This short documentary is misunderstood almost as much as its three subjects.
Robert Krulwich is a journalist and reporter who has amassed a few things from his years in front of the camera and microphone. One of those treasured items is a handful of dead grass he brought home when he was a teenager, remembering a date with his girlfriend to Central Park. Heidi Julavits is an author whose crowded apartment is what you picture an author's apartment to be- books everywhere. Also there are some of the belongings of the European actress Isabelle Corey, and she begins imagining the life of the actress who suddenly turned her back on stardom for a life of anonymity. Rick Rawlings' family was constantly on the move thanks to his father's job. One day, he had been invited to a birthday party on the same day they were leaving town, so he stopped to say goodbye to the friend whose party he couldn't attend. The friend handed him a sugar egg, and Rick held onto that fragile piece for forty years, keeping it in a wooden box whose construction through materials of his childhood is also wrapped in memories.
I have a checkered history with objects. Stuff. Things. I've been married twice, and each marriage saw me bring absolutely nothing into my new households. You might think that due to my upbringing, I didn't have a lot of stuff and that is partly true, but I was also raised in a household(s) where physical items took precedence over familial relationships. When moving overseas (two tours in Japan, one extended visit/stay in the United Kingdom), it usually fell upon me to get ride of my "unnecessary" stuff first through forced garage sales or simply tossing items away. The Air Force would pay for a certain weight of household possessions before charging the personnel with the overweight total, and I don't think we ever made the cut off point before Dad would have to shell out money for items we "couldn't live without." Dad was an officer, so appearances had to be kept up, but with the deaths of my parents within the last three and a half years, I got an inside look at their possessions before they were dismissed into the world through internet auctions and garbage. I gave up my cherished books, comic book collection, toys, record albums, journals, drawings and more, so Mom could drag a broken grandfather clock across three continents for six decades on the hope that one day it would be repaired. It wasn't, and sold at an online auction for sixty dollars. That was just the tip of the iceberg. For thirty years of my adult life, I had four photos of myself from when I was a child. It took my parents' deaths before I got my hands on more pictures. Even then, the photographs inexplicably stop at about the time I was ten. I went to eight different schools from first grade through twelfth grade, and only have yearbooks from Grades 4-6, and 12th; granted, I threw out my 8th grade yearbook because no one would want to relive the kind of traumatic year I was having except through intenstive therapy.
This film is unfairly maligned for being boring, and highlighting three weirdos who are holding on to innocuous items that no one cares about but them. In such a disposable society, I can see that point of view, but to the three individuals their objects are remembrances of a happier or different time, and really aren't hurting anyone. I used to watch hoarding shows on cable television, having absolutely no sympathy for the hoarders thanks to my upbringing. My childhood households would never be considered a hoarded household (remember, appearances were everything- including a clean house), but I totally sympathized with tearful family members who realized the hoard was being chosen over them. Thanks to therapy, I was able to come to terms with being second best (and fourth best in the sibling pecking order), and didn't have to witness the chaotic descent of my family after retirement set in. I stayed on the opposite side of the country, built a life, and suffered through parental annual visits (complete with the delivery of more stuff that I did not want), before the parents were too old to drive to visit.
Krulwich, Julavits, and Rawlings are a little sheepish and apologetic when showing off their objects. I'm sure they've heard it all before, and shyly explain why the objects mean so much to them. It's their interests, their objects, and they aren't hurting anyone. When one of the subjects lets their object go for a badly executed idea and it gets destroyed, I felt almost as bad as the object's owner and the people responsible for the object. I knew the pain of being told you had to get rid of something, or worst yet, it being wrenched away from a life you were trying to build on your own. There was life and memories in these objects, but once you go (the old saying "you can't take it with you"), who's going to take care of the tuft of grass, the sugar egg, or Isabelle Corry's sweaters and make-up mirrors? This is why minimalism is all the rage right now- cluttered house, cluttered mind, and so on. I do have belongings, but often unintentionally refer to our possessions as my wife's possessions (I sleep in her bed, etc.). I have about a thousand films on physical media, another thousand books, but as a stay-at-home dad to three kids under the age of eight (one with special needs), there is absolutely no time to watch those films or read those books. Thanks to this documentary, the three subjects are able to explain how they got their items and what they mean to them. There are millions of people out there who don't get that chance, and when they pass away, it's up to family or strangers to get rid of the items. This probably explains why I'm also obsessed with reselling, collecting, urban exploration, and abandoned storage unit videos- I sometimes see something I owned as a child and teen, and then look upwards as if my parents were seeing the same thing- "Good thing I had to throw out that Japanese toy robot, it's only worth two thousand dollars today." I try to imagine an abandoned building back when it was a home. I never had a hometown until I finally labelled the town I spent the most time in as if I grew up there.
By film's end, I was fascinated by these objects. I have almost nothing from my childhood, and the accumulation of items since I reached adulthood and independence doesn't provide the same rose-colored memories that these three documentary subjects have. If anything, I am still bitter about the things I was brought that weren't my own, and have been on a quest to get rid of them for decades now. When my parents passed on, a lot of their stuff passed out of my house, too- donated, recycled, or thrown since I didn't need anyone's permission to get rid of them anymore. They meant nothing to me, and nothing to them since they dumped them on me. I hope Julia, Rick, and Robert hold onto their items and memories of how they made them feel, but like the internet meme of a horrified adult grandchild in front of a giant china hutch full of dishes, "Swedish death cleaning," and a popular decluttering book tells us- "nobody wants your shit."
Stats:
(2021) 63 min. (9/10)
-Written and Directed by Vincent Liota
-Featuring Robert Krulwich, Rick Rawlings, Heidi Julavits, Isabelle Corry
(Not Rated)- contains mild profanity
Friday, February 28, 2025
Friday, February 14, 2025
Marathon (1983)
Considering I can condense the plot of this film into one sentence, this might be a short review. A costumed group of people, numbering over a dozen, have a sex party, which they move to a hospital room when they find out two partygoers were injured in a ski lift accident. Plot done.
The film is nothing more than two marathon orgy scenes, interrupted only when Jamie Gillis magically answers a non-ringing phone. The wasted opportunity boasts some well-known porn performer names, even if you are not familiar with porn- Gillis, William Margold, Sharon Mitchell, John Holmes, and Ron Jeremy, among others. Unfortunately, Gillis seems bored, and Holmes looks like he was hit by a bus on the way to the shoot. A recent DVD transfer is a bright and clear job, but the film wasn't worth the effort. Sure, there's a big name cast here literally going through the motions, but anyone looking for a clash of the porn titans will need to look elsewhere. Also surprising is Edgar G. Warren's writing credit, since no one can convince me anything you see onscreen was plotted beforehand. The canned music is more entertaining than the sex scenes, and when bored you can count how many times Tobalina's camera finds the edge of the carpet on set, downstage from all the marathoning.
"Marathon" is a chore to sit through. You can almost spot the moment when adult films went from stories with explicit sexual scenes to nothing but anatomical parts bumping together. Director Tobalina shows only a few faces, so half the time you have no idea who you are watching have sex. Don't run this marathon.
Stats:
(1983) 85 min. (1/10)
-Directed by Carlos Tobalina
-Written by Edgar G. Warren
-Cast: Jamie Gillis, William Margold, Sharon Mitchell, John Holmes, Ron Jeremy, Herschel Savage, Mai Lin, Crystal Lake, John Stagliano, Drea, Carlos Tobalina, Jesse Adams, Misty Dawn
(X)- Contains very strong pornographic sexual content, very strong nudity, profanity
The film is nothing more than two marathon orgy scenes, interrupted only when Jamie Gillis magically answers a non-ringing phone. The wasted opportunity boasts some well-known porn performer names, even if you are not familiar with porn- Gillis, William Margold, Sharon Mitchell, John Holmes, and Ron Jeremy, among others. Unfortunately, Gillis seems bored, and Holmes looks like he was hit by a bus on the way to the shoot. A recent DVD transfer is a bright and clear job, but the film wasn't worth the effort. Sure, there's a big name cast here literally going through the motions, but anyone looking for a clash of the porn titans will need to look elsewhere. Also surprising is Edgar G. Warren's writing credit, since no one can convince me anything you see onscreen was plotted beforehand. The canned music is more entertaining than the sex scenes, and when bored you can count how many times Tobalina's camera finds the edge of the carpet on set, downstage from all the marathoning.
"Marathon" is a chore to sit through. You can almost spot the moment when adult films went from stories with explicit sexual scenes to nothing but anatomical parts bumping together. Director Tobalina shows only a few faces, so half the time you have no idea who you are watching have sex. Don't run this marathon.
Stats:
(1983) 85 min. (1/10)
-Directed by Carlos Tobalina
-Written by Edgar G. Warren
-Cast: Jamie Gillis, William Margold, Sharon Mitchell, John Holmes, Ron Jeremy, Herschel Savage, Mai Lin, Crystal Lake, John Stagliano, Drea, Carlos Tobalina, Jesse Adams, Misty Dawn
(X)- Contains very strong pornographic sexual content, very strong nudity, profanity
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Album Review: "Laundry Service"- Shakira
When I heard a Latin artist had released an English language album back when this was released, I assumed there would be plenty of bland love lyrics set to the kind of unlistenable Mariachi music I would hear piped into the local Chi-Chi's, where I was trying to enjoy a Cancun Combination Platter. I was wrong. Shakira blazes a pretty impressive pop album, with minor missteps. She used an Spanish/English dictionary and a thesaurus, and while some of the the songs are a little awkward, Shakira throws in so much ear candy, you will not care. Her album title refers to love being a jumble of so many different things, like a bunch of clothes in a washer. Song by song:
1. Objection (Tango)
Angry, kick butt song suffers from goofy tango opening that reminded me of Weird Al Yankovic, before the whole thing went into B-52s territory. Cool midway rap smacks of T'Pau.
2. Underneath Your Clothes
A song about looking further than skin deep, Shakira's voice is great and raw. Cool opening line: "You're a song/written by the hands of God".
3. Whenever, Wherever
The big radio hit about obsessive love is a great dance track, with English lyrics co-written by Gloria Estefan.
4. Rules
A Go-Go's riff kicks off a pure pop song with such an '80's feel, I felt a longing for "Night Tracks" and my old head of hair.
5. The One
Another heartfelt love song, which turns into a hard rock ballad part way through. A great balance, though, with Shakira's voice making the song.
6. Ready for the Good Times
Shakira goes '70's disco in funky dance song. She has found love, and will never let go. Where else will you hear a reference to seven legged cats?
7. Fool
Sad lyrics about hating a mate so much, the pain becomes pleasure, made more effective by a folk opening breaking into another power ballad.
8. Te Dejo Madrid
Spanish language song is not translated in the liner notes, but sounds incredible!
9. Poem to a Horse
Weird title to a song about trying to reach someone completely wrapped up in themselves. Best line: "You keep on aiming for the top/and quit before you sweat a drop".
10. Que Me Quedes Tu
Another Spanish language pop song that sounds great, but I do not remember enough of Senora Playa's (Mrs. Beach) high school Spanish class to know what Shakira is singing.
11. Eyes Like Yours
Smoldering lyrics about traveling the world to find the title cranial organs fits well with Asian Indian type instruments. George Harrison would be proud.
12. Suerte
Spanish language version of "Whenever, Wherever" seems to flow better that the earlier song.
13. Te Aviso, Te Anuncio (Tango)
Spanish language version of "Objection (Tango)" seems to flow about the same as the earlier song.
"Laundry Service" is a very good personal album, full of different material. I was reminded of songs by everyone from Metallica to Falco, but Shakira makes all of these her own. She produced, and either wrote or co-wrote all the songs. I highly recommend this album, Shakira's songs were a breath of fresh air in a sometimes smoggy pop field. All of the song lines quoted are directly from the liner notes.
1. Objection (Tango)
Angry, kick butt song suffers from goofy tango opening that reminded me of Weird Al Yankovic, before the whole thing went into B-52s territory. Cool midway rap smacks of T'Pau.
2. Underneath Your Clothes
A song about looking further than skin deep, Shakira's voice is great and raw. Cool opening line: "You're a song/written by the hands of God".
3. Whenever, Wherever
The big radio hit about obsessive love is a great dance track, with English lyrics co-written by Gloria Estefan.
4. Rules
A Go-Go's riff kicks off a pure pop song with such an '80's feel, I felt a longing for "Night Tracks" and my old head of hair.
5. The One
Another heartfelt love song, which turns into a hard rock ballad part way through. A great balance, though, with Shakira's voice making the song.
6. Ready for the Good Times
Shakira goes '70's disco in funky dance song. She has found love, and will never let go. Where else will you hear a reference to seven legged cats?
7. Fool
Sad lyrics about hating a mate so much, the pain becomes pleasure, made more effective by a folk opening breaking into another power ballad.
8. Te Dejo Madrid
Spanish language song is not translated in the liner notes, but sounds incredible!
9. Poem to a Horse
Weird title to a song about trying to reach someone completely wrapped up in themselves. Best line: "You keep on aiming for the top/and quit before you sweat a drop".
10. Que Me Quedes Tu
Another Spanish language pop song that sounds great, but I do not remember enough of Senora Playa's (Mrs. Beach) high school Spanish class to know what Shakira is singing.
11. Eyes Like Yours
Smoldering lyrics about traveling the world to find the title cranial organs fits well with Asian Indian type instruments. George Harrison would be proud.
12. Suerte
Spanish language version of "Whenever, Wherever" seems to flow better that the earlier song.
13. Te Aviso, Te Anuncio (Tango)
Spanish language version of "Objection (Tango)" seems to flow about the same as the earlier song.
"Laundry Service" is a very good personal album, full of different material. I was reminded of songs by everyone from Metallica to Falco, but Shakira makes all of these her own. She produced, and either wrote or co-wrote all the songs. I highly recommend this album, Shakira's songs were a breath of fresh air in a sometimes smoggy pop field. All of the song lines quoted are directly from the liner notes.
Album Review: "Release"- Pet Shop Boys
Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, the Pet Shop Boys, score another winner, and if you are expecting pure synth pop, do not look here. This review is of the mainstream release, as well as the bonus CD. On the album:
Home and Dry
-Vintage PSB features a great guitar riff in a song about missing a traveling lover. One of the best songs here.
I Get Along
-Breaking up may not be so hard to do, the way Tennant sings it. Very unsynth; great line: "You've got quite an appetite/for being wronged and in the right"
Birthday Boy
-Some Christian overtones confuse a song that cannot find a central thrust. Tennant's too deep vocals do not help some good riffs; too long, too.
London
-Incredible song tells of immigrants pouring into London for construction jobs. Striking instrumentals.
E-Mail
-The insecure songwriter wants an e-mail from a distant lover "that says 'I love you'". A very good song.
The Samurai in Autumn
-Funky old school PSB with light lyrics- "It's not as easy as it was/or as difficult as it could be/for the Samurai in autumn"- and that's it! Cool, danceable track.
Love is a Catastrophe
-An angry, bitter song about a painful breakup is slowed to the point of frustration. The lyrics are snarling and mad, the music is light and sad.
Here
-Nice song about offering physical and mental sanctuary to the pained. Deep heartbeat-style percussion works.
The Night I Fell in Love
-Lofty instrumentals cannot hide the worst song here, as a high school age boy has a liaison with a rap star, probably a veiled slam against the overrated Eminem. A stuttering statement against hip-hop homophobia.
You Choose
-"You try/You lose/You don't fall in love by chance/You choose". Radio friendly pop song that finishes this impressive effort.
Also included in the limited release is a bonus CD with eight tracks:
Home and Dry (Ambient Mix)
-The first of two remixes of the song compares favorably with the Chemical Brothers.
Sexy Northerner
-A mysterious sex machine befuddles those around him with his success. Driving, harsh, brilliant song.
Always
-Nice beginning, but eventually a monotonous song.
Closer to Heaven
-Found on the "Nightlife" CD, this good trance remix has nice choral-like vocals.
Nightlife
-Whispery vocals help a standard dance song.
Friendly Fire
-Answers critics who trash the Boys in a funny song.
Break 4 Love
-The Pet Shop Boys team with Peter Bauhofer in a rocking hardcore techno edit.
Home and Dry (Blank & Jones Mix)
-Another remixed version of the great song.
The CD also features an alternate music video for "Home and Dry" that you can play on your computer- don't bother. The footage consists of mice crawling around a rail line with a few glimpses of Tennant and Lowe onstage. A real waste of technology. "Release (Special Extended Edition)" has Johnny Marr on guitar and Jodie Linscott on percussion on most of the album tracks. The two really strengthen the music, and take the duo in a different direction from anything they have ever done. Fans won't be disappointed, and others will hopefully be brought into the Boys' fold. Neil and Chris prove they still got it, and know how to use it. I highly recommend this album and bonus CD.
Home and Dry
-Vintage PSB features a great guitar riff in a song about missing a traveling lover. One of the best songs here.
I Get Along
-Breaking up may not be so hard to do, the way Tennant sings it. Very unsynth; great line: "You've got quite an appetite/for being wronged and in the right"
Birthday Boy
-Some Christian overtones confuse a song that cannot find a central thrust. Tennant's too deep vocals do not help some good riffs; too long, too.
London
-Incredible song tells of immigrants pouring into London for construction jobs. Striking instrumentals.
-The insecure songwriter wants an e-mail from a distant lover "that says 'I love you'". A very good song.
The Samurai in Autumn
-Funky old school PSB with light lyrics- "It's not as easy as it was/or as difficult as it could be/for the Samurai in autumn"- and that's it! Cool, danceable track.
Love is a Catastrophe
-An angry, bitter song about a painful breakup is slowed to the point of frustration. The lyrics are snarling and mad, the music is light and sad.
Here
-Nice song about offering physical and mental sanctuary to the pained. Deep heartbeat-style percussion works.
The Night I Fell in Love
-Lofty instrumentals cannot hide the worst song here, as a high school age boy has a liaison with a rap star, probably a veiled slam against the overrated Eminem. A stuttering statement against hip-hop homophobia.
You Choose
-"You try/You lose/You don't fall in love by chance/You choose". Radio friendly pop song that finishes this impressive effort.
Also included in the limited release is a bonus CD with eight tracks:
Home and Dry (Ambient Mix)
-The first of two remixes of the song compares favorably with the Chemical Brothers.
Sexy Northerner
-A mysterious sex machine befuddles those around him with his success. Driving, harsh, brilliant song.
Always
-Nice beginning, but eventually a monotonous song.
Closer to Heaven
-Found on the "Nightlife" CD, this good trance remix has nice choral-like vocals.
Nightlife
-Whispery vocals help a standard dance song.
Friendly Fire
-Answers critics who trash the Boys in a funny song.
Break 4 Love
-The Pet Shop Boys team with Peter Bauhofer in a rocking hardcore techno edit.
Home and Dry (Blank & Jones Mix)
-Another remixed version of the great song.
The CD also features an alternate music video for "Home and Dry" that you can play on your computer- don't bother. The footage consists of mice crawling around a rail line with a few glimpses of Tennant and Lowe onstage. A real waste of technology. "Release (Special Extended Edition)" has Johnny Marr on guitar and Jodie Linscott on percussion on most of the album tracks. The two really strengthen the music, and take the duo in a different direction from anything they have ever done. Fans won't be disappointed, and others will hopefully be brought into the Boys' fold. Neil and Chris prove they still got it, and know how to use it. I highly recommend this album and bonus CD.
Album Review: "Party"- Nick Swardson
Stand-up comedians are subjective. One man's funny (non-political Jim Gaffigan) is another man's chore to sit through (political Jim Gaffigan). So I was handed this album by a coworker, promising aching sides and private jokes upon its return. Nick Swardson is best known for playing prostitute Terry on "Reno 911!," as well as penning a few awful screenplays like "Grandma's Boy." His stand-up persona is a pot-smoking, booze-drinking slacker obsessed with any activity associated with the bowels. The album is a recording of fifteen bits done in front of a live audience, plus two pre-recorded skits. While the bits are numbered on the back of the album, they seamlessly blend into this one stand-up concert. The album opens with a pretty funny skit called "Blackout Morning," where a hungover Nick checks his answering machine and finds out all the horrible things he did the night before after getting smashed at a wine and cheese party. Following this is the concert, where he tells more stories about drinking, passing out, and smoking pot. While some of this is also pretty funny, some of it is also pretty done-to-death humor. He unsuccessfully tries to justify using the words "ret@rded" and "g@y" in everyday life.
The best material here seems to be stuff that is well rehearsed- the birthday gift of 20 pornos, the diarrhea cat, movie previews for films with blow-your-mind titles- all good stuff. He falters, and seems to realize it, with a joke about babies and suicide, but gets back in the audience's good graces with a story about ordering the album "Sound of the '80's." His bit about being on "Wheel of Fortune" is a little long as is ten minutes on old people, which closes out the concert. The album ends with a terrible piece called "Cary and Mindy," a skit he recorded with David Spade. If your humor doesn't rise above pre-teen gross-out level, then you'll love it.
Swardson's delivery is often good. He has some clever ideas, and can read an audience well. The problem is when he starts to ramble, filling the air with "that's weird," or other words we weren't allowed to write or say as kids. The concert album is an average effort, I laughed as much as I didn't, so I'll score it right smack in the middle with three stars.
The DVD includes Swardson's appearances on two episodes of "Comedy Central Presents." These discs were released by Comedy Central Records, and both episodes were directed by Paul Miller. The first, and better, show was taped in 2000. Many of the seven year old jokes are also on the album, but the other stuff is good. Vanna White's job interview is kind of obvious, but his impression of an ape studying a family, like Jane Goodall observed her subjects, had me laughing. Describing video games he grew up on now that he is an old person was also clever, and seeing him actually do the jokes, which is the biggest drawback to the comedy album, shows he can mug with the best of them. I'd give this one four stars. The second episode was taped in 2006, and is not as good. More obvious comedy comes from airport security signs (really, no one has had these exact same thoughts?), the "ret@rded" and "g@y" defenses, and so on. This one doesn't go as smoothly, except when he is mocking a giant photograph of himself as a child. I'm going to have to go three stars on this one.
"Party" is an acquired taste. Stand-up-wise, I never missed Dave Attell, Brian Regan, and pre-political Jim Gaffigan when they were on Comedy Central. Swardson isn't terrible, but I can take him or leave him.
The best material here seems to be stuff that is well rehearsed- the birthday gift of 20 pornos, the diarrhea cat, movie previews for films with blow-your-mind titles- all good stuff. He falters, and seems to realize it, with a joke about babies and suicide, but gets back in the audience's good graces with a story about ordering the album "Sound of the '80's." His bit about being on "Wheel of Fortune" is a little long as is ten minutes on old people, which closes out the concert. The album ends with a terrible piece called "Cary and Mindy," a skit he recorded with David Spade. If your humor doesn't rise above pre-teen gross-out level, then you'll love it.
Swardson's delivery is often good. He has some clever ideas, and can read an audience well. The problem is when he starts to ramble, filling the air with "that's weird," or other words we weren't allowed to write or say as kids. The concert album is an average effort, I laughed as much as I didn't, so I'll score it right smack in the middle with three stars.
The DVD includes Swardson's appearances on two episodes of "Comedy Central Presents." These discs were released by Comedy Central Records, and both episodes were directed by Paul Miller. The first, and better, show was taped in 2000. Many of the seven year old jokes are also on the album, but the other stuff is good. Vanna White's job interview is kind of obvious, but his impression of an ape studying a family, like Jane Goodall observed her subjects, had me laughing. Describing video games he grew up on now that he is an old person was also clever, and seeing him actually do the jokes, which is the biggest drawback to the comedy album, shows he can mug with the best of them. I'd give this one four stars. The second episode was taped in 2006, and is not as good. More obvious comedy comes from airport security signs (really, no one has had these exact same thoughts?), the "ret@rded" and "g@y" defenses, and so on. This one doesn't go as smoothly, except when he is mocking a giant photograph of himself as a child. I'm going to have to go three stars on this one.
"Party" is an acquired taste. Stand-up-wise, I never missed Dave Attell, Brian Regan, and pre-political Jim Gaffigan when they were on Comedy Central. Swardson isn't terrible, but I can take him or leave him.
Album Review: "Get In Touch With Yourself"- Swing Out Sister
Swing Out Sister is the duo of vocalist Corinne Drewery and keyboardist Andy Connell. They were big in the late '80's and early '90's with songs like "Breakout," and the only hit on this album. They rode the coat tails of such new jazzy bands like Level 42, Breathe, and Marvelous Sauce. I looked forward to this with great anticipation, but then it started:
1. Get in Touch With Yourself
Strings really accent this funky song where a woman just KNOWS she is all a man needs. The saxophone solo is a great idea.
2. Notgonnachange
Disco and classical strings meet in a breakup song where Drewery sings she will not change for love. The great instrumentals help lyrics that you have heard before in better songs.
3. Am I the Same Girl
The only hit off the album, this song about young love is the best here where Drewery's vocals get a workout.
4. Everyday Crime
Cool bass line and more disco as she sings of loving someone from afar.
5. Who Let the Love Out
The title threw me, I thought I saw the word "dogs" instead of "love," but again the lyrics fail an otherwise flawless piece.
6. I Can Hear You But I Can't See You (Instrumental)
The first of two instrumentals has a great piano overlay, with enough ear stuff going on. Vocals come in and "daa-doo" at a perfect time. Really fun to listen to.
7. Understand
A little darker love song suddenly changes in the chorus to sound as familiar as the other work here. Cheesy rhymes do not help.
8. Circulate
Okay song about a cheating love has a terrible title line: "You let your love circulate." All the subtlety of a Kid Rock music video.
9. Love Child
This sounds like a Madonna song, but this is so lyrically challenged. Do you see a pattern developing?
10. Incomplete Without You
The second best song on the album is more jazzy than the others, and with better keyboard work.
11. Don't Say a Word
Completely bland song starts suddenly, then degenerates. "I've heard it all before" is the most truthful line on the album.
12. Everyday Crime (Instrumental)
Completely unnecessary instrumental version of the earlier song feels tacked on, and it is.
I was very disappointed in this album. The music and production was great, but Drewery's vocals sounded restrained, as if she was holding back. The major weakness here is the songwriting. The lyrics are terrible, singing about ideas of love, loss, and everything else everyone else has written about. All in all, Swing Out Sister needs to get in touch with a muse, not themselves. I do not recommend this one.
1. Get in Touch With Yourself
Strings really accent this funky song where a woman just KNOWS she is all a man needs. The saxophone solo is a great idea.
2. Notgonnachange
Disco and classical strings meet in a breakup song where Drewery sings she will not change for love. The great instrumentals help lyrics that you have heard before in better songs.
3. Am I the Same Girl
The only hit off the album, this song about young love is the best here where Drewery's vocals get a workout.
4. Everyday Crime
Cool bass line and more disco as she sings of loving someone from afar.
5. Who Let the Love Out
The title threw me, I thought I saw the word "dogs" instead of "love," but again the lyrics fail an otherwise flawless piece.
6. I Can Hear You But I Can't See You (Instrumental)
The first of two instrumentals has a great piano overlay, with enough ear stuff going on. Vocals come in and "daa-doo" at a perfect time. Really fun to listen to.
7. Understand
A little darker love song suddenly changes in the chorus to sound as familiar as the other work here. Cheesy rhymes do not help.
8. Circulate
Okay song about a cheating love has a terrible title line: "You let your love circulate." All the subtlety of a Kid Rock music video.
9. Love Child
This sounds like a Madonna song, but this is so lyrically challenged. Do you see a pattern developing?
10. Incomplete Without You
The second best song on the album is more jazzy than the others, and with better keyboard work.
11. Don't Say a Word
Completely bland song starts suddenly, then degenerates. "I've heard it all before" is the most truthful line on the album.
12. Everyday Crime (Instrumental)
Completely unnecessary instrumental version of the earlier song feels tacked on, and it is.
I was very disappointed in this album. The music and production was great, but Drewery's vocals sounded restrained, as if she was holding back. The major weakness here is the songwriting. The lyrics are terrible, singing about ideas of love, loss, and everything else everyone else has written about. All in all, Swing Out Sister needs to get in touch with a muse, not themselves. I do not recommend this one.
Album Review: "This is Techno 6: UK"- Various Artists
Back in the '80's, when the rest of America's high school boys rocked on to Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, and Aerosmith, little ol' me was in the corner with his Walkman on, listening to New Wave acts like Culture Club, Wham!, Duran Duran, and the Pet Shop Boys. Yes, I loved Hall and Oates, but my musical tastes have always gravitated to British and European electronic pop and dance music. I found this wish-fulfilling little CD at a factory outlet store for ninety nine cents decades ago, and I knew I could not go wrong. This is a collection of over an hour of early 1990's dance and electronica from the United Kingdom:
1. Intense- "The Doctor"
Very similar to Aphex Twin, this starts out strong but degenerates into the same grooves you might find on a keyboard sample bit.
2. Eurotech- "Take Me Away"
Pure techno, strong female vocals, and just one line repeated over and over- "You take me away." This kind of song will get you moving.
3. LMNO- "Silcock Express"
This has a funkier feel to it, with a primal telephonic voice screaming "Some world somewhere wake me up!" A good, bizarre track.
4. Ege Bam Yasi (Eby)- "Variation"
Instead of going with the vocal strength, the pulsating music overtakes the woman singing and gets monotonous very quickly.
5. Rising High Collective- "Reach"
An almost great pop song, two minutes too long, with strong vocals and electronic mix that only helps. Simple lyrics about peace and harmony are nice: "Reach for a hand to hold, everybody."
6. Soul Sacrifice- "Soul Sacrifice"
Another simple song, but with everything but the kitchen sink thrown in musically. This could pass for a Beck song easily, except for the centerpiece female vocals.
7. Mosi- "Trance Europe Express"
A long instrumental effort that offers nothing new to the electronic scene. Bland.
8. Incendiary- "Happiest Feet"
An appropriately titled tune that is a goofy, happy, silly instrumental that finally addresses the long-ignored topic of depressed feet. This will get them happy!
9. N-Trance- "Solar Power"
Lousy trance track goes on for so long, I thought my compact disc player was skipping. Easily the worst cut in the collection.
10. Love 4 Sale- "Do You Feel So Right"
Really breezy, peppy cut- think Daft Punk, but with understandable lyrics- does run a little long as well.
11. Harram- "Enna Garrib"
A definite Middle Eastern flair differentiates this from the other songs, plus at just over four minutes, it is a perfect length.
12. The Diceman- "Supervisor Error"
No, not Andrew Dice Clay, but this pleasant enough end song is negated by deep, off male vocals.
Most of the songs here run into the five and six minute range, but that was to keep the dancers on the floor, working up a sweat so they could down a few more pints. The liner consisted of basic song credits, and a few photos of a buxom lass in a bikini squatting on a stereo speaker, or dancing in a pair of high heels. The majority of the cuts here are great, and make me nostalgic for England, where I listened to Lisa Stansfield, Seal, Faithless, and Enigma before they crossed the Atlantic. This collection is definitely for techno music lovers, and Anglophiles who need a shot of the Empire. (* * * *) out of five stars.
1. Intense- "The Doctor"
Very similar to Aphex Twin, this starts out strong but degenerates into the same grooves you might find on a keyboard sample bit.
2. Eurotech- "Take Me Away"
Pure techno, strong female vocals, and just one line repeated over and over- "You take me away." This kind of song will get you moving.
3. LMNO- "Silcock Express"
This has a funkier feel to it, with a primal telephonic voice screaming "Some world somewhere wake me up!" A good, bizarre track.
4. Ege Bam Yasi (Eby)- "Variation"
Instead of going with the vocal strength, the pulsating music overtakes the woman singing and gets monotonous very quickly.
5. Rising High Collective- "Reach"
An almost great pop song, two minutes too long, with strong vocals and electronic mix that only helps. Simple lyrics about peace and harmony are nice: "Reach for a hand to hold, everybody."
6. Soul Sacrifice- "Soul Sacrifice"
Another simple song, but with everything but the kitchen sink thrown in musically. This could pass for a Beck song easily, except for the centerpiece female vocals.
7. Mosi- "Trance Europe Express"
A long instrumental effort that offers nothing new to the electronic scene. Bland.
8. Incendiary- "Happiest Feet"
An appropriately titled tune that is a goofy, happy, silly instrumental that finally addresses the long-ignored topic of depressed feet. This will get them happy!
9. N-Trance- "Solar Power"
Lousy trance track goes on for so long, I thought my compact disc player was skipping. Easily the worst cut in the collection.
10. Love 4 Sale- "Do You Feel So Right"
Really breezy, peppy cut- think Daft Punk, but with understandable lyrics- does run a little long as well.
11. Harram- "Enna Garrib"
A definite Middle Eastern flair differentiates this from the other songs, plus at just over four minutes, it is a perfect length.
12. The Diceman- "Supervisor Error"
No, not Andrew Dice Clay, but this pleasant enough end song is negated by deep, off male vocals.
Most of the songs here run into the five and six minute range, but that was to keep the dancers on the floor, working up a sweat so they could down a few more pints. The liner consisted of basic song credits, and a few photos of a buxom lass in a bikini squatting on a stereo speaker, or dancing in a pair of high heels. The majority of the cuts here are great, and make me nostalgic for England, where I listened to Lisa Stansfield, Seal, Faithless, and Enigma before they crossed the Atlantic. This collection is definitely for techno music lovers, and Anglophiles who need a shot of the Empire. (* * * *) out of five stars.
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