A fantastic 8 minute epic from Pete Wylie's overlooked Wah! As part of the crucial three (along with Julian Cope and Ian McCulloch) Wylie deserved to be a superstar, but, alas, fate conspired agaist him. This is the best song in a strong back catalogue, the final four minutes containing some of the most inspiring lyrics in pop history.
from The Maverick Years available on CD - The Maverick Years ... and then some! (Sanctuary Records Group)
31 Aug 02 ·john_l: It is a great song, although I much prefer the sung first half, which has a lovely melody, to the spoken second half. He does have a wonderfully smooth and soulful voice.
A perfect song. I love every note. The mood is desolate, yet warm and reassuring as well. The bassline and guitar playing recall some of the great early-period New Order tracks. The track fades in beautifully with bass, drums, and guitar. The drums and bass are steady, while the effects-laden guitar shimmers over the top. Liz Fraser's vocal is at first understated, until the chorus begins. Her voice soars as a simple piano sound joins the mix. The chords are simple, almost inevitable, but the instrumentation and execution are quite stunning.
from the single Aikea-Guinea (4AD BAD501) available on CD - Aikea-Guinea (4AD)
23 Mar 06 ·audioadventures: Another one of my favourites of all time. Gives me goosebumps. 26 Mar 06 ·leonthedog: Yes, I remember playing this EP over and over back when it was only on vinyl... Although "Kookaburra"
is, in my opinion, even more heavenly! Like angels
comforting you...
Martin Newell has been writing '60s-influenced jangly pop gems for decades, and this is maybe the best example. It's a mid-tempo affair with a good beat and ringing guitars sounding like the Beatles' "Rain". Other faves: "Goodbye Dreaming Fields" and "She Rings the Changes". The CD is a compilation of his work, and includes a number of tracks by his '80s band the Cleaners From Venus, notably the protest classic "Living With Victoria Grey".
available on CD - The Wayward Genius of Martin Newell (Cherry Red)
The B-side of the 12" single "Airport", this seems to be the Motors' forgotten song, although Virgin is about the most clueless of record companies when it comes to re-releases and best-ofs. This 8:15 track is a rollicking piano-driven stomper which gets into the groove right away and holds it throughout. The three parts do have the same tempo but it works a treat.
Opening with a glorious horn fanfare, then letting loose with sparkling guitars, this gem is one of the great "forgotten" rock songs of the mostly synthesized '80s. Its LP "A Human Sound" and its predecessor "Eventide" are both worth discovering.
16 Jan 03 ·stevehow: at last some1 with good taste in music!!!!!
gus
ex drummer ...Faith bros 16 Apr 09 ·Willow: I love The Faith Brothers!! Can't believe it is their 25th Anniversary this year! Billy Franks is still going strong and is playing Shepherds Bush Empire on 6 June 09. He always plays a few Faith Brothers songs and his new solo stuff is amazing! Check him out: www.billyfranks.com