New Wave music reviews

I'm 39 yrs. old and used to be a punk rocker-new waver of the late 70's to early 80's. I've heard it all 100 times over. This is absolutely the best Soft Cell album ever made barnone,... period! Listen to it in the dark, turned up real loud, on a hit of acid and see if you can walk away unaffected. Weird, darkly humorous, dirty, creepy, aren't strong enough words to describe this band's strange unclassifiable music. God I love this band!!! Murder my Angel*****

This is their best work without question. If you are true fan of Soft Cell you need this CD. Most casual listeners will know these guys from their mega-hit "Tainted Love" from their first LP. However, people who know the duo's other material know that Tainted love was the exception and not the norm.

These boys sing about depression, sex, sleeze, porn, murder, drugs, self abuse and self destruction.

Last Night in Sodom is sort of a slight departure from the previous works in that there is some guitar in some of the songs. The songs are more angrier in tone as well. "Mr Self Destruct" may be the closest Soft Cell has come to making an actual rock song. "Slave to This" is a chilling dirge where Marc Almond's lyrics are never more angry and desperate in this artsy track. "Meet Murder my Angel" is a great song that describes the mind of a killer before he takes out his victim. It is very creepy much like "Martin" is from the "Art of Falling Apart" CD. "Down in the Subway" is a catchy song in which Almond almost makes killing himself sound like fun or a happy event..heh. "Where was your Heart" is about a girl "giving it up" and losing her virginity to someone who never cared about her and just wanted to have sex with her. No, as you can probably tell there is no "Tainted Love" part 2 on this CD.

Hey, its great stuff from an 80's group who was way ahead of everyone else during this time period in ideas and also in sound. Almond is a great singer and his study of theater really shows when he sings. David Ball is one of the best keyboard players off all time......a must have.

If I were on a desert island and only allowed 10 CDs this would be on my list. I don't even consider myself a huge Soft Cell fan. This recording has stood the test of time. I've had this for about 15 years and it still sounds fresh everytime I hear it.

this best of really gives the listener all they need to hear to know that this band probably was the most underrated punk/powerpop band of its time.on a parr with ramones releases of the day.in fact, they played with the ramones at a gig or two at the world renown punk club cbgb's in nyc.without a doubt, the best band to come out of toronto canada in the mid to late seventies.

I have listened to the Diodes since their first album. If my house was burning, and I could save either this album or my family....

I would grab the album. sorry, kids.

Anyone with an interest in late 70's punk should pick up this album. The Diodes were hugely influencial to the Toronto punk scene, but have generally been overlooked. This compilation may change that, as this 25 song collection is nothing short of punk brilliance. The lyrics are fairly intellegent, the songs are well- written, and the performances are hard and tight. A very good album, from a very good and underappreciated band.

If ever there was an underappreciated rock group of the seventies, it was The Buggles. With several classic hits and far more never heard of terrific songs, they are severely underappreciated in music's history.

"Video Killed the Radio Star" is the only of their songs to give them an air of super stardom. The lyrics were excessively clever and the sound of the song is pure ear candy. Just the right amount of rock; from the guitar riffs to the understated vocals, it's perfect.

The mockery of what was modern technology is sheer brilliance.

Don't stop with this single. Buy The Buggles' albums as well. This is just a small example of one of the finest classic rock groups' strong writing skills.

Absolutely essential.

No doubt that big names like the Beatles, the Stones, Zeppelin, Queen and Hendrix might have had a bigger impact on pop history, but this is just one of those rare brilliant songs that is timeless in its own way. I compare it with great ones like Mickey, Amoureux solitaires, Clouds across the Moon and Everybody's got to learn sometimes, hits that gave popmusic its colour, songs that we will take with us in this new century. Only the best music can be played over and over again, without loosing its quality. This is one of those songs. Buy it!

The Buggles song "Video Killed The Radio Star" is simply a masterpiece! With electronic-type voices and a dreamy pop persona... This song is at the top of my list! Which makes it all more mysterious as to why we will never hear from "The Buggles" again.... I urge you to get this Single... or even there classic "The Age Of Plastic" CD in order to see their masterful touch... "Video Killed The Radio Star" remains the true beginning of pop and paved the way for such lesser but good types of music such as 'Air' and 'The Chemical Brothers'.... After hearing this classic...You will be begging for "The Buggles" To return!

I was lucky to find this gem while I was in Singapore. This is way better then the UK import. It has two extra tracks that are found on the Love Struck single's. Then one that is not found anywhere. I HIGHLY suggest grabbing this up while its around. Dont miss out on the extra tracks. Its a great album for a bunch of old men that can still rock a concert hall (I witnessed them live in NYC April 2000). For the serious Madness fan this is a MUST BUY piece of the nuttiest sounds around.

I admit to a sentimental attachment to this band and their music. I owned all of their original material on British Import, and even though I thought their "final" album (released 15 years ago) was disappointing, I bought this one with high hopes. It is a triumph. I disagree with one of the earlier reviewers: I thought the "Nutty Sound" was immediately recognizable ("Johnny the Horse" or "Drip Fed Fred" could have come from their "One Step Beyond" days) but songs like "Elysium" remind me of "Keep Moving". Listen carefully to "Saturday Night Sunday Morning": it's lyrics will bring a wry smile to your face..."everything has changed, just everything; it's not Saturday Night, it's Sunday Morning." That's probably the theme of this disc: the same band, a little older, a little more mature musically. I'm glad to have them back, making great pop music again.

Like the previous reviewer, I wasn't really sure what to think when I first got this album. I'm a huge fan of the Madness of old, and this is a somewhat different album from what Madness was known for. But the more I listen to this album the more I like it. The good bands are the ones that aren't afraid to change over time, but are still able to maintain their relevance. I never grow tired of Johnny the Horse, no matter how many times I listen to it. Great musical hooks, plus a message to boot. 4am is a great exploration of the emotions following a breakup (and actually a cover from one of Suggs' solo albums). The rest of the album remains solid, if quirky. I hope this won't be the last album from an incredible band.

This was Nena's first solo album after the band split and Nena faced a personal tragedy in her life. This is a very artistic and serious album and the songs are very inspiring. Wunder Gescheh'n and Wach Auf are my absolute favorites, but Hero and Du bist Uberall are up there too! What a terrific album! I love it! ...

In order to at least comprehend the meaning of the non-English song titles, here are the English translations of the non-English song titles:

1. Wunder gescheh'n( Miracles Happen )
2. Du bist ueberall( You Are Everywhere )
3. Hero( English Title )
4. Schlaflied( Sleeping Song/Song for Sleeping )
5. Weisses Schiff( White Ship )
6. Im Rausch der Liebe( In the Rapture/Ecstasy of Love )
7. La Vie C'est La Chance( Life Is Opportunity )
8. Keine Langeweile( No Boredom )
9. Steht auf( Stand Up/Get Up )
10. Abschied( Farewell/Parting )

It seems that Nena always want to do something different. If you thought Nena was only "99 Luftballons", think twice, when you listen to this album you'll be surprised. There are many jewels on this album, but specially "Du bist �berall" and "Steht auf". With "Hero", you'll fall in love with her. If you live in Mexico, and all over the world, I recommend this to everyone.

oh my gosh dolly sounds so good with Boy in this awsome song...
took me for ever to find this song and was surprise to find it here a must get for your c.d. collection....

It's a shame this song hasn't made it to U.S. radio. Anyone got a radio station that still plays songs because they're good-- not just because the demographic studies say this song sells the most soap?-- Dolly Parton and Boy George both have great voices, and they blend excellently. Forget 80s nostalgia. It's just good. Reggae beat, catchy pop melody, and two great voices. Take a chance on it.

I bought this cd single for culture club. To my surprise it had a track that featured Dolly Parton. The two voices sound as if they have been singing together for years. This song is as hip and contemporary as anything on the radio today. To bad here in the USA, we still see culture club as yesterdays news. I truly recomend a listen to this.

Nena's second album, simply titled "?", I find very enjoyable. It is even better then her first albumn, and about half the songs on 99 Luftballons (some in english) are from this album. It includes:
-Rette mich
-?
-Das Land der Elefanten
-Unerkannt durchs M�rchenland
-K�� mich wach
-La� mich dein Pirat sein
-Ich h�ng' an dir
-Sois bienvenu
-Keine Antwort
-Der Bus ist schon weg
-Es regnet
-Der Anfang vom Ende

Oh yes, this was great!
Sois Bienvenue and Der Anfang von Ende! Also, how can I forget: Rette Mich! What a song! So powerful and so cool!
This is a great work again from the band -- so different from other German groups and music from anyone around the world.

Buy this CD - will not be sorry...

In order to at least comprehend the meaning of the non-English song titles, here are the English translations of the non-English song titles:

1. Rette mich( Rescue/Save Me )
2. ?( Fragezeichen )=?( Question Mark )
3. Das Land der Elefanten( The Land of the Elephants )
4. Unerkannt durchs Maerchenland( Unrecognized Through the Fairyland )
5. Kuess mich wach( Kiss Me Awake )
6. Lass mich dein Pirat sein( Let Me Be Your Pirate )
7. Ich haeng' an dir( I Hang On You )
8. Sois Bienvenu( Be Welcome )
9. Keine Antwort( No Answer )
10. Der Bus is' schon weg( The Bus Is Already Gone )
11. Es regnet( It Rains)
12. Der Anfang vom Ende( The Beginning of the End )

I think Boy George and Culture are one of the best groups. I love boy georges music and wish he and/or the group will make more music.

I have loved Culture Club since I first heard them back in the early 80's. This album is truly a must-have for any true fan. These are songs that you will not find on any other Culture Club album. Extended 12" remixes of such great songs like "The War Song" and "It's a Miracle/Miss me Blind". Also included are some B-Sides...always great to have. The inlay comes with track-by-track notes on each song. This album is over 73 minutes of terrific music and I highly recommend it.

As this album is very similar to the US version, "The 12' Collection Plus", the 12' mixes is slightly better. That is because it proves to us Culture Club is pop, heart, and soul. As we hear George and Helen Terry rock with "Man Shake", we also get to hear slow soul with both George and Helen conquering the world with "Black Money." We all know "Black Money" is from "Colour By Numbers", but it is great for it to appear again. Too bad it is not on any US greatest hits still in print. Unfortunatly, "Black Money" is not on the US 12' collection. Another bonus we get on the 12'Mixes album is "Romancing the Alphabet" ("Time" instrumental). This song is not available on US 12' plus OR ANY album in print at all. This is a must have for any Culture Club fan. Interestingly enough, this came out in Europe and Canada in 1991. We received the US version, called "The 12' Collection Plus" in 1997, which does not include "Black Money" or "Romancing the Alphabet". This is when we wish we lived in Europe. At least the US version 12' Collection Plus has a slightly extended version of "Gusto Blusto". That also should be on US greatest hits albums. Buy "12' Mixes" now. You will smile.

Many years ago, when I was just a lad, a would make seemingly bi-weekly trips to a dirty old hole called City Gardens, tucked away in the wastelands of Trenton, New Jersey. It wasn't pretty, but it was my home, and I loved it. One of the bands I used to go frequently to see was the NY Citizens, and those shows are still some of the fondest memories of my misspent youth.

I was in attendance on the night "Lemon Jelly" was recorded, the last track on this compilation, and it was the most powerful close of any show I have ever been to. When I hear it, it takes me back, and I feel seventeen again. I love the fact that Randy Now can be heard at the end reminding everyone, as he always did, who they just heard bring down the house. Really, he was telling us that there was no forthcoming encore, and to hit the bricks - or the dirt and gravel parking lot, as it were. It never made me smile then, but it sure does now.

A lot of this "Best Of" CD is cobbled together from the "Stranger Things Have Happened" EP and their first recording, the name of which escapes me, and these are the great tracks that live in my memory. Magnetic tape often failed, in my opinion, to capture the energy of this band, but it does a passingly good job of doing so on tracks like "Rude Girls", "Helltown", "Boxer Shorts", and the aforementioned live song. My favorite tune of theirs, "Pounding the Pavement", was recorded twice and never successfully; the version represented here is the newer and better of the two, and still misses the mark by yards. The new(er) material just leaves me cold, so much so that I have never heard it again since the first time.

The Citizens were a flavor that was best sampled live, but we have to make do with what we have available. I found this album to be a worthwhile purchase because all of my cassettes have long ago disappeared, and even should they choose to resurface, I would have no means to listen to them. My recommendation is that, should you have the opportunity, pick up the original recordings, and enjoy them in all of their analog inferiority. Poor recording and mastering loses much of its charm when transferred to digital media. That said, I am at least glad that there is a permanent record of their existence, and that the work they did will live on for another generation of ska fans to discover.

KSD

This is a very good "best of" CD of the short lived New York Citizens,('88-95?)despite the revolving door of musicians who performed on it. What really keeps the consistency is the singer, Robert Tierney (90% of the writing). I've seen the N.Y.Citizens four or five times, and never saw the same musicians twice. Tierney's vocal talents shine both live and on this release. "Shut up and Listen" is truly a great song, one of the best of the '90's, but there are more great tunes here. There are different styles of music on this CD, so you're not just getting another run of the mill 3rd wave Ska band. I've heard them compared to Operation Ivy, but it's more mature and has a better shelf life. Don't get me wrong, I love Op Ivy, but it doesn't match up to T.T.A.T.N.Y.C. My guess is that the "man in the bitter lemon suit" review is an unemployed ex-roadie of the NYC's, because he doesn't have a clue about influential importance...Tierney was the brightest point of the N.Y.Citizens, and how they brought the US Ska wave to surface. 'Nuff Said.

I LOVE THIS ALBUM, AND ALONG WITH THE TOASTERS "IN RETROSPECT"- ARE REALLY THE ONLY NYC SKA ALBUMS WORTH HAVING. ROBERT TIERNEY (ONE GREAT FRONTMAN) AND THE NEW YORK CITIZENS WERE THE FIRST BAND PRODUCED BY "BUCKET" HINGLEY, AND IT SOUNDS LIKE THEY REALLY KNEW THE DEAL. IT NEVER GETS BORING, AND YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE GOING TO HEAR NEXT.
THEY PLAY SKA, PUNK, SURF, AND EVEN SOME GROOVY FUNK A LA NYC'S
STYLE. THIS IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED LISTENING AND GOES FAR BEYOND THE SHORT SIGHTEDNESS OF THE JOHNNY-COME-LATELY BANDS THAT FOLLOWED THEM. THE SKA SCENE LOST THEIR BEST RESOURSE WHEN THIS GROUP DISBANDED. BUY IT AND LISTEN FOR YOURSELF.

Heaping accolades here for this album, a fact which i find a little surprising. The reformed Urinals are indeed unapologetically inventive with their punk rock, but the results aren't always so great as the other reveiwers might lead you to believe. This is a challenging album for two reasons: it is quirky and unusual (which is good), but it is also uneven, and contains lots of filler. It takes some discernment to isolate the successful songs from the failed expirements, and the results are about half and half. My favorites are tracks 2,3,4,8,and 12, and there are maybe two or three others that i won't skip past, but that leaves a lot of chaff to sift through. This album is good, but not great; interesting but not groundbreaking; and punk, but not always rocking. It sounds at times like a more abstract and distorted version of older R.E.M - which works well on occasion, but, not surprisingly, often fails to work at all. More traditional comparisons might include The Dickies and Gray Matter, but, to their credit, these guys are often difficult to pigeon hole. Remember, however, that not all new inventions are worth patenting. Proceed with caution.

Of the many reunited bands that made great "comeback" albums in 2003 (Wire, Killing Joke, others that I'm probably forgetting), "What Is Real and What Is Not" is the most surprising - it's an absolutely perfect follow-up to the classic self-titled 100 Flowers album of 1983. Listening to "What Is Real...", it's hard to believe that 20 years have passed since 100 Flowers last recorded.

The songs here are short, to the point, and at the same time edgy and wickedly melodic. There really is not a weak song in the bunch - even the cover of the (pre-disco crap) Bee Gees "Jumbo" fits perfectly.

I wouldn't change a note. This album is damn near perfect. I just hope that we won't have to wait another 20 years for another!

Excellent CD, plenty of variety on each track, great lyrics. Recently saw these guys live in Hollywood, and they're great as ever. May not be for everybody, but it sure works for me!