There are significant similarities between the creation of The Smiths’s anthemic 80s “How Soon is Now?” and previously featured New Order’s dancefloor masterpiece “Blue Monday.” Not that they sound at all alike (they do not), but both tracks were openly developed with some of their best tidbits being nicked from other artists. And not unlike a common criticism of AI, there should be little illusion … Continue reading The Smiths ~ How Soon is Now? [1984]
Is it an admonishment or an encouragement? Is it both? In a way, it is an age-old question of whether we should be more critical or less demanding. What is the exact point (even near-bouts) where acceptance should take precedence over denial and does strangeness alone justify the change? “Tell me, ‘You’re the best thing’ I tell you, ‘That’s what you need’ Rolling on those good looks
Maybe it’s just enough” … Continue reading Slowdive ~ Kisses [2⊘23]
An eighties echo, but amplified, streamlined, and anthemic. Think cruise control on a Summer-burnt Autobahn, joyously windswept at redline. An oddly cathartic church bell drives an ocean of emotions to a pinnacle of exaltation under far-too-convenient foot-pedal control. “I took my medicine The voices won’t stop My shadow’s caving in My feet won’t walk” Originating as John Kunkel’s dorm room imaginings after … Continue reading The New Division ~ Modus [2⊘2⊘]
With a menacing growl, the storm-grey curtain begins its slow descent. A once flourishing dream, draped over our sun’s bright and mighty entrance allows a mere smattering of rays to embrace glass. Glimmers of hope illuminate the shattered remains of a now haunted, once-spirited war zone. “Why does this feel? Like a dream. A third, second chance. Just doesn’t seem real” This is bdrmm (stylistically), four Hull English lads and … Continue reading bdrmm – Pulling Stitches [2⊘23]
Speak of the devil, and the devil appears… As a long-time fan of Depeche Mode, I must admit some trepidation with their latest release Memento Mori, appropriately “an artistic or symbolic trope acting as a reminder of the inevitability of death.” Yet with apparent re-listenings, I once again begin to fall in love with their unique energy born of an … Continue reading Depeche Mode ~ Before We Drown [2⊘23]
