Audio CD review:
Erasure - Loveboat

Erasure - Loveboat

Band: Erasure Title: Loveboat Rating: Release Date: 2000-10-31 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: Freedom - Erasure, Bell, Andy [Erasure 2: Where in the World 3: Crying in the Rain 4: Perchance to Dream 5: Alien 6: Mad as We Are 7: Here in My Heart 8: Love Is the Rage 9: Catch 22 10: Moon & the Sky 11: Surreal

I DON'T UNDERSTAND... are totally trivial; that's why the equalization settings have been placed on your audio equipment. This album was one of my favorites, I think the objections to its mastering: too much bass etc. . Not Bad Music I was thoroughly disappointed in this release. I have heard every Erasure release to date. The songs have great potential, but with the muffled singing and over the top bass, I could not get any feeling from the songs. Surprised, I must admit. I sincerely hope this is not the beginning of the end?. The "Titanic" of Erasure albums The recording is muffled, the melodies go nowhere, and Erasure seems to be lost adrift at sea. Being a long-time fan of Erasure, I'm surpised and shocked to find such a misfire amongst their rather accomplished catalogue. So bad that no one would release it in the USA for good reason. Classic Erasure meets acoustic sensibilities "Mad As We Are" is perhaps the strongest tune here, with the title track "Freedom" coming in a close second. Like any Erasure CD, Loveboat is full of memorable hooks and Andy Bell's amazing vocal range. "Surreal" and "Love is the Rage" are also very strong. In fact, there are only a few weak points on the entire CD. While it's not as "out there" as the self-titled "Erasure" CD from 1995, Vince Clarke has once again proven that he is a master song smith and in my opinion, Andy Bell fits his style to a tee. Andy's vocal stylings (he does almost all his own backing vocals as well) are perfectly cast against the wash of synthesizers and acoustic guitars. His lyrics, while often times trite, will hit home with many people as well. They're simple, but they're also to the point. There are only 2-3 tracks that are danceable, which is what most people know Erasure for; many tracks they wrote over a decade ago are still club standards. Like 1995's CD, the majority of these songs are more exploratory and slower in tempo. That's a good thing if you're a fan like me, but those expecting a CD of dance tracks may be disappointed. I still wish that Vince Clarke had stayed with Depeche Mode as Martin Gore is a masterful songwriter as well but with the "darker" edge. Mixing those two again would produce some interesting results. As it stands, though, both have made names for themselves, both have persevered, and both deserve a spot in any CD collection where beautiful synth work and catchy music are important. All Aboard! This record doesn't equal the heights of their self titled 1995 release or "I Say I Say I Say," but it's still a welcome return to form. "Loveboat" is the followup to Erasure's 1997 "Cowboy," a release that can only be described as average, at best. The first thing I noticed is the use of the acoustic guitar, which can be heard on the single, "Freedom" and the goregous "Love is the Rage. " Elsewhere, it's business as usual. "Here in My Heart" is classic Erasure: catchy chorus and a hook strong enough to grab Jaws. "Crying in the Rain" is also another infectious stomper, with its thick bassline and bleeping synths. As of this writing, this album has yet to be released domestically, indicating the possible demise of Erasure's career in the US. But if you can get your hands on this import, it's worth it. "Loveboat" is a decent album that should please many fans of this long-enduring duo. You can see a complete list of all Erasure discography, or go back to the Erasure tabs