Customer Reviews
Redeption for all of us who have been there for the long haul
It does two things; creates a space in the world today for the ecstatic sensations we have felt while enjoying E&tB all these years and also offers the same possibility to new indie kids today. This is among the best albums of the year. Just enjoy, this is truly a gorgeous album. .
Falls a bit short
Their dark and strange music was a such a wonderful gift to music during the era that they rose to fame. Echo & The Bunnymen are among my favorite groups of all time. The last project with any substance that Ian McCullogh and Will Seargent were involved in was the Electrafixion release. There were a few moments in subsequent releases that hit the old stride but for the most part this was a band that just sounded uninspired. Siberia starts off with Stormy Weather and I seriously thought that Mac & the boys had finally got back on track. All Because Of You Days continues the feeling with a beautifully written and performed tune. At this point I was sure the Bunnymen had returned to their former glory. The songs that followed unfortunately fell back into the band's going through the motions of writing Echo & The Bunnymen type songs but without the heart. I guess when you hold a band in such high regard, you expect alot, maybe too much but I can't and I wont allow my adoration of them cloud my judgement of good song writing. The middle part of Siberia is just not up to the standards that these guys are capable of. The final number, What If We Are, would have been a a perfect finish to another classic Bunnymen album. Instead it's just one of the better songs on a slightly above average release.
A Truly Excellent New Album by Legendary Artists
In fact, this record represents a brilliant balance between maintaining ties to a legendary past while forging ahead with a fresh sound and incorporating modern pop sensibilities. It has been four years since E&tB's last album, and the release of Siberia represents an exciting return to form that will please old-school fans and attract new listeners as well. Long-time fans will be happy with the very large presence of Will Seargent's guitar, moving the music more toward a balance between Ian and Will which marked the band's classic works.
Here then, is a track-by-track summary of this album:
Stormy Weather- Nods to the past: There is a giant Ocean Rain style guitar riff in a bridge toward the middle. Will Sergeant's guitar appears in layers throughout the song, with various sounds, including acoustic. This is a lighter pop affair that is just one of the possible radio 'hits' on the album. In fact, this track was picked as the first single.
All Because of You Days- Another pop single, it has a VERY catchy chorus that a radio listener will be singing to himself after one listen. (Even better, the chorus has the song title in it. ) Mac's singing on this track is great to listen to. You can't help liking this track. Very nice! Again, Will's guitar is prominent in multiple layers.
Parthenon Drive- This is one of the `meatier' tracks on the album, so my opinion of it is sure to evolve over time. The fact that I have such a hard time expressing what this track is about could mean that it is a classic. It's a very autobiographical song and I think E&tB fans will become especially fond of it. There is a lot going on in this tune. However, it is still catchy enough to get radio play. Nods to the Past: The very ending of Parthenon Drive features an homage to HUH's "Over the Wall", one of several nods to faithful fans on this album.
In The Margins- Smooth, Silky, Smokey single. Psychedelic, sexy, and mysterious. Catchy and old-school at the same time. This will probably end up being a classic. A future fan favorite and also a viable radio single. I note this balance is accomplished more than once on this record.
Of A Life- I can without hesitation say this is my favorite track on the record. IT IS A MONSTER. Again, it will absolutely be a hit, but at the same time will be loved by fans. It has everything: Will's guitars are gigantic and soaring; the drums kick and are very Crocodiles; Mac's voice is awesome. I was so happy listening to this the first time that I almost teared up a little. (I said ALMOST. ) This track has the most obvious wink to old fans "I want a song to learn and sing, of a love requited. "
Make Us Blind- This is a pop ditty, but perhaps not memorable enough to be a hit. (Then again, I never like the hits as much as the rest of the tracks, so what do I know?) Other fans love this track, so go figure.
Everything Kills You- A WAYGTDWYL?-style slow ballad. I love the glowing, soaring guitar in the background during the chorus. I really like this track. With the beautiful guitar, the soulful vocals, and the recognizable, catchy chorus, it could definitely be a radio hit. "Everything Kills You?" I'll drink to that.
Siberia- Another "meaty" track. Kind of bouncy & exotic. Lots of brushwork on the drums. Brings to mind Porcupine for me. I really like this one. Great lyrics and singing with very cool, almost scatting, vocals during the bridge. Will's eastern-sounding guitar throughout is just great. You get the feeling that this might end up being your favorite some day- a future classic.
Sideways Eight- Your first reaction is that there are some weird effects on Mac's voice, giving it an odd, deep sound. Once again, you could picture this song on the radio, as it is a fairly catchy, up-tempo offering. More great guitar work. I can't figure out if I love it or not; like Parthenon Drive there is a lot going on here. (Mac does appear to use the word "Halon" in this song, and he rhymes it with "groove on". That in itself is worth points in my book. )
Scissors In the Sand- This song features hard guitar and driving drums; just excellent. You can definitely picture this being a popular indy guitar-rock hit.
What If We Are?- Definitely a WAYGTDWYL?-style slow ballad. HOWEVER, this is the KING OF THEM ALL. Fans who especially love the crooning Mac will have a heart attack and die with this song. The very end of this track is worth the price of admission with Mac softly singing/whispering/croaking almost a cappella style "Tell me hey, have I hit rock bottom?". It is one of the most distinctive moments in this band's history, and will become a signature as much as "wouldya sympathize, couldya sympathize. "
One final point, although each of the tracks were discussed above on their own merit, with frequent reference to their respective potentials as hit singles, the group works together as a set to form a very complete album.
Siberia is, without a doubt, a must-buy album of 2005!.
. You can see a complete list of all Echo & the Bunnymen discography, or go back to the Echo & the Bunnymen tabs
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