happy to know that lead singer Chris Hall has started another band called The Dreaming. Check out www.thedreamingonline.com.

I didn't pay enough for this
Stabbing Westard's second album, Wither Blister Burn + Peel, is one of the most adventurous and experimental albums in Industrial today. It's ten tracks of power, emotion, and intensity that manages to touch your soul in many different ways. The songs "Shame" and "What Do I Have To Do?" deal with feelings of inadequacy with the opposite sex, and are two of the most powerful songs ever recorded, thanks to the amazing guitar, synth, and above all, the brilliant voice of lead singer Christopher Hall. "Sleep", which depicts the horror of incest, is one of the most traumatic songs ever written. This album goes together very well with Stabbing Westward's newest release, Darkest Days.

It's a shame (no pun intended) that this band gets called a Nine Inch Nails wannabe or rip-off. Stabbing Westward is one of the most original and unique bands in all of Industrial, maybe in all of music. It's not that hard to spot that they're highly influenced by NIN, but it's for sure that they don't rip them off. They're also compared to bands like Filter and Gravity Kills, and that's just wrong, seeing as those two bands combined don't have near as much talent as SW. What's also a shame is that Wither Blister Burn + Peel and Darkest Days are priced so low and collecting dust in record stores. People need to open their eyes to one of the best bands the music industry has to offer.

AMAZING
This is undoubtedly the best SW album. It's one of those records that can take you back to the time when you first heard it on every listen.
I have to admit though, not every song completely works. For example, "Sleep", and "Crushing Me". Don't get me wrong, they are not simple filler, its just that they seem mediocre when played next to brilliant, moving, haunting songs like "Shame",and "Why".

It's an album of amazing depth and passion that blew me away the first time I heard it,and has only gotten increasingly more personal to me. And that is the ultimate test for anything. The test of time.

Get this album.

JUVENILE
"WITHER BLISTER BURN + PEEL" is one of those cases, where a seemingly promising album does a lot less than what is expected of it. It was released, when 'industrial rock' music was gaining substantial popularity. It was the time of the 'industrial' boom, after the 'grunge' boom, during 1991-92. When the world was thirsting for more 'industrial', STABBING WESTWARD came up with the single, "What Do I Have To Do?" followed up by the perfect 'industrial' song, "Shame" and the album, "WITHER BLISTER BURN + PEEL": A perfectly industrial-ish album-title, with two hard-hitting singles, characteristically 'industrial'; nothing could be wrong about the album, could it?

Well, actually a lot is wrong about "WITHER BLISTER BURN + PEEL". It does satisfy all the sine qua nons of an 'industrial' album: richly layered and unrecognizable music, plenty of distortion happening somewhere in the midst of the effusive synthesized sounds of all sorts, and yes, the essentially disheveled lyrics, which refuse to understand and acknowledge the beauty of the world around us. Still, "WITHER BLISTER BURN + PEEL" is far from an album, to be in awe of. It appears as if the band has picked out the ingredients of an 'industrial rock' album, and has tried to mix those ingredients, trying to ape their more successful 'industrial' compatriots like NINE INCH NAILS. Sadly, music doesn't work the same way as cooking food does. One cannot just pick out the essential commodities and simply try to cook them up to 'create' a good work of musical art. Music is supposed to come from the heart, and should flow naturally.

The two singles, "What Do I have To Do?" and "Shame" are original and misleading to an album, which they don't promise to lead to. There are of course a few genuinely good songs, amongst the weed of fakes. "Why" and "Sleep", both, with similar tempos, do, like the singles, seem genuinely conceived and mature. Alas, these songs are quickly overshadowed by a bunch of puerile works, which are indicative that STABBING WESTWARD seriously needs to come of age. The lack of maturity of this band from Chicago is most prominent in the lyrics, which they have written for this album. 'Industrial rock' music is best sung with lyrics of fury and spite. This doesn't mean that one should make the least effort to be creative enough to write meaningful hate-ridden words, and simply write gibberish trying to sound angry, hoping that the superimposed music will take care of the shortcomings of the sloppy writing. The band has simply sorted out words that have a demonic appeal, and has strewn them throughout the album hugger-mugger, without trying to make genuine sense, whatsoever.

STABBING WESTWARD needs to grow up. Badly, it needs to be more creative. With the quality of the honestly promising numbers on "WITHER BLISTER BURN + PEEL", the band should've been more careful with the rest of the lot, which overshadow the ones, which are indicative of a promising outfit, passing through a phase of adolescence.

pop industrial
Doesnt come close to their first album. Totally over produced and mainstream. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Guilty pleasure alert No. 2013: Filter absolutely, positively would not exist without the dirty, gritty musical formulas laid before him by Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor. The on-the-edge screams, the heavy industrial rhythms, the full-frontal guitar sounds--it's all been done before. And if that weren't enough, vocalist-guitarist-rhythmatist Richard Patrick lived a pre-Filter life as a touring band member in an early version of the aforementioned Nails. Indeed, Short Bus couldn't get more plagiaristically preposterous, and yet--oh, the guilt--this is the perfect disc to primally purge by. From the disc's crunchy opener hit "Hey Man Nice Shot" through to the oh-so-Trent-y "Under" and the slow, stalking beats of the hilariously tagged "Gerbil," this disc is 46 minutes of fiery fun; you could spend time being pissed off at its lack of originality or you could just enjoy it for what it is--sheer walls of white noise. --Denise Sheppard ... Read more

Reviews (68)

Hey man, nice disc.
With the release of this debut, "Filter" seemed like they might be the next big thing, and while that never really happened, this is a great cd. I'd actually call it more alt-metal than industrial, but the songs are there, catchy, angry, and loud. Included is their biggest hit "Hey Man, Nice Shot", which was also on the "Cable Guy" soundtrack. Numerous other songs on "Short Bus" are just as aggressive though, like "Consider This". Also, slower, almost lo-fi tracks like "Stuck In Here" and "So Cool", prove they're not just a one trick pony. Overall, a solid mid-90's alt-metal album. But I do admit, it does kind of make me wanna hear "Nine Inch Nails".

A Classic Industrial Album
In my mind, Filter has always run about 50/50. Half their songs are real good industrial rockers ("Hey Man Nice Shot" for example) and the other half are 'just ok' at best. The debut album is no exception, but that doesn't stop it from being a great album for industrial fans.

The best song on the album is, of course, Hey Man Nice Shot. Part of what makes it great is the contrast between the slow, quiet verses and the roaring, sonic-assault choruses. The album is eight years old and I still hear that song played in the background of movie commercials (even more often than Marilyn Manson's "The Beautiful People"). Other great tracks to check out are Under and Gerbil. The rest of the album ranges anywhere from 'just ok' to 'pretty good', but all-in-all makes for a good listen.

On a side note, I somewhat resent Amazon.com's review, which implies Filter is just a rip-off of Nine Inch Nails. As a huge Nails fan, I can tell you Filter does not sound that similar. Trent Reznor neither produced nor contributed to this album in any way. If Filter's sound is somewhat similar, it's because it is, after all, an industrial band, not to mention that Richard Patrick was a member of Nine Inch Nails at one time. Every industrial band has, at one time or another, been accused of being a NIN rip-off, which is entirely unfair. Nine Inch Nails popularized the genre, but does not encompass it. Lead singer Richard Patrick's voice does not sound that much like Trent Reznors; Richard's voice is much higher. I also think Nine Inch Nails is much closer to being what I'd call 'pure industrial', while Filter leans more towards industrial rock. If anything, Filter has much more in common with band like Stabbing Westward and Gravity Kills than Nine Inch Nails.

Getting back on topic, I you do enjoy bands like Nine Inch Nails or Stabbing Westward, Filter is definitely worth a shot.

damn, dude!
I love Filter and have all their stuff. I will probably always keep Short Bus, but only to study it not to enjoy it. The entire album sounds like a demo disc. Every time I listen to it I get the same feeling and it's one of stagnation. Besides the first track all the songs sound too similar. That can be ok but only in moderation. I feel like I'm being generous by giving it 2 stars.

Filter's Best Album
I'm not exactly sure why anyone would say 'Filter' is an un-genuine rip-off of 'Nine Inch Nails'. Their first album, 'Short Bus', provides listeners with a unique sound that you absolutely will not find on any other record. Although certainly not 'Industrial' (which is what a naive music enthusiast would classify them as), there are obvious cliche's and overtones sewn into the lyrics and guitar riffs; but that's not the point. Every track on this album is a deep look inside a man on the edge. The chord structures, basslines, heavy drum beats, and screaming guitars / vocals are engulfed with emotion. This CD, like all others, isn't for everyone; but if you're going to throw slanderous remarks at Richard Patrick, please include a link to the music *you* write. You get the point.

Going under?
This album is tough to get a firm hold of at first. The first couple of times i listened to it I was kinda like, huh?As time progressed it grew on me. You do have the tendecy to skip track once and a while, or want to Fast forward to a better bit. Good debut album

1) Hey man nice shot (10/10)- tight track, Used a lot in Movie Soundtracks.

2) Dose (10/10 )- wow, intense for almost 4 minutes, great track. More mainstream

3) Under (9/10) - Took me a while to get used to it, it sounds like it was recorded underwater. after looking past the audio I really found this meaty guitar chorus was great.

4) Spent (7/10) - hmmm....skip ahead to about 2.30 then it rocks.

5) Take Another (5/10) - worst track of all, no flow..I'll skip it

6) Stuck in here (9/10) - the resting track. Seperating the 2 screeching guitar parts of the album. great song, lots of pain can be felt through silence

7) It's over (7.5/10) - I'm sure I've heard this riff before....Good song, nothing special

8) gerbil (7/10) - Lyrics are hilariously bad, but a great song none the less

9) White Like that (6/10) - Not my favorite, a skip track for me

10) Consider this (9.5/10) - GREAT. As you've mabe read before a U2 vibe to it.

11) So cool(6/10) - just plain ok, similar to "stuck in here", but missing the true intensity in the lyrics. ... Read more

Album Description

This 15-track comp (re-mastered from original tapes) wasselected by Love And Rockets and spans their entire careerand all labels. Includes rare 7-inch single versionspreviously unavailable, along with sleeve notes by theband. Beggars Banquet. 2003. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

All aboard...
Last year, Love And Rockets finally came out with their best-of compilation.

It's worth the purchase for any newcomers to the band since it has lots of their best songs such as Kundalini Express, Dog End Of A Day Gone By, and No New Tale To Tell. It's also essential for the longtime fans too because it has the rare 7-inch versions of Ball of Confusion and Yin & Yang The Flowerpot Man (the ones that were used in the music videos). Plus a single version of "Mirror People" which is way better than the one on their album "Earth Sun Moon".

Personally, I didn't think Holiday On The Moon and It Could Be Sunshine should of been included on here, I would of preferred to see All In My Mind, Motorcycle, or If There's A Heaven Above to make the cut but unfortunately they didn't.

Well, if you bought this and liked it, I recommened picking up Express next.

Good, but should've been better
I'm a long time fan of the group, but am a little puzzled in the arrangement of this compilation as some of their best tunes were omitted in exchange for some of their lesser work. For example, "Holy Fool" and "Sweet Lover Hangover" shouldn't be on this list. Intuition tells me they're on the CD for marketting purposes to sell the album than anything else as younger fans know these songs more than the others. Other suspect choices include: "It Could Be Sunshine", "No Big Deal" (this mix anyway), and "Holiday on the Moon". While not bad songs in their own right, they would never see daylight on my Love and Rockets top 20 list. Some songs I was hoping to see were "The Light", "An American Dream", "My Drug", "All In My Mind", "The Teardrop Collector" and a few others.

To do a proper Love and Rockets greatest hits album really requires 2 discs as they really have that much good material as they also tend to write longer length songs than your average rock band. This would also provide the opportunity to slip in a few lesser known tracks that only existed on B-sides of the obscure singles. "BikeDance", "Lucifer Sam", and the alternate mixes of songs that were often better than the album versions such as "This Heaven (Lost in it mix)", "RIP 20 C", and "Mirror People" (which forntunately made it on this disc).

If you're new to Love and Rockets, this is not a bad sampler disc, but be aware that some of the regular albums will have just as much punch. Newcomers should start with "Express" then move onto "Earth Sun Moon", then "Lift" to get a taste of the full gamut.

Good Collection of a Great Band
This is a good collection of tracks by one of the great, less heralded bands of the 80's, spawned of course from the breakup of one of the great bands of all-time, Bauhaus. For that reason alone, the CD deserves its 4 stars. However, the selection is imperfect at best and so I can't give it the 5 stars that a "Best Of" Loves & Rockets should garner.

The first 4 tracks are all excellent choices; "Kundalini Express" was an underground mega-hit up there with The Cult's "She Sells Sanctuary" and "Dog End of a Day Gone By" is a wonderful inclusion that thankfully was not overlooked. That leads us to "Yin & Yang the Flower Pot Man", a decent song but not one of the better ones on "Express"; I would have greatly preferred "All in My Mind", especially the brilliant and captivating acoustic version. "Holiday on the Moon" is also unnecessary and should have been scrapped to make way for a song from elsewhere in their catalogue. "So Alive" was their big U.S. hit so it has to be here; it's a good song but it never really represented their sound well in my opinion. "No New Tale to Tell" was one of those great underground singles from the 80's that stands as an alternative classic - Not sure how the 'Donnie Darko' soundtrack missed it actually. The grinding, feedback-laden "No Big Deal" was better than its album-mate "So Alive" and is properly included here; unfortunately the fuzzy, charged-up "Motorcycle" is left off. "Haunted When the Minutes Drag" is another fine inclusion from their first full-length as is the album-ending instrumental "Saudade"; I am very happy they included so many tracks from "7th Dream of Teenage Heaven" but wish they have made room for "God & Mr. Smith" which should have been the replacement for "Holiday on the Moon" or one of the newer songs maybe. "It Could Be Sunshine" is also a great pick with its raucous combination of post-punk and straight punk. Another omission is "The Light" from "Earth Sun Moon", an ominous but mesmerizing piece that is surprisingly catchy.

All in all, a fantastic collection that could have been made stronger with a few simple changes. Still, as a big L&R fan in the 80's I know there are better ways to enjoy this band: listen to "Earth Sun Moon", "Express" and "7th Dream..." and also pick up "Everything" or "Night Music" by Tones on Tail - these showcase the band at their best. This album is a decent starting point for news or casual fans but may leave aficionados disappointed.

Their best songs
I had to buy it because my favorite songs were on there. No1 "Hunted when the minutes drag". No2 "So alive". No3 a reprise from the Temptations "Ball of confusion". No4 "Kundalini express" and finally No5 "Saudade".

They were pretty original.

A solid assortment
OK, I bought the CD because I am a collector, and I must have every release. Having shared my obvious bias, I can say that this is actually a pretty decent collection of their work, and a good starting place for anyone new to L&R. As with most fans, I would have swapped a few tunes, but all in all this album coveres each stage of this band's productive life, and showcases firly well one of alt rock's (ug, I hate that term) most creative bands. ... Read more

Album Description

For fans of goth , alternative rock and metal. NuclearBlast. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

A great new band finally releases a full-length album!!!
I've been a fan of Tapping the Vein for some time now, ever since first hearing their music [...] and seeing their live shows. It was quite a thrill to finally buy their first full-length album, and it was well worth the wait. This is a band with the right mixture of musical talent and emotion to make it big in the gothic/electronic scene. [...] and adding in their own touch of melancholic beauty, they've created an album that is bound to satisfy. The reworked version of "Butterfly" takes the original and ups the musical ante, using more sonic experimentation and just improving an already wonderful song. The same can be said for "Beautiful," "Everything," "Broken," and "Falling In," all songs from the previous two EPs that gave the band a name. Aside from that, we have six new songs that show the band continuing on the path that their fans know and love, while at the same time expanding on it. The electronics are lush and even more present, but without overpowering the organic element of the band members. The music is moody, but it is real and not contrived like all the "woe-is-me" electro-gloom bands in the genre. And then there's Heather Thompson's amazing voice. She can carry the softest notes with such sweetness before going into a wailing scream. My new favorites on this album are "Sugar Falls" (a song that reminds of latter-day Cure), the title track, and "Hurricane." The album artwork is a great visual effect as well, slightly reminiscent of designs used by Projekt bands like Attrition. Tapping the Vein are sure to take their place among the gothic/electronic elite. They have the musical chops, they have the attitude, and above all...they are just that damn good. Give it a listen...you won't regret it.

Not just goth
Too many people put TTV as a goth band. I totally dont agree. There music is too soulfull and meaningfull. Not the normal goth "i hate myself' stuff. And the lyrics are much more insitefull. This is a great CD for anyone that wants music that can just make you think but yet be relaxing at the same time. Heathers voice is unbeleveable. Wayyy more powerfull than say shirly manson or Tori amos. Give this album a shot! It's great!

Metal fans avoid at all costs!!!!!!!!!
What the hell was a great label like nuclear blast thinking when they signed this band!? Other than the ocasionally guitar every ten minutes there is absolutly nothing metal about this band. While I've got nothing against females in metal, this girl may be the worst singer I've ever heard and should go join some pop band where we'd only have to hear her when the channel accidently gets turned to Mtv. Though I absolutly hate this album, I'll give it an average rating in the interest of fairness since I'm not the best person to judge pop albums, and that's exactly what this is. Metal fans interested in bands with female vocalists should check out Lacuna Coil, Alas, The Gathering,Epica, Nightwish, Brave, and Within Temptation and Rhea's Obsession because they are all a million times better than this.

Definately worth buying!
I stumbled on this CD when desperately searching for some GOOD female rockers. I love this CD! She can really belt out a tune or she can be soft. Actually I like when she starts out soft and kicks butt at the end. She makes you feel what she's singing. I just ordered one of their previous CD's from the website (tappingthevein.com). I know it'll be just as great. You can't go wrong with this band.

They have done better...
When I first saw that TTV had a new album out I was really excited. I have been a fan for quite a while. When I got the CD I was pleased to see a few new songs, but most of the material is re-recorded from previously released EP's. If you can't get the old EP's from Isolation Tank then buy this. It is an adequate substitute for the real thing. ... Read more

Amazon.com

With his 1998 debut, Visual Audio Sensory Theater, Vast's Jon Crosby unveiled his dark musical vision and gave an insight to a childhood spent learning classical music, listening to U2 and the Cure, and watching MTV. On Vast's follow-up, Crosby's adds to his debut's components a masterful understanding of how to use his gifts. For the majority of Music for People, he delicately balances morbid melodies with tender orchestration. Trombone and ethereal strings lift the downtrodden "Blue," while joyous, overblown hooks elevate the sinister "The Last One Alive." Crosby's balancing act accentuates his love for pure rock drama. Unfortunately, this passion can also be his undoing; his operatic barking on "Song Without a Name" is too grandiose to be taken seriously. In the main, though, Crosby's smoldering vocals, cryptic words, classical leanings, and twisted blend of rock and electronica posit Vast as U2's heavy-rock cousins. --Dan Gennoe ... Read more

Reviews (94)

Good music for people
VAST's Music for People is definately a very worthy album. While Crosby may not upset established artists like Trent Reznor, I think that, as time goes on, Jon Crosby will probably get the recognition that people like Reznor and Thom Yorke get now. Maybe it's because he's a new artist and the critics are afraid to try new things, but that's just what I think.

As for the guy who said that VAST was "radio friendly" and that you "heard it all over the radio", you are wrong on both counts. I never heard Free on the radio before I bought this (instead, my local alt-rock station prefers playing crap from posers like Blink 182 and Godsmack), so, I had to resort to everybody's favorite MP3 trading service to hear the song. What I found is a "band" that does a good job of emulating elements from bands like The Cure and old-school U2 very well, and adds a lot of classical elements, especially in songs like Song Without A Name, Free, The Last One Alive, etc. The songs I just named are some of the best on the album. The lyrics are really great, too. Especially the ones in songs like Free ("I'm gonna run from everything/everything that holds me down..."). One of the things I like about VAST is, it's one band that kind of appeals to everybody. It's definitely different from just about anything that's currently playing on the radio, but that's a good thing. This is the kind of album that should be playing on the radio - something new and different. I haven't heard the debut, so I can't compare it, but Music For People is a great CD, and it's one all real music should definitely give a listen to.

The perfect soundtrack to "one of those days"
I fell in love with Vast the moment I first heard the song, "Free." Its heavy guitars give it a fabulous mosh-worthy quality. It's strong and straightforward. It's angry and triumphant.

I soon discovered that there's more of Vast's music to love than just "Free." Music for People is a musical masterpiece - the perfect album for those days when you just feel like you need to scream (and that's pretty much every day, isn't it?). The album is full of emotion and energy - full of the questions that everyone asks at some point. The songs deal with doubt and despair, hopelessness and anger, and - through it all - victory.

Vast's music is entrancing and creative. You'll be captivated by the slow, haunting, "I Don't Have Anything," the poppier "Land of Shame" (which sounds almost Beatles-like - only much darker), and the beautifully symphonic "A Better Place."

Music for People is one of the best albums I've tripped over in a long time. Once I put it in my CD player, it didn't leave for months - and it still makes frequent returns.

Who'da thunk it?
I find it incredible a man so young as Mr. Crosby could have both the pain and the talent to create this masterpiece. My 14-year-old nephew turned me on to this work, and I must say, I'm much the better for the exposure.

I'm amused at the reviewer who didn't hear U2 influence: my first listen had me thinking U2 sings Pink Floyd. Subsequent playings triggered thoughts of Revolver-era Beatles, REM and Collective Soul. The need for comparatives may be a failing of mine, but it doesn't interfere with my enjoyment of Mr. Crosby's work. If Classical music got him to this point, I say "study more!" I await his new work with much anticipation.

not as good as the first but still a must-have
This is a great cd but it's not as great as the first self titled album. it's a little less rock and more emotional. still recommended though. I also recommend you check out VAST's new cd called turqoise 3.x which just came out (realvast.com) it's online only but I think it's better than music for the people and almost as good as V.A.S.T.

The Vision of a Musical Genius
ok i accept some of the critism given to this album and to be quite honest i was kind of expecting it. but in my opinion its a vision of a musical genius and no one in the right musical mind can deny how close this cd is to being a masterpiece. i mean its almost sad to see how close it actually was. it lacked (im not sure what) but some kind of edge maybe on the production side im not sure. having said that the first time i heard this album i was blown away. i mean amorjorty of the songs touched the depths of soul, with the lyrics and blend of classical industrial rock emphasisng the real class of jon crosby. i still think it slightly edges the debut album "vast" with the lyrics and varaition being the influential improvement in jon crosbys musical genuis. im glad to see the influence of "the cure" emerge in this album they were truly a great band. it can only get better for vast...lets hope turquiose can introduce that edge. ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Scar. stars
So here it is, the long-awaited debut offering from Scarling., the band who rose from the ashes of the stupidly-underrated Jack off Jill. When I found out the first Scarling. album would consist of seven tracks, I did debate with myself whether that was enough, but having heard the songs on offer here, I can definitely say that there's enough on 'Sweet Heart Dealer' to satisfy the desire for Scar.music for now, while still leaving us hungry for the honey-and-razorblades sound in a new form.

Opening with a burst of static, the fuzzy bass &distorted vocals give way to a chorus that will stick in your head like chewing gum for weeks to come. This is 'The Last Day I Was Happy', &it's wonderous. Next up is the single, "Band Aid Covers the Bullethole"; cue sweet, crackling guitars &the little-girl-found vocals of Jessicka. Altogether now, "say hello to my little friend..."
'Crispin Glover' sounds like the kind of dreamy, romantic-sounding gem The Smashing Pumpkins might have written before their untimely demise, all crisp guitars &otherwordly sounds . Hypnotic bass &a refrain of "&when he sleeps I hope he's OK" make 'Alexander the Burn Victim' a lullabye to give you the sweetest nightmares you'll ever have, &you'll enjoy every minute.
'Baby Dracula', which sounds to me like an ode to a parasitic attention-whore (but I could be wrong), has yet another chorus you won't be able to get out of your head. Probably the most 'traditional' &less dense-sounding song on the album, it's still as fantastic as the rest.
'Black Horse Riding Star', my favourite of the crop of half-length MP3s debuted on the Scarling. site last year, begins with the kind of drums that sound like the world crashing down around you. Those Armaggedon drums &squealing quitars give way to a gentle acoustic mid-section with the kind of spoken word refrain that Jessicka has made her own, before crashing back into life again.
Jessicka still has her trademark, distinctive sweet-and-sour singing/screaming style, but it's amazing to hear just how well this girl can belt out a song. Of course, we always knew she could sing, but her voice has progressed far beyond screaming &sweet singing; the depth &diversity of her vocals on this album is breathtaking. In fact, pretty much everything on this album is breathtaking; at times raw &dense with layers of noise &static, it's also full of music so beautiful &magical it almost brings tears to my eyes. Especially on the closing 'Can't (Halloween Valentine)', a seven & a half minute-long song that sounds like it could have come from another world entirely.
However, don't think that this is an album you can listen to once &decide whether you love or hate it; it's the kind of album that requires repeated listens, so that the layers of sounds unfurl themselves completely. One listen isn't enough to fully appreciate this music; like Nine Inch Nails, Skinny Puppy or Queen Adreena (only the latter can be considered a musical comparison too since neither NIN nor Skinny Puppy sound like Scarling.), it's music that you have to listen to over &over again before you 'get' most of it. But, like those bands, it's worth it as the full beauty of the songs is revealed.
It's unfair to compare Scarling. to Jack off Jill; Jessicka's moved on since then &so should you, but since it's inevitable that JoJ fans are going to wonder just how this new band compares to the old guard, I'll tell you; if Jack off Jill was a dress rehearsal; this is the opening night.
Long may these Scar. stars shine brightly; they certainly should have a glittering future ahead of them.

Venus reviews SWEET HEART DEALER!
Scarling
Sweet Heart Dealer (Sympathy for the Record Industry)
by Andrea Benvenuto
Welcome to the goth prom, 21st century style. Scarling is the band, but you probably wish lead singer Jessicka was your date, dressed in ripped vintage black lace. Once voted most likely to tear apart "Love Song" by the Cure, the former Jack Off Jill singer has since graduated to a new class of hard rock.

After the initial release of a teaser EP, Sweet Heart Dealer is L.A.-based Scarling's full-length debut. Its seven songs only last 33 minutes, but they pack enough rum-spiked punch to make a dazzling impression. "The Last Day I Was Happy" opens things up with crunching guitars and scathing vocals. "Band Aid Covers the Bullet Hole," featuring the line "Say hello to my little friend," is one catchy massacre, while the lyrics and namesake of "Crispin Glover" simultaneously evoke Carrie ("They're laughing at you / They're not laughing with you") and Back to the Future. Of course, Glover has played roles creepier than nerdy George McFly, and that seems to better fit in with titular muses like "Alexander the Burn Victim" and "Baby Dracula."

There's no question Sweet Heart Dealer is a dark record, and "Black Horse Riding Star" proves it as Jessicka busts out her roaring scream. However, as the last track "Can't (Halloween Valentine)" beautifully exemplifies, her voice is as sweet and clear as ever. Although she and guitarist Christian Hejnal supposedly got off on the wrong foot, they seem to have found in each other excellent dance partners.

not too bad...or good
OK, I'd been waiting for this CD for ages, and from what I'd heard of Scarling, it was going to be great. I was disappointed. The three songs in the middle all sound pretty much the same, although standout tracks are Band-Aid and Black Horse Riding Star. It's a nice CD to sit and listen to but has nothing like the energy or passion that went into Jack Off Jill. Boring.

eh, good attempt.
well jessicka fodera's new band scarling is a really good attempt, but she will never recapture the magic of jack off jill. first off the cd itself has only 7 tracks, and the track listing on the back is wrong. " the last day i was happy" is a good song, but it lacks that certain special jessicka touch, not her best work. 2/5. "bandaid covers the bullethole" good single i suppose, its a little too popish, reminds me of jack off jill's "strawberry gashes". catchy words, i always find my self repeating randomly. 4/5. "crispin glover" by far the best song on sweet heart dealer, well written, composed beautifully, but my only complaint is the lenght, it seems it ends to quickly. either way 5/5. "alexander the burn victim" as far as i can tell this song is about alexander, jessicka's cat. which in my opinion is well out there, but coming from jessicka, not a shocker. the song is really catchy, and she sings immaculatly on it. i couldnt see her sing morebeautifully. 4/5. "baby dracula" no idea what this song is about, except maybe dracula? good song, more upbeat than the rest of the album, but nothing special.3/5. "black horse riding star" this track brings back jessicka's trademark JOJ scream, i love this song, you need to play it loud to annoy anyone you can, this song is full of raw anger and emotion, second best on the album. 5/5. "cant (halloween valentine)" honestly this song sucks. i always skip, i might have to listen it a few more times to dig it, but is repetitive, boring and overall no fun to listen to. the words are well written but that doesnt save it. 2/5. overall its good, jack off jill fans should pick it up.

Jessicka amazes me yet again....
I finally managed to get my hands on a copy of Sweet Heart Dealer and once again feel complete.

This is an amazing acheivement and incredibly diverse bridge from Jack Off Jill, Im so delighted that she has continued to go on with her art and manifest something completely new like this. The birth of Scarling is well welcomed with open arms.

I wish her all of the best in the future with this band. Her unique style of writing along with a voice that can never be mistaken nor forgotten will always continue to thrill and inspire me. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Probably the best EBM release ever
This album is a pure classic in the EBM genre. It is also Front 242`s best release. This is claimed based upon both my personal opinion and what I believe is a widespread view. Includes the hits "Headhunter" and "Welcome to Paradise", but also the manipulative "Until Death" as well as two versions of the experimental and underestimated "Work 242". This album is the best start to F242 and captures the essence of the true 242-feeling. It is, however, suggested that the prospective buyer also get the album "Tyranny for You" in order to constitute a basic platform of 242-material.

a good album
Front by Front is a good album; it contains some of the best 242 songs: Until Death, Headhunter (which can be considered 242's hymn of all times) It is a pure EBM album, with the typical not-completely-instrumental songs which made F242 famous, 'Im Rhythmus Bleiben', 'Work', ... De Meyer's voice is clear and better than on any other 242 album, anticipating his good singing on Cobalt 60' Elemental or Twelve. I personally think that blending 'Official Version' with this album would have be a masterpiece; 242 albums have too many instrumentals songs to be masterpieces.

A Statement of Intent
With 'Front by Front' Front 242 made a giant leap forward. Combining hard, EBM beats to politically motivated lyrics, this album served both as a 'how to' to other bands in making aggressive dance music, and also as a statement in its own right.

Many will know 'Headhunter' as the album's centrepiece and highlight, but there is much more to admire here. 'Circling Overland' is as ominous as it sounds, all forboding bass and dense electronics layering a song about war and aerial attacks by bomber planes. 'First In First Out' shows they could also make modern, more commercial sounding dance music if they really wanted to and what is more, it sounded much better than most other groups' efforts, and also was ahead of many other groups in making that kind of music.

'Never Stop' is a classic Front 242 song. Much more accessible than much of 242's work, it features a strong beat and shifting bass combining it into a strong, dance song.

Of course 'Headhunter' is the star and there is two versions of it on here.

A band at their peak making strong, excellent aggressive dance music. This is a must have for fans of the EBM/hard dance genre.

Front 242's best work
I have the original Wax Trax! release of this album along with the Never Stop EP and have also heard v1.0 of Headhunter (which is better than v3.0 in my opinion). Headhunter alone makes this album a classic, but when you throw in Welcome to Paradise, Never Stop and the first three tracks, then this album becomes a must have for any serious EBM fan.

EBM at it's best
Front By Front is my personal favorite EBM album, but, that's not saying much. Although I do actually like this album, It, for the most part, just sits on my shelf collecting dust with a listening session every now and then. The layers are very structured and simple, but with many layers, a very easy listen overall. This is not for everybody, and after this I recommend picking up a little more challenging of an album a.k.a einsturzende neubauten, throbbing gristle, or skinny puppy... ... Read more

Reviews (20)

No MUSIC fan should be without.
You don't have to be a die-hard industrial fan to like this album. I have always been stunted in my growth towards being a true "rivet-head" as a LOT of industrial rubs me the wrong way. This is mostly due to the fact that I just plain don't like music that sounds "dancy" I guess you could say. This includes a lot of early Skinny Puppy, of which I like some material but the rest I don't particularly enjoy. However, "Too Dark Park" and the following "Last Rights" (the preceding "Rabies" is good as well but has some weak songs) have stripped the synth-dance elements and left you with just progressive and massively original electronic industrial music that has not one bad track. This stuff is atmospheric as hell and I am personally scared to sit in a dark room and listen to it by myself.

Basically what I want to get across here to maybe a potential buyer is that even if you aren't an industrial superfan, you just have to love good creative music to like this album. Also, I suggest you look into FOETUS who is probably my industrial favorite (though it's a bit of an error to try to put Foetus in ANY category) but this later Skinny Puppy stuff is not far behind. Another good bet is "Ain't It Dead Yet", a SP Live Album of earlier material but a lot of the dance-elements aren't really there when played live.

GLEE!! :)
I got this CD after having heard about Skinny Puppy's massive influence on the genre of industrial music. Since many fans seemed to agree that this was their best album, I got Too Dark Park.

As you can see from the title of this review, I was so happy with this purchase that I actually used one of those smiley-face-thingies in describing it. There are not many artists who make music with this level of precision outside of classical music. With this disc, Skinny Puppy created some of the best atmospheric industrial in history. How do I know this? One time when I was listening to it late at night I dozed off. When I was jolted awake by an outside police siren, I was convinced that the apocalypse had come. It was actually Track 6.

Even the best albums have disadvantages, however, and Too Dark Park is no exception. This music is very inaccessible. I can probably state it best in the form of an SAT analogy: Skinny Puppy : Tool :: Tool : Creed. However, once you get over that hump, you're going to love every minute of this album.

Enter the Land of Shadows
Coming after the release of their album Rabies, which was was co-produced by Al Jourgensen, Too Dark Park represents a return to the more starkly evanescent feel of their earlier work such as Mind the Perpetural Intercourse and VivViSect VI. Released at a time when other industrial acts like Ministry, Frontline Assembly and KMFDM were moving towards a more industrialmetal feel, Skinny Puppy showed in this album that the more complex synth-based arrangements and distorted vocals still had much to offer. Additionally, in Too Dark Park, Ogre continued to use industrial music as a vehicle for the expression of social and political issiues, particularly the continuing destruction of the environment and our treatment of other forms of life. Although such subject matter has been a ubiquitous part of SP's music since the beginning, Too Dark Park seems to be their most overt socially conscious release, as tracks such as Nature's Revenge, Shoreline Poison, Grave Wisdom and Morpheus Laughing Attest.
In other tracks such as Spasmolytic and T.F.W.O. the intensity of Rabies is still evident and works well to beautifully compliment the more brooding soundscapes created in Rash Reflection and Nature's Revenge .
Too Dark Park is a an album that has it all, whether ones loves hard driving ebm or the nightmare world of meandering terror beats. Like most of SP's releases this album is as fresh now as it was the day it was released, and that is saying alot considering just how much industiral music has evolved and become so driven by computer sampling and technology. Anyone who has been lucky enough to see SP live knows what I am talking about, as they are one industrial band that were musicians first and foremost, rather than just a bunch of guys pressing buttons on an iMac. Althouh there are some great acts out there now, few bands will ever equal the intensity and raw emotion that Skinny Puppy could evoke in an audience or the eerie ambience created when listening to on of their albums at 2:30 in the morning. For those not familiar with Skinny Puppy this would be a great album to start with, as it has elements of all their previous work, and shouldn't be neglected.
Brap On!

Definitive Skinny Puppy
i've probably already said that about other Skinny Puppy albums, but maybe this one really deserves it. this album sounds 10 years ahead of it's time, and will and does still sound fresh. like other SP albums, the synths are everywhere, and so are samplers and Nivek Ogre's distorted vocals.

There are so many great tracks, it's really unfair to pick out one, the tracks seem to mesh and flow onto each other seamlessly. But, when you hear the opening bass synth riff on 'Natures Revenge', you will just get tantalized instantaneously. This skinny puppy really is in the dark park! An excellent album start to finish!

hell, yeah!
Grinding, twisted, fierce; Listening to this record is like being caught in a wonderful trance, like a crazy dream you cant wake up from. My favorite S.P. album along with VivisectVI. Proving once again that Canadian Industrial (see their canuck counterparts Frontline Assembly) ruled! ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Wonderful Songwriting
It's funny that the only place where you can hope to hear this amazing band in the U.S. is in a Goth/Industrial club... they really aren't industrial at all, they just make great electronic music that would appeal to anyone who loves well-written, melodic pop songs. Also, while many of you may be hearing of them for the first time, they aren't exactly new; Wolfsheim have been releasing albums for well over a decade, it's just now that they're getting more attention outside of Germany.

'Spectators' is undoubtedly the band's best album to date as it is excellent all the way through while earlier albums were more focused on generating key singles. Heppner's vocals are perfect for synth pop yet unlike any new wave singer before. The music is medium pace for electro never reaching the speed of techno or the pounding of traditional industrial; make no mistake, the focal points are vocals and melody. If you need a comparison point, imagine a better version of Iris, Pet Shop Boys, Postal Service or Lightning Seeds... perhaps even a more mainstream VNV Nation.

Club favorites tend to be "Kunstliche Welten" (Artificial Worlds), the only track sung in German, and "Once in a Lifetime". KW is lovely song with slick hooks, snappy percussion with an occasional breakbeat and hypnotic vocals; the lyrical flow is so entrancing it won't matter whether you speak Deutsch. The defiant "Once in a Lifetime" may be the fastest piece here and contains the most obvious pop chorus. Other favorites include "Heroin, She Said", "Sleep Somehow" and "It's Hurting for the First Time." You'll develop your own favorites I'm sure since they are all strong.

If you like electronic music at all then you need to get this. Don't worry about any categorizations you may have heard, they can only serve to limit a great album such as this. I also highly recommend the Wolfsheim DVD containing all of their videos, inception through 'Spectators', and a full concert.

Wolfsheim plays music in the spirit of more darker synth acts like (some) Depeche Mode or Merge. I liked "Künstliche Welten" or in English "Artificial Worlds" as well as "Once In A Lifetime" very much. They're upbeat, melodic, and infectious. Other stand outs are "It's Hurting For The First Time" and "Touch" which in contrast are slightly obscure, yet no less enjoyable. When you get used to the scant vocal style, you can see through to the emotions, the angst, which lie beneath the surface of aural landscapes. I recommend more than one listen for this. There aren't any slow tracks, but "Blind" and "For You" are touching and honest without being sugary or light. "Sleep Somehow" is the fastest song on the CD. It has a unique sound compared to other songs. "Read The Lines" is good with its catchy chorus and crisp electronic beats. If you like your synth music a little darker, Spectators is finally here domestically...

Once In A Lifetime...
...you come across something as good as this... I may buy a lot of CDs but very few impress me the way Wolfsheim has. Albeit I usually detest the language, lately I've been succumbing to the undeniable talents coming from Germany. Luckily when Peter Heppner sings in his native tongue it doesn't sound overbearingly expressive. The songs are mostly sung in English, anyway, and he's got a very sexy voice that accompanies the dreamy synth pop melodies like two lovers coming together... They're a perfect fit of intensely romantic lyrics and dancy club hits sometimes laced with bitter-sweetness.

As much as I enjoy their latest release, 'Casting Shadows', I feel that 'Spectators' is the better of the two. The album opens with soaring operatic singing on "It's Hurting For The First Time" and ends with an otherwordly instrumental on "E" so I'd have to say it wins for having the most diversity. Every track is highly addictive and this will only leave you wanting more...

Highlights for me include: "Once In A Lifetime", "Sleep Somehow" and "Touch".

That voice instantly draws you in....
And from then on you are held by the music of this powerful German band. My tastes run from TOOL to Tori Amos, to Dead Can Dance to Alice in Chains...but I was truly taken back by Wolfsheim. I heard them in a club here in the Detroit area and was intrigued. My feet moved me out to the dance floor and I danced and danced and danced. I asked the DJ afterwards who they were. Wolfsheim is coming to town in March. Detroit being one of only 10 US stops. I will be there. Phastastisch!!!

A sweet introduction.
When I first learned of Wolfsheim, Spectators was the most recent CD. I was introduced to the group by a very dear friend and, after hearing a few songs from older albums, I knew I had to have this one. I found a deluxe copy on eBay and had it shipped to me all the way from its native Germany. Though at first I was a bit concerned by the operatic introduction to "It's Hurting For The First Time," the first sweet lyrics to "Künstliche Welten" made me melt. I was in love with Peter Heppner's voice and Markus Reinhardt's talent on his synthasizer. I listened to every single track with my eyes closed, unmoving until the CD was over. And then I played it again.

This is the CD that I refer to when I want to tell someone about Wolfsheim, and it's the Künstliche Welten single that I won't let out of my sight. If you've never heard Wolfsheim before, this CD will be a wonderful introduction into the very sweet artificial world that Peter Heppner and Markus Reinhardt create. ... Read more

Album Description

This expanded edition has been remastered from the studio digital tapes by producer John A. Rivers, giving the music a new depth and clarity.The release features the original uk album, various B sides and remixes as well as 2 short instrumentals discovered during remastering and expanded artwork. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

another wonderful love and rockets album
i love this band. they made good music from day one until they broke up. this album is fabulous. david daniel and kevin make beautiful music together. they have beautiful voices and stimulating melodies that have at times drove me to singing into the handle of my brush. if you are wondering whether to buy this album....stop reading and get buying!

Solid late 80's rock album
Seeing as there are 2 different album versions out on here, I still have a different one, but it's closest to this one... but it doesn't have the b-sides. I have heard the excellent Pink Floyd cover, & suggest getting this album version esp. for that one rare track. My version begins with "Angels & Devils", which sounds more like Tones on Tail, & I always skip over cuz I wanna go right for the songs that really get me going. Not quite goth, not new-wave, this album defies rock categorization because there are so many different influences going on. You have the Pink Floyd cover, & also a cover by the Temptations!! How cool & different is that? "It Could be sunshine" starts with a catchy sax hook that goes into an even catchier beat with the rhythm section that will have your feet & hands tapping in no time. If you look at the liner notes, there seems to be a good mix of song-writing by Ash & David J individually on different songs, but this song is the perfect example of them collaborating together... starting w/ a more laidback intro (Dave J), & then kicking into a more in your face Ash-rock feel. After seeing Ash live a couple months back, much of the solo material he played was edgy like this track.

"Kundalini Express" is also very catchy, if not just for the "hoo-hooo"'s. "All in My Mind" is one of the strongest songs on the album, I think. The lyrics actually made me ponder with the lines "but if you look into your mirror you'll see that nobody/has ever ripped you off it's all in your mind". The first time I heard "Life in Laralay", I instantly thought of Bauhaus "She's in Parties"... it's even in the same key!! But hey, it's ok to rip off yourself ;-) This is prolly my 2nd fave song on the album just cuz I liked "Parties" so much. It makes me wanna sing along, & who cares what David J's lyrics are trying to say. And then the well known "Ball of Confusion (Special Mix)".... great cover, even take a listen to the original, which makes an interesting comparison.

"Holiday" slows the pacing of the faster songs (on my cd), & has a cool slight guitar delay that gives it a mysterious vibe... & a way cool guitar intro. The pace picks back up with the fun "Yin & Yang" remix, an instant foot tapper. "Love Me" & "All in my Mind (acoustic)" are the other 2 slower ones... love the acoustic version, very dreamy. "An American Dream" ends the album nicely, starting like another acoustic track, but moves along midway. It was delightful to see Ash play a really long version of this at the show too.

And of course, the other added bonus, the double vocals... either solo, haromonizing, & or in sync. It almost drove me nuts sometimes guessing who was singing (like with Depeche Mode), but then after a while you can distinguish who's who. It just sounds like these guys had fun with this album, cuz those are the vibes I get from listening to it. I wish more bands would just have fun & rock at the same time like this!! I've only had this album a little over a year now, & I've heard it MANY times in a short time. It's already gone up my "I-would-cry-if-I-lost-these-albums" list... & I certainly can't say that about all the cds I own. And yes, used cd bins do hide some goodies!! One more thing: BUY THIS!!

This cd is proof that used cd bins sometimes bear treasure
I'm not an expert on L & R. They were apparently most popular a few years before my time. I picked this cd up from a used cd store a few months ago, and now it has become one of my favorites of all time. I was tempted into buying the cd despite never listening to any L & R records before because Noel Gallagher listed "Kundalini Express" as a major influence.

This cd is very solid but not perfect. "Kundalini Express," "It Could Be Sunshine," and "Life in Laralay" are all incredible tracks and should be appreciated by those listeners who like psychedelic, new wave, and noise pop. If you love the early work of bands like Oasis, The Cult, Jesus and Mary Chain, and The Mighty Lemon Drops, you will probably love these tracks and find some other goodies on this record also. The acoustic tracks, the b- sides, and the last track fall flat in my opinion.

The best Love & Rockets record - you need THIS version!
This is the high point of Love & Rockets' career. Although I love 'Hot Trip to Heaven' and 'Lift', this is the record where quality met commercialism perfectly. It's also the record where David J's (weird) folk slant matched Daniel Ash's guitar Epics just as perfectly. There's a great chemistry throughout this catchy CD, a band working together. Sadly, that would change.

Technical stuff: Besides the original UK album, this CD includes 7 bonus tracks. Two of them ("Angels & Devils" & "Holiday on the Moon") are already available in the U.S. edition. There are 2 USA remixes of "Yin and Yang" and "Ball of Confusion". The USA mix of "Yin" is better than the original, with a really dynamic rhythm section. "Ball of Confusion" is no better or worse than the version you'll find on the '7th Dream of Teenage Heaven" remastered UK edition. But Love & Rockets' cover of Pink Floyd's "Lucifer Sam" is an excellent 'lost' track that all fans should hear, with really great bass and compact poppy excitement, faithful to the fun spirit of Syd Barrett's original. The rare "B-Side #1" and "B-side #2" are only 3 minutes combined, and really don't offer much ("B-side #2" is actually very aggravating). Still, the sound on this wonderful CD is so improved, this is the version you should own, galaxies better than the US late-'80s CD master.

My only complaints: the CD doesn't include the tight UK 4-minute version of "Ball of Confusion", despite promises from Beggars Banquet. And sadly, the CD doesn't include the very rare 'The Bubblemen Are Coming!' EP, a joke record where L&R loosen up and take on the fat kooky persona of those Bubblemen (bee-men?) who miraculously showed up at L&R shows in the '80s. None of that is here, and I'm afraid it will slip through the CD cracks. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Lords of Acid's 1997 release, Our Little Secret is an open book. Never daring to depart from lyrics that read like the stage directions of a porno flick, fans need only focus their attention on Lords of Acid's musical agenda. The songs still maintain the basic acid house recipe of fat, buzzy bass lines and disorienting rhythms. This album adds a little of all current dance music trends, from trip hop to drum & bass to keep the formula current. "LSD=Truth" rattles with amped organic drum sounds reminiscent of Meat Beat Manifesto. The first couple of tracks are drilled with speed metal guitars. Stylistically, this album is merely a tangent to Lords of Acid's debut album Lust. If this is your first Lords of Acid purchase, go with Lust--it's a better album. If you are collecting, the lyrical shock value will have worn thin on you by now, but the music is twisted enough to keep you engaged. --Beth Bessmer ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Absolutley Fabulous!
This is an awesome CD! 1 Not quite as good as Lust, but comparable.

1. Lover- 4 stars. A really good, kind of rap like song. Could have done without the first minute, though. I think the KMFDM "Cake Mix" is better 2. Rubber Doll- 5 stars. Funny, creative, well written, fabulous. 3. Fingerlickin' Good- 3 stars. Kind of slow, but still good. Cool chorus. 4. LSD=Truth- 3 stars. Too slow, but still kind of amusing. 5. Man's Best Friend- 5 stars. A little sad, but a sweet dance song. 6. Cybersex- 4 stars. A little strange, but still good. Jade 4U says "kinky" a few too many times. 7. Pussy- 5 stars. A cool kind of rap like song. Kind of nasty though. MEOW! 8. Deep Sexy Space- 5 stars. Funny, fast, strange, what more do you want? 9. Doggie Tom- 4 stars. Kind of strange, but still cool 10. Concerto for Me and Myself- 5 stars. Awesome, but a little slow. 11. Spank My Bootie- 1,000,000 stars. Funny song, best on Cd, without a doubt. 12. The Power is Mine- 2 stars. Not very good 13. You Belong To Me- 5 stars. This is another fabulous song.

The Secret track is cool, too.

Not their best, but much better than the rest
Our Little Secret is not the Lords of Acid's best album. Lust is. Period. But this is not by any means a bad CD. Your usual shock value is there on all of the tracks, but along with that is a great sound. It's unfortunate that they don't get more airplay because the music that goes along with the lyrics (that I love, go ahead, call me a pervert) is great. It really makes you want to move and have fun.

LOA
lords of acid is by far one of the most original groups out there with their entirely own sound...this album is pretty solid, (...) its amusing and actually good all at the same time. This is a great cd to listen to while ur walking to class or background music while working...its definatley not something to sit and analyze...but it always puts a smile on ur face, one of the better LOA cds

A Grain of Salt
"Our Little Secret" by LOA is one of their very best. The vocals of Nikki combined with the spine shattering techno-esque beat and controversial lyrics will knock you on your ass. It is a fun cd to listen to, and it has been a star of my cd collection for years.

our little secret lords of acid
this cd is one of the best by lords of acid ... Read more