| Author | Message | ||
     Tim Unregistered guest |
I'm interested to hear people's hopes and fears about the forthcoming album. I think the jury is out regard the decision of the GBs to reform in terms of the overall value of their new output. Admittedly, they have written some brilliant new songs - most notably on TFORW and both albums have received positive reviews, particularly the more recent BYBO - but I can't help thinking these albums were regarded in light of previous work. For me, BYBO in particular, when judged in isolation remains a major disappointment. RF's solo work developed successfully, first with the Bad Seedsy sound then onto a country/VU vibe. Although the "Warm Nights" was patchy, this was due more to the awful production by Edwyn Collins. GM also progressed, although on a divergent path and less succesfully for me. More often than not he veered dangerously close to "classical" singer-songwriter style producing atrocities such as "Fingers" - earnest but clumsy (an unfortunate tendency that remains today). However, this development as individual songwriters has ceased because they seem so intent on trying to re-capture an authentic "Go-Betweensy" sound. BYBO suffers from this fault particularly. To me it sounds SELF-CONCIOUSLY rudimentary in style and instrumentation - as if trying to regain the lost, ramshackle innocence of early GBs albums. The pace of the record is almost slovenly in places - rather dull, pedestrian and insipid and certainly lacking musical variation. It's interesting to note that even the album cover design suggests faux naivety. I accept other people may well disagree with me, but I found their musical approach on BYBO deeply unsatisfying. Although I enjoy "Caroline and I" and "TMOOT", the only genuinely beautiful momment is the first 30s of the underated "Something for Myself". I appreciate they may have been trying to write with a certain vibe in mind, but i just want them to contribute their 5 best songs, irrespective if they "fit" to the album's concept (that's why TFORW is more successful, if less balanced - it has better tunes). What I'm hoping for is a bit more grit in the oyster,a sound with drive and passion, overtly expressed. RF's mention of songs liable "to blow your head off" is a good sign - but, my God, is it needed. Still, part of me wishes that they had never reformed so that they wouldn't be hindered by seemingly trying to conform to some early, primitive and unified "Go-Betweensy" sound template that eschews musical sophistication of any sort as exemplfied by BYBO. | ||
| The original Michael Unregistered guest |
'BYBO' is a decent album, nothing more. 'TFORW' is an absolute classic. As for the new album, well, given the track record (forgive the pun), I have enormously high hopes. I have to say that most of what has been written above is, therefore, in my opinion, nonsense. I mean "...part of me wishes that they had never reformed"? Are you feeling OK? | ||
| Duncan H Unregistered guest |
I think I have a different perspective on this, in that I'm not expecting anything "mind-blowing" in the new album. I've found tracks I absolutely love, and quite a few tracks I don't think very much of, on every Gobs or solo album (with the exception of 16LL, where I loved everything). For me, the good has always outweighed the bad. I'm prepared to put up with a certain amount of average songs for the "Spirit"s of this world. Of course, my view of good or bad songs is probably different to other peoples, but you get the idea. I'm not expecting wonders from this album. If I want beautiful music I'll get some Sibelius, but I find that the Gobs have a way with turning emotion into melodic and lyrical phrase that can get me better than almost any other similar band. That's what I'm looking for in the album - though of course, I wouldn't object to another 16LL type masterpiece. | ||
| gareth Unregistered guest |
Hmmm...I disagree too. I don't agree that Robert developed at all. The first 2 albums are great, the third is very good but he didn't write any of the songs and the fourth is, to my ears, the worst record he (or Grant) has done. He even did/ruined an old Go-Betweens song. The production can't do anything for songs as weak as 'I Can Do', 'Loneliness' or 'Jug of Wine'. Also a bit unfair to knock Edwyn given the recent sad news about his health. Perhaps neither 'BYBO' or 'TFORW' hits home in the way the 80's albums did but they are now in their 40s and the music reflects this. The record industry is not what it once was and it's possible that had they not reformed neither of them would even have a record deal or at least sufficient distribution for us to hear their music. 'TFORW' is 2 songwriters putting forward the best of what would have been the next solo records, 'BYBO' is the first with the new band (and tracks like 'Mrs Morgan' show the influence of Adele and Glenn). I think 'OA' will be a big leap forwards in terms of songwriting and performing. I also think 'BYBO' is a summer record, like '16LL'. Play it on a hot August day and it's fantastic. | ||
| Michael Bachman Member Username: Michael_bachman Post Number: 3 Registered: 01-2005 |
I am hoping for 10 solid songs. They don't have Lindy or Amanda in the band anymore, so it's not like were expecting inventive time signature drumming or haunting violin or oboe parts. Maybe Robert and Grant need someone stronger in the band to push them to greater hights? | ||
| Jeff Whiteaker Member Username: Jeff_whiteaker Post Number: 30 Registered: 10-2004 |
first of all, i was always pretty disappointed by TFORW. it's only got a handful of genuinely good songs, in my humble opinion, and i feel that Larry Crane's dry, kind of lo-fi production did not suit the go-betweens' songs very well. to me, most of the songs on TFORW sound kind of half-baked, like mediocre riffs they slapped together, sometimes hitting, but most of the time missing, the mark. it sounds stilted, tentative, and much like a continuation of their respective solo work. i thought BYBO was definitely a step up. more consistent and better crafted songwriting, more cohesive in feel, and improved, slightly more colorful production. and it sounds more like a "band" effort than TFORW. still doesn't hold up to any of their 80s records for me at all, but i get more enjoyment out of it than TFORW. which brings me around to my hopes/fears for the new album. frankly, i'm expecting more of the same. i've lost hope in the go-betweens' ability to make albums that move me like liberty belle or before hollywood. grant just doesn't seem interested in writing those heart-breakingly beautiful guitar melodies like he used to, like "part company." and the more i think about it, the more i feel the new material suffers from a lack of rhythmic energy and variation that lindy morrison and robert vickers would have given it. and sometimes i get the feeling that forster and mclennan just aren't trying hard enough to reach those highs. who knows, maybe they'll surprise me this time around with some true pop gems, but i'm not holding my breath. i'll buy it when it hits the shops, absorb it, and probably like it okay. not expecting any life-altering experiences. | ||
| Peter Azzopardi Member Username: Pete Post Number: 57 Registered: 09-2004 |
One of my fears for the new album is that is doesn't get a vinyl release. I emailed Yep Roc records about this and this is what they said: "Hi Peter, Based on your request we asked the band if they want to press some vinyl for this release. I'll let you know once we hear back from them." (David Rose) Maybe others here interested in a vinyl release can express it so the chance doesn't slip by. As far as the quality of the new album, I'm not worried at all as Forster/McLennan have never been involved with a terrible one and "Here Comes the City" is the best single they've released (or slated for release) post '80s line-up. | ||
| mike p Unregistered guest |
Rachel worth is one of the best albums the gbs have ever recorded. It is a lot better than before hollywood as an album and ceratainly on a par with the gorgeous 16 lovers lane. And there is no doubt that FORW is better than BYBO. That's just a fact. Although BYBO has its charms. you should try some Ned'S Atomic Dustbin Lps - i'm sure you'll love them. | ||
| Dusty Unregistered guest |
Not going to get into a debate as to which album is best as this is too subjective (I think both FORW & BYBO are both very good but not as good as classic mid-late 80's albums). With regard to original question my general philosophy on all bands/artists is that they have a career creative trajectory that goes up, reaches a peak and then just seems to roll away. Just seems to be a part of the ageing process I guess. Of course there are variables within this but generally it holds with the vast majority of artists. The Go-Betweens roughly follow this pattern with a succession of increasingly creatively inspired albums reaching a peak with 16 LL where creative and brilliant songcraft balance perfectly. This peak sustains for a couple of years (e.g. 'Danger in the Past, most of McLennan's 'Watershed') and then slowly ebbs away. Not saying in any way that the recent GB LP's are other than very good, certainly the songcraft remains very strong - it's just that the indefinable spark of creative brilliance has slipped away. On the positive side , great artists like McLennan and Forster are usually capable of one relatively superb late LP and so I am eternally optimistic of a true classic during this reunion. | ||
| Tim Unregistered guest |
From the above, the concensus appears to be we live in hope rather than expectation. I still maintain that it would have been far more interesting to follow RF's career as a solo artist as I believe he was writing songs moving away from the GB's template and hence developing. Even the dodgy "Warm Nights" contains a bona fide classic in the title track, and his first two albums are both gems. Therefore, in my view BYBO is a backward looking retrograde step, trying to re-capture a previous GBs sound. Having said this, I accept reforming the GBs may have been the only way I would have had the opportunity to hear anything new from both songwriters, though if RF was more prolific and hence more commercially viable it may not have been necessary. In my selfish ideal world, I wish this were the case. As for Edwyn Collins, please note Gareth, I was criticising his role as a producer, not his value as a human being. (I didn't even know he was ill, and your mention of it is irrelavant to the point I was making). | ||
| Badseed Unregistered guest |
Hmmm...some people are too hard to please. Just be thankful they are together and recording some fabulous songs. Bollocks to rhythm sections, producers, recreating the magic of old records, or whatever. The most important thing were and always will be the songs, and Forster and Mclennan working together again knock spots off any other musical partnership extant, and I aim to enjoy them while they're still doing that. BYBO was a beautiful, warm album, Grant nearing the form of his life and Robert not too far behind. I'm looking forward to the new album, and I have no fears. It may not be their greatest record -- though it certainly won't be their worst -- but there will be songs on there that enrich my life, I'm sure. | ||
| Guy Ewald Member Username: Guy_ewald Post Number: 4 Registered: 02-2005 |
Speaking as an old fan, I agree with Badseed. Robert and Grant's Go-Betweens reunion has been one of the most fruitful Mk.II's I can think of... Pere Ubu and The Feelies come to mind as being comparably worthy. I agree that TFORW and BYBO are more humble albums than Liberty Belle or Tallulah, but that's entirely appropriate to their position in the music world today. Would you rather see them pursue some hopeless dream of chart success? Neither album jumps out and grabs the listener by the throat; they reveal their pleasures (and hooks) through repeated listens until each song stands with an almost sculptural presence - not a note or line out of place. | ||
| jack Unregistered guest |
Rachael Worth is a real charmer, but BYBO should have been called Dull Yellow, Dull Orange... | ||
| Spring Rain Unregistered guest |
You could be right, Jack. When I asked Lindy the other night if 'Bright Yellow, Bright Orange' ever sold, she told me it hardly ever- she says only two hundred copies managed to be sold- one of their many flops! The only way, I think, to make a record that'll sell at least a million copies is to reinstate Lindy, Amanda and either Robert V or John in the Go-betweens!!!!! | ||
| Randy Adams Unregistered guest |
I agree with Dusty. We can only expect the product of maturity now. There probably won't be too many moments when either Robert or Grant are going out on a limb with no idea whether it will work or not. I do wish Robert would cut out a bit of the self-promoting hyperbole and maybe try just a little more self-criticism instead. I agree that "Warm Nights" was not much of an album. I still remember the first time I put it on and "I Can Do" started up. I just thought "what the hell?" I also feel that FORW has the stronger moments when compared to BYBO, but is less consistent. "Spirit" is one of Forster's greats. Ditto (for me) "When She Sang About Angels." I really like "In Your Bright Ray" quite a lot and I've not really heard that much from Grant on either FORW or BYBO which measures up to the better songs on that album. On the other hand, I loved the Barbican show and I specifically enjoyed the way they took the arty edge off of "Your Turn, My Turn" and just did it as this regal opus. This is one way in which their maturity pays off. So it's a mixed bag. I look forward to the new album because I'm sure there will be things to enjoy on it. Anyway, I hope so. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Unregistered guest |
I completely agree with you Randy. FORW has some individually better songs, but BYBO is a better album. I'm listening to Cleopatra Wong's Egg EP as I write by the way. | ||
| Winter Drizzle Unregistered guest |
200 copies? Yes. Right. | ||
| gareth Unregistered guest |
I find '200 copies sold' a bit much to swallow. If it sold so poorly why would EMI take the risk of putting out the next record? Utter nonsense. | ||
| mike p Unregistered guest |
That is utter bollocks about 200 copies sold. No offence to Lindy but that just isn't true. | ||
| Badseed Unregistered guest |
It probably sold that on its first day of release in the UK alone. Why spread misinformation? | ||
| tired'n'emotional Unregistered guest |
'Spring Rain', alias 'Spring roll', alias Brook Crowley, alias...? has been stirring it here for the past month or so. I have no idea whether she is a friend or foe of Lindy's. However, his/her over-enthusiastic comments on reforming the old Go-Betweens appear quite disingenuous and she/he seems intent on having a laugh at the expense of contributors here. I'd ignore completely anything he/she has to say. | ||
| tired'n'emotional Unregistered guest |
Hey Brook, given your interest in Roger Hodgson, shouldn't you be around the Supertramp forum bugging them to reform? The wonderful lyrics of Roger Hodgson, ex Supertramp, as corrected by Brook Crowley Cheers, Brook. | ||
| Japhy Ryder Unregistered guest |
Yeah, "...part of me wishes that they had never reformed" are you mad? Both the last two were great albums. Not the same as the early stuff? Change is good, bring it on... 200 copies sold is complete crap, agree with tired...ignore the nonsense. As for the new one, I've heard it and it's magnificent! At least 5 blow you away immediately.At once. It's beautiful..Darlinghurst Years,The Statue,Here comes a city,This Night's..,Mountains..,Aw phew! it's genius! You lucky people have got something special to look forward to..... | ||
| lesson1 Unregistered guest |
some info on sales: TFORW and BYBO were probably the best selling GBs albums ever, BYBO sold in Germany alone more than 13000 units and ended up on Position 41 in the official german album charts. Vinyl: Oceans Apart will be available on vinyl in the beginning of May (at least in Europe) The GBs new german label tuition will release OA as 180g vinyl. Oceans Apart is an absolute masterpiece, wait until you have had a chance to listen to Grant´s "No Reason To Cry" or Robert´s "Darlinghurst Nights" and the other 8 songs. All are definitely great tunes as well. All Killers - No Fillers. the band: some of you forum-guys love to walk down memory lane everyday. It´s time for you to understand that The Go Betweens are Robert & Grant and for a long time now, Adele & Glenn as well. NOW! is the word. | ||
| Robert Vickers Unregistered guest |
I believe BYBO sold about 7000 copies in the US. That is less than Friends, which sold over 10,000. I'm sure that was Lindy's point. Sales fell off significatly. Part of that was the huge press interest in the initial reformation/Sleater Kinney connection but there was also a general opinion by the press that BYBO was a lesser record. I would have to agree with that assesment even though it's a fine album. | ||
| Cichli Suite Member Username: Cichli_suite Post Number: 38 Registered: 08-2004 |
Looking forward to it, lesson1. Your knowledge of the specifics of the release would suggest you are involved in the band management. Do you think you could be more patronising in your next message to this forum? Some of us older fans who have everything Robert and Grant ever released (several times over) need a good shake up. Perhaps, it would be more convenient for the band PR hacks if we fucked off? Like most folk here, I love the new band, by the way. Lesson 2: There's Danger in the Past (but only if you deny it) | ||
| Japhy Ryder Unregistered guest |
Hsss hsss...Miaow! Don't be like that C.S. L1's got a point. PR hack or no, surely he/she can make it? Me,I'm no hack, just love 'em like you do and love everything they've ever done. Haven't got it all (several times over) though,so is it OK for me to report just how great I think OA is? In my opinion it's a masterpiece. Cheers :-) Lesson 2.5: Danger in the Past...if it's an obsession? | ||
| Robert Vickers Unregistered guest |
Lesson 1 is correct BYBO did very well in Germany. Which was great news. Hence all those German dates you see. That is not true for the US and I think not for Australia. No idea about the UK. However claiming BYBO and FORW are the best selling GBs album's is pretty odd. I believe 16LL shipped 100,000 copies on Capitol in the US alone. A large number of those were returned but you get the idea. I could be wrong but I would think we sold more than 13000 copies of Tallulah and LB in Germany in 80's when we were touring there twice a year and doing major television shows. It is a real achievement selling 13,000 copies of BYBO in Germany and it's something Tuition should be able to build on with what is an excellent new record. But a word to Lesson 1. If indeed you do work for Tuiton you should know that the people who can help you the most promoting this new record are not dissimilar to these 'forum guys'. People who grew up listening to and loving the first 6 records and are now old enough to hold positions of power in the music industry. You might want to take that walk down memory lane with them. You might find it rewarding. | ||
| Cichli Suite Member Username: Cichli_suite Post Number: 39 Registered: 08-2004 |
Japhy, sure, it's ok for you to express any opinion you like here. I've never suggested otherwise. Thanks for your report on the record by the way. You seem genuinely enthused - you're lucky to have heard the preview. I was piqued by lesson1's suggestion that those of us who discuss the bands past are somehow being disloyal. Actually, I very rarely talk about the band's past records here except to acknowledge their excellence. But doing so is hardly 'taking a walk down memory lane' - Pretty insulting from someone who probably didn't know who the GBs were six months ago. Yes, there's danger in the past if it's an obsession. But it seems the only thing most of us are obsessive about are the Go-Betweens and, like it or lump it, the bulk of the recordings we can talk about are recordings involving the old line-up. Naturally, when Ocean's apart comes out this place will be buzzing with discussion on that subject only for a few months. | ||
| Jerry Clark Member Username: Jerry Post Number: 38 Registered: 08-2004 |
Amazon UK ranks BYBO with sales of 143,208. | ||
| gareth Unregistered guest |
Let's not forget that the last 3 (maybe even 6?) releases from the band have been the re-releases so memory lane is not that far away at all. Most of us who visit and contribute here have bought the 6 albums twice, maybe even 3 times in some cases, and have a lot of affection for the music made during this period. It's only natural that we would want to talk about it. We've been very good to the band. It's also very difficult to discuss something we haven't heard yet... | ||
| tom d Unregistered guest |
Will the new album be released on vinyl - does anyone know? I sincerely hope so. FORW and BYBO both were. I think I read somewhere that Robert himself prefers vinyl to cd's. Am I the only one to like Warm Nights? To me it's second only to Danger in the Past. And I love the sound: warm, dry, punchy. When the drums kick in on I Can Do - it's such a nice groove. Great vocals too. Only Cryin Love is a little overblown and I much prefer the Go-Betweens version of Rock 'nd Roll Friend. Roberts solo shows with Adele and Glenn around this time were great too. | ||
| Robert Vickers Unregistered guest |
Does Amazon UK track sales? Jerry do you have a link to where you got that info. | ||
| Peter Azzopardi Member Username: Pete Post Number: 61 Registered: 09-2004 |
Call me ignorant, but I thought the Amazon sales ranking (I've looked, reviewed, but never purchased through them) was a chart, like the Billboard or Aria, based on that particular item's popularity in their category and at that time. Tell me I'm wrong. Tom d,lesson1 claims that German label Tuition will release "Oceans Apart" on 180g vinyl (what happened to BB Island?). I emailed Yep Roc (USA label) about a vinyl release and they said they'd ask the band. My guess is they probably wouldn't bother with two different vinyl releases, though a US one would probably work out cheaper for me to buy on import and is more likely to appear in Melbourne shops. The last two German pressed LPs arrived a month and a half late after I ordered them, were warped and the vinyl on TFORW was cut carelessly, meaning I can't play the first minute of 'Magic In Here'. Despite my bad luck, which I continue to lament two years on, you couldn't get a more deluxe pressing than the Clearspot releases of TFORW and BYBO (except the artwork on the later looks slightly pixelated). | ||
| Jerry Clark Member Username: Jerry Post Number: 39 Registered: 08-2004 |
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000087DW3/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_1/202-3652553 -3035867 Here you go, still a bit of a mystery. I'd have to assume this is based on global Amazon sales. We weren't exactly kicking down the doors in the crush at the Barbican. | ||
| Duncan H Unregistered guest |
The Amazon sales rack is it's position in the Amazon sales chart. It's at number 143,208. This isn't something to shout about. However, the above comments have increased my anticipation for the new album. Is it available for order anywhere yet? | ||
| lesson1 Unregistered guest |
@ Cichli Suite and others: Accept my apologies in case you felt patronized by my previous posting, it was not meant that way. Amazon´s sales rank is not reflecting overall sales, it´s just an indication which rank the respective album is having for the moment. Means, if you currently listed on rank 100 you probably sold quite well through amazon this day, if no orders come in next day you might be ending up on rank 100000. | ||
| Cichli Suite Member Username: Cichli_suite Post Number: 40 Registered: 08-2004 |
apology accepted  | ||
| Jerry Clark Member Username: Jerry Post Number: 40 Registered: 08-2004 |
Well I feel stupid, what a crap way of charting sales. | ||
| Randy Adams Unregistered guest |
I always feel honored when I buy something from Amazon that has a huge number in the sales rank. It makes me feel like my purchase makes a difference. Buying a Cathal Coughlan album can double his worldwide sales for the week. And you should buy a Cathal Coughlan album if you haven't. I'm looking forward to hearing Oceans Apart. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Unregistered guest |
You should buy all three Cathal Coughlan albums if you haven't! Actually, only two are available, but you can download his first from his website, www.cathalcoughlan.com. | ||
| Peter Azzopardi Member Username: Pete Post Number: 62 Registered: 09-2004 |
I just received an email from Yep Roc saying they will be releasing OA on vinyl, street date 3rd of May, as per my request! (Not that I requested the street date, but you know what I mean). All you Go-Bs completists and audiophiles will now have to buy two vinyl pressings. This information is not on the Yep Roc website yet, so we'll have to wait for further confirmation on this. I'm very pleased, though also surprised, that the band is doing this considering Robert Vickers reported sales figures for BYBO in the States. How many people of those 7,000 Americans would have bought it on vinyl if they had the chance? Considering contemporary labels usually press about 1000 vanity LPs, this is a high percentage of sales to shift (assuming they'll press this many). Does anybody know how many LPs Clearspot pressed for the previous two albums? | ||
| Richard Sothman Unregistered guest |
Hopes: It's 1989, maybe even 16LL again (and with Mark Wallis, why not?), they make another bid for commercial success with an album that fits in with the surroundings. Franz what? Fears: Though they've been striving for this success now for more than 20 years, I'm not sure I'm ready for it. If they're successful, they're no longer mine. Not precious, not special, not mine. Ours. Whatever. I'm sure the great Shane Danielsen said this better than me. But if they're getting into this encore mode, can I request next time it's Liberty Belle? | ||
| lesson1 Unregistered guest |
Having worked for their old distribution company, I guess both albums (BYBO&FORW) sold around 2500 each on vinyl. | ||
| Randy Adams Unregistered guest |
I can't see the GoBees suddenly becoming big. Frankly it's too late--they're too old. Most of their likely audience is too busy raising families and pursuing careers. I don't think there are nearly enough younger folks like Pete who can immerse themselves into the sensibilities of folks working in different eras. But I CAN see them pulling together a nice solid cult somewhat larger than the one they have now. It is also possible that they could briefly become the flavor of the month like Bright Eyes. That would be annoying for me, but it would be relatively temporary and at least Grant and Robert would get a nice gusher of cash that they would hopefully squirrel away for drier times ahead. I confess that if somehow the GoBees became something huge like . . . TRAVIS . . . I'd get a bit cranky about it. But there's another point: can somebody whose music is subtle ever be truly big commercially? How many people pick up the subtle wavelength? | ||
| Jerry Clark Member Username: Jerry Post Number: 43 Registered: 08-2004 |
Now I know that message boards are designed for this kind of debate, but basing your hopes for a new album on the quality (or lack of) of one song is quite spurious. "Caroline & I" doesn't really set the standard for BYBO, likewise "Going Blind" | ||
| tallulahgosh Unregistered guest |
Hopes: that it's even better than the last 2 albums, and the gig in London is even better than the Barbican one, almost an impossibilty. Fears: I cut myself on the cd as I open it and bleed to death. I've only known the Go-betweens for about 3 years so the talk of memory lane don't mean much to be. I've slowly being buying all the old albums up and getting into them. Sometimes I buy them and don't listen to them much, only to get them off the shelf in the future and fall in love with them. I've never even heard Tallulah or Liberty Belle yet! Wish I had been there the first time, but the second time ain't bad either. Will they get famous this time? Will they be on CD:UK? Will Sky Sports play 'Here comes a city' when Man City are on live? Will the kids ever learn? | ||
| cameron Unregistered guest |
I grew up in Brisbane . I bailed when i was 17 and have been travelling the world since, 36 now,never went back .I remember Robert Foster and the Gobetweens as being just so mad and original, considering the Aussie hard rock pedigree they were born into , they had to leave .Robert was like an east london spiv or something . A real character . Im happy they reformed and im happy that they have this sort of understated elegance. I have seem them play all over the place . The weirdest being OSLO (horrible , intolerant place) . Best shows London ,Amsterdam and Paris . The French love them . I like "Part company" and its interesting that it was mixed and recorded in France somewhere . Man .Lets face it . Robert and Grant have written some classics . Roberts solo work was a little un-even . Grants stuff to sort Nashville FM radio or something . I have always been fascinated by their sound , especially their guitar rythmes which are "polynesian". I think thats one of the things that makes their sound so original . Its basically UK indi meets US country with a south pacific rythme . Roberts got alot of charisma which helps aswell i think . I cant wait for the new album . I still think they got it in them . "He lives my life "is a classic and that was written fairly recently . C u in Amsterdam and London this time round ... Cam M | ||
| Peter Azzopardi Member Username: Pete Post Number: 63 Registered: 09-2004 |
Thanks for the info lesson1. That's a very impressive number, but I suppose people like me would have sought those records all over the world so it makes sense. There must be at least 2500 Go-Bs obsessives around the globe I guess. Yes, Randy, their subtlety with melody will never win them any favours with the masses. "Here Comes The City" is proof of such a song, as much as I like it. | ||
| Randy Adams Unregistered guest |
Jerry, your point is well-taken: the singles often are not the high points, though certainly "Bachelor Kisses," "Spring Rain" and "Streets of Your Town" were. I've always thought "Head Full of Steam" good for nothing but a beer commercial and, like some other folks on here have commented, cannot fathom why anyone thought "Was There Anything I Can Do" would have an impact as a single. I am envious of all of you who will see them this year, as I won't be in Europe at the right time. If they do make it to the States I'll go wherever I must to see them. | ||
| David Matheson Member Username: David_matheson Post Number: 4 Registered: 12-2004 |
Part of me want to see them become hugely successful becaue I think they deserve it. But I think it is unlikely. Another part of me likes things as they are. Successful enough to keep recording, touring and having forums like this, but not mega stars. I'm glad that when they play it is in relatively small venues where I can get close to the stage. I think they would be awful in a huge complex. | ||
| Matthew Unregistered guest |
I hope they become terrifically massive and recruit lots of fans. Who knows, it could happen. If the last two albums' reviews at pitchforkmedia.com are more than merely two non-fans' views and represent an indie reception to the new Go-Betweens, with a hot new album The Go-Betweens could find a bigger, less elitist following. Hmm. | ||
| r langston Unregistered guest |
funny but i prefer robert's version of rocknroll friend. it's not as lush or possibly as beautiful but i think it's closer to how he wanted it - i.e. organic/ as direct as dylan. great to read the stuff on this site, especially the entries by robert vickers. how terrifically uncynical. | ||
| Taunton Unregistered guest |
One of my biggest fears has been realised - that it would only have 10 songs on it. I applaud their 'less is more' committment to quality control, but I'm sure they could have come up with another couple of good songs each. Look at all the gems on the bonus discs with the re-releases. In the CD age, the 10 songs policy looks like an affectation. | ||
| Peter Collins Unregistered guest |
I couldn't agree less. I'm rather sick and tired of having to sit down and listen to 80 minutes of music, with obvious filler thrown in. Bring back the 23 minute lp I say. | ||
| Jeff Whiteaker Member Username: Jeff_whiteaker Post Number: 40 Registered: 10-2004 |
Peter, I wholeheartedly agree with you. The idea that people suddenly thought they could fill an 80 minute CD with quality material is heinously absurd. I'm all for keeping the 35-ish minutes long album tradition. | ||
| lesson1 Unregistered guest |
Oceans Apart: 10 songs, duration 39:03 perfect ! | ||
| gareth Unregistered guest |
Totally agree - Someone buy Peter and Jeff a drink. CD's should just go silent or automatically eject after 40 mins. House of Love and Josh Rouse both released very good albums this year and both are under 40 mins. I think Slayer's 'Reign in Blood' is even under 30 mins in length. | ||
| jerkwater Unregistered guest |
10 songs is the perfect amount of songs for an album i think. anything more than 12 and there's bound to be filler. i don't understand how bands really think they can have 16 songs on an album and hold the listener's attention for that long. i mean, if you only listen to music to kill time while you're doing something else, then i guess 10 songs is something to complain about. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Unregistered guest |
That's very bitchy jerkwater! I agree though, I'm sick of albums that could be perfectly good in 10 or 12 songs, being numbed into mediocrity by adding another six songs that should not even be b-sides. There are some excellent longer albums - Joshua Tree for instance - but they are few and far between. I think I might feel a little annoyed at a 23 minute album though Peter. That's more of an EP (and a weekend thing). The Jam's albums were all around the half-hour mark which is perfect. Gareth, Reign In Blood is 28 minutes long and is a masterpiece of its kind (as you obviously well know!). The Lemonheads' It's A Shame About Ray is 29 minutes long (well, my version is. I got it the week it came out so it's not the shortly after re-released version with Mrs Robinson on it). | ||
| Jeff Whiteaker Member Username: Jeff_whiteaker Post Number: 41 Registered: 10-2004 |
Glad to see I'm not the only one here familiar with Slayer's "Reign in Blood." What an amazing album, one of the absolute best of its genre. I'm gonna have to go home and listen to it tonight. Great album for blowing off steam after an irksome day at work. And then I'll take things back down a notch (or 5) with Blue Nile or something, and eat a salad. Speaking of album lengths, can anyone tell me the length of Blue Nile's "Hats"? It's only got 7 songs, but then they're kind of long, perhaps long enough to keep it out of "EP" status. | ||
| gareth Unregistered guest |
Jeff, 'Hats' is listed as being 38.7 mins in my itunes library (or a less romantically sounding 34.9mb). Good to see 'Reign in Blood' getting some respect. Great record, great energy on there. If memory serves they followed it up with the same but slightly slower and louder. Not as good but much better than Metallica or Anthrax. | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 1 Registered: 03-2005 |
OK, I can't follow you folks into the world of Slayer. I agree about the problem of listener fatigue though. Even the second half of a well-stuffed anthology CD tends to get the short shrift. I thought it was just me. But Grant usually writes more than five songs in an 18 to 24 month period. I wish there was some demand for an occasional EP by him with other folks ala Jack Frost or FOC. | ||
| Peter Azzopardi Member Username: Pete Post Number: 72 Registered: 09-2004 |
Just visited the Yep Roc website and you can now pre-order/buy "OA". It seems fairly inexpensive, even with international shipping. However, there is still no mention of the vinyl release. Hopefully the nice people at Yep Roc, or the band themselves, haven't changed their minds. | ||
| shellshocked Unregistered guest |
OA on vinyl will be available in the UK through Shellshock Distribution from April 25 on. | ||
| Peter Azzopardi Member Username: Pete Post Number: 77 Registered: 09-2004 |
Thanks shellshocked. Which vinyl release will that be? Yep Roc haven't advertised the LP release on their site yet. However, I just went to the redeyeuse.com website (they do manufacturing and distribution for several indie labels, Yep Roc included) and they list the LP version with a street date of 17th of May. There is pdf "onesheet" you can download which has some more information about both releases. The LP will cost US $12.99 and it is a 180 gram pressing. Good news. | ||
| Telecaster Unregistered guest |
I'm pleased as punch just to have another GB album on the way. I have to say you could've knocked me over with a feather when I first read that Robert F. and Grant were reforming the band. (Or creating the Mk. II version or however you want to look at it.) I quite like both latter day albums. Different sound, different vibe to the earlier stuff...but that's okay. People change. "Old Mexico"...love that song. I'm surprised by Robert V.'s U.S. sales count for BYBO. It didn't get the same level of press attention as "Friends Of..." but I heard songs from it more often on the radio (public station) and noticed for awhile Starbucks had "Mrs. Morgan" and "Crooked Lines" in their regular rotation. I guess Starbucks isn't the golden door to fame & fortune after all. :-O IMO 40 minutes is just about right for an album. That's how long it takes me to get back & forth to work. If I pull into the parking lot as the last song of a disc is finishing I feel I've started the day in proper fashion. -Dave- | ||
| Niallo Unregistered guest |
nice to see some Cathal Coughlan fans on the board! One of the most criminally underrated artists of our times Heres hoping we shall see some new recorded output from him in 2005 and that his production of Flannerys Mounted Head for Cork Culture goes well. Niall | ||
| Daniel Unregistered guest |
I listened to Oceans Apart a couple of times today and it already sounds like the best of the reformed Go-Betweens' career. Grant gets in his usual elemental lyrical references, with both fire and ice getting a run. I don't know why they are making such a big deal out of Here Comes A City though. Most of the other tracks are better than it. Standouts so far are Grant's No Reason To Cry and Robert's Darlinghurst Nights. The former, with its reference to it it being "15 years since we last spoke" seems quite clearly to be about Amanda. It is a beautiful song of lost love. Darlinghurst Nights is Robert remembering his time in Sydney fondly. Part of it seems to concern Lindy, but maybe it is some other influential woman from his past. Lavender (Robert) too is quite lovely. It sounds more like a Robert solo song than a Go-Betweens track. In fact, it would have fitted right in on Danger In The Past. Grant's Boundary Rider also sounds more like his solo work, specifically Horsebreaker Star. The production throughout is great, sharp and clean without sounding in any way clinical or sterile. It's closest in its production feel to that of 16 Lovers Lane. | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 6 Registered: 03-2005 |
Thanks Daniel. I'm really looking forward to hearing the album. I'm also glad that "Here Comes the City" is not a standout since I don't personally find it to be all that exceptional. And the idea of Robert and Grant each getting in something reminiscent of their respective solo work sounds great to me because I really like their solo records. However I'm not quite sure how much difference there is between their group work and solo work in most cases; perhaps less slick backing on the group things? But then what about "Warm Nights" which no one can claim has slick backing. Hmmm. Maybe a new thread on what it is that makes the Go Betweens mk2 different than the solo records. | ||
| moomooman Unregistered guest |
Ive listened to Oceans Apart too and i have to dissagree with Daniel. Here Comes The City is THE standout track on the album and the album is probably the weakest album of the Go Betweens mk2 cannon. | ||
| tired'n'emotional Unregistered guest |
Thanks Daniel for your review. However, based on the dazzling piece of analysis just posted by moocowman (whatever) I'm cancelling my order of 'Oceans apart'. | ||
| Nibbler's Mother Unregistered guest |
I think the GBs should retire and let the rest of us analyse their legacy. | ||
| Donat Member Username: Donat Post Number: 25 Registered: 11-2004 |
'Darlinghurst Nights' is a great song, my favourite from the new album. I like the little name drops in one of the verses: "Marjorie and Kim, Andy and Clint, Debbie, birdie (???).. people came and went" My guess is that RF is referring to Marjorie McIntosh, Kim O'Brien, Andrew Wilson, Clinton Walker, Debbie Auchinachie but I am not sure about Birdie/Bernie? It's not surprising that only RF and GM appear on the front cover of *ahem* OA. | ||
| cosmo vitelli Unregistered guest |
Oceans Apart is a wonderful album,the production is excellent throughout ,very warm and bright and the band sound super confident and like they are having alot of fun.There is still pain and heartbreak below but the album is a joy from start to finish.We should all be happy that the album was made and that the GBs remain with us. | ||
| Alfred Unregistered guest |
We should probably avoid looking for so-called biographical parallels in the songs. It's not at all clear that "No Reason to Cry" is about Amanda Brown just because it happens to be 15 years since she and Grant dated, or broke up, or whatever (who cares?). That said, I'm glad Grant is getting back to writing about specifics; you nailed it, Daniel, when you remarked on his "usual elemental lyrical references," a worrying trend that's made most of his post 1995 work mere hallmarks of solid craftsmanship. | ||
| jerkwater johnson Unregistered guest |
And to add to the many different early reactions to the new album... I think it's my least favorite of GoBs Mach II, with an outside chance of surpassing Bright Yellow Bright Orange. Aside from Send Me a Lullabye (which I just don't care for), BYBO is my least favorite album. I still like certain songs on it though. I get the impression that a lot of people on this board love the Liberty Belle/Tallulah/16LL streak of albums. For me, Before Hollywood kicks the crap out of those. Before Hollywood is one of my favorite albums of all-time, and none of their other records come close although I love them all. I would think that maybe huge fans of Tallulah/et al. might enjoy this album more than me. I think it lacks energy. It sounds like an album you listen to when you're sitting in a reclining chair. Lush, warm, nice, comforting, harmless. "Here Comes a City" is not indicative of the album, and although I don't really like that song, I think it is the single. "No Reason To Cry" does nothing for me. Conversely, I love "Going Blind", "the Clock", and "Heart And Home". The songs on Oceans Apart sound like songs Grant could write in his sleep. I am disappointed. Robert, however, delivers some nice cuts. "Born to a Family" is my favorite on the album right now; a nice little jaunty number sort of reminiscent of "Working on the Highway" by the Boss, only the vocals are trademark Forster. "Darlinghurst Nights" is another Forster success. Crazy Horns at the end. "Lavender" has some dub elements to it which sounds funny but good at the same time. I like this one too. Sorry to write a lukewarm review. I was going to review it days ago but wanted to listen to it some more in hopes that I would like it better. I think the reaction to this album will be like what's we've seen on this board so far: some will like it, some won't, but everyone will agree it's not as good as the 80's stuff. | ||
| Peter Azzopardi Member Username: Pete Post Number: 83 Registered: 09-2004 |
Interesting you should mention Bruce Springsteen, Johnson. I've been listening to the Boss non-stop for the last few months now and I think I can hear an influence on Grant's writing, though not Robert's. I guess this connection is made clear to me by the cover of "If I Should Fall Behind" Grant did in '92, and that I heard on the Uncut Sprigsteen tribute CD that came out a couple of years ago. For example, "Boundary Rider" is very Bruce in its simple structure and classic chord progression, not to mention the central metaphor that he milks for all its worth. Also, they're both heart-on-their-sleeves lyricists, even if they're not writing autobiographically per se. Of course, I'm refering to later Bruce, not the young man of "The Wild, the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle" where he sounds more like Tom Waits or a wannabe Dylan. Anyone else make this connection? | ||
| j johnson Unregistered guest |
Yeah, I can see that. Forster's songs don't normally sound like Springsteen, but "Born to a Family of Workers", the music has the same vibe as "Working On the Highway", and the subject matter is in the same realm as Springsteen. Anyone one else think track nine "THis night's for you" is about the worst song grant's had in a long long time? It sounds like adult alternative radio or something. | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 8 Registered: 03-2005 |
Uh oh. You folks are making me nervous. I hope the album is better than you're making it sound like it is. On another subject. I have great confidence in Pete Azzopardi's musical instincts, but I wonder if I will ever be able to listen to Springsteen. Back when I was in school my roommate had the "Born to Run" LP which I thought was unalloyed rubbish. Every song seemed to spend its entire duration on the coda. And I have a deep-seated distrust of pop hype as most people who receive it really do prove to be insubstantial. Someday I will have to explore late Springsteen and see what I think. Prejudices can be very hard to overcome. In the meantime I am really enjoying my tardy discovery of Felt, all thanks to some of the wonderful folks on here. | ||
| Peter Azzopardi Member Username: Pete Post Number: 84 Registered: 09-2004 |
Thanks for the compliment Randy, though I wouldn't exactly say I had the most adventurous musical instincts, which I feel is a personal and professional flaw. I haven't gotten to "Born To Run" yet, but it sounds a bit like "The Wild and the Innocent" from what I've read and, while that album has some great moments, is a bit too jammy for my liking. You may be interested in the "Tunnel of Love" LP of '87 that I never fail to see three or four copies of in any second-hand music store in Australia. It's not an obvious choice, but it exemplifies pure, economical pop writing and has a couple of beautiful, confessional numbers (dig the track "Two Faces" to see what I'm talking about). "Tunnel of Love" is very eighties sounding but, like 16LL and Cohen's "I'm Your Man", this somehow weds well to the emotional content of the record. Oh, and you can't go past the "Nebraska" album. Most Springsteen detractors still like that one. Great, organic, narrative songs. A proto-type for the stylised, neo-Americana of today. | ||
| James Unregistered guest |
Born To A Family sounds nothing like Bruce Springsteen so stop talking bollocks. If anything it vaguely recalls Spring Rain, the narrator sound like he's looking back at the narrator of Spring Rain and wondering why he still feels unique. By the way I don't mind a bit of Bruce. | ||
| cosmo vitelli Unregistered guest |
i am unsure as to what 'adult alternative radio' is but 'this night's for you' is a great dreamy pop song,'darlinghurst years' is fucking great,the album sounds amazing.this is the Go-Betweens NOW not before (hollywood).i have been moved to tears on every occasion i have listened to the album,sometimes for the songs and other times for the sheer emotional thrill of a new and brilliant GBs album. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Unregistered guest |
Well said Cosmo. It is a great album. No need to cuss though. I think This Night's For You is the poorest track on the album, but it's still not a bad song. Randy, investigate Bruce. You owe it to yourself. Tunnel Of Love is my favourite for all the reasons Pete listed above, and more. The title track moves me in emotional ways that only a handful of other songs have ever done. And, perhaps uniquely, it is not that I take anything personal out of it, just that it makes me feel for what Bruce went through in his divorce. An awesome song. Oh, it does make me think of Coney Island, which I love, because of the fairground noises on it, but I adored the song and the album long before I ever rode the Cyclone. | ||
| gareth Unregistered guest |
'Tunnel of Love' is an all time classic. He never really gets enough credit for his lyrics ("it's a town full of losers and i'm pulling out of here to win" is as good as it gets in my book) and this is his best album lyrically. You're right Padraig - there's an emotional core to the album that just hits you. In an odd way, i think he's really underrated. People tend to focus on the sales, the long shows etc but as a songwriter he's got few peers. "You're Missing" from "The Rising" is beautiful too. | ||
| david1 Unregistered guest |
Springteen lyrics are wonderful. The way he tells a strory in a few words. "had a wife and kids in baltimore jack, i went out for a ride and i never came back" "then i got Mary pregnant and man that was all she wrote and for my 19th birthday i got a union card and a wedding coat" Wonderful | ||
| cameron Unregistered guest |
I finally heard the album . Darlinghurst Years . My favorite (this week) .Where does this gift come from? RF is getting way more bonkers . GM more inspired ,me thinks . I havnt been so happy since "The friends of Rachel Worth " with added Rock n Roll friend live on some USA radio station bonus CD . Im going to slaughter my finest linda Mcartney sausage , take some e and listen to it with a friend tonight. Cant wait . | ||
| jerkwater johnson Unregistered guest |
The bruce springsteen SONG "working on the highway" is fairly similar to "born to a family". that song is similar, not all of bruce springsteen, as anyone familiar with his work knows that there is a wide spectrum of songs. just compare the e street shuffle to tunnel of love. completely different. anyway. yes, you must check out bruce springsteen, randy. although if you hated born to run, then hell, we don't agree. born to run and thunder road are two of my favorites songs ever, and i couldn't think more highly of bruce springsteen and his music. nebraska, born in the usa, darkness on the edge of town, born to run. those are my faves. "adult alternative music"-- hmm... hootie and the blowfish... you know, drivel like that. this night's for you does not sound like hootie and the blowfish, but it sounds like something that you'd hear on the same station that just played hootie while you're waiting to get your teeth cleaned at the dentist. it seems the album's getting wonderful reviews, which thrills me. i hope everyone else likes it more than me. Personally I like Rachel Worth a lot more. | ||
| Dusty Unregistered guest |
Translated this from a Spanish site - I think I prefer the 7th album retitled as per translation: Third reaparición (or what is the same thing, third disk after a prolongadísimo silence) of the Australian The Go-Betweens, one of the veteran bands of the distant oceanic country and one of the main referring of the pop independent of the last twenty years. Now, after “The Frying Of Rachel Worth” and the most recent one “Liberty Belle and the Black Diamond Express” the duet formed by Robert Forster and Grant McLennan return with an intense, brief disk, still more pop than the predecessors; a happy, positive, luminous work, that hides some marvelous songs pop (I cite, by order: the stupendous one single “Wounds you Eat to City”, the attractive one pseudo folk of “Born To to Family” or “Darlinghurst Nights”, the optimism declared of “Not Reason To Cry”, that deceitful one reggae that is “Lavender” or the simply beautiful “The Statue” –my favorite together one al single- or “The Mountains Near Dellray”) and that speaks of simple, apparently banal themes, almost intrascendentes (love, friendship, mental and physical places), of oceans that we imagine inside same of a room, next to the lover or alone, completely alone. | ||
| Badseed Unregistered guest |
Makes more sense than the ones in Mojo or Uncut. | ||
| H. Unregistered guest |
"Wounds You Eat To City" sounds like it might be the best Go Betweens song ever. | ||
| James Unregistered guest |
Which magazine described Grant as 'the pot-bellied choirboy'?, Q I think. It was very unfair. But then what more can be expected from a patheric consumer guide dressed up as a music magazine. The bland w**kers. | ||
| Peter Azzopardi Member Username: Pete Post Number: 89 Registered: 09-2004 |
For the aussies: Just checked out the EMI AU website and they've finally updated their information about the group. The good news is that Australians won't miss out on the bonus disc. Still no information about the Australian leg of the tour, however. | ||
| Donat Member Username: Donat Post Number: 28 Registered: 11-2004 |
For the Aussies: They're playing Hobart! End of transmission. |