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     Donat Member Username: Donat Post Number: 36 Registered: 11-2004 |
THE GO-BETWEENS Oceans Apart (EMI) Robert Forster and Grant McLennan are renowned for turning a lack of commercial success into an art form. But on The Go-Betweens’ ninth album, Oceans Apart, they make a bold attempt to counteract the mere cult status The Go-Betweens have procured since their inception in 1978. Powerful opener ‘Here Comes A City’ is one part homage to Talking Heads’ 1979 track ‘Life During Wartime’ and another part late 70s/early 80s Brisbane sound (which, in itself, was essentially influenced by Talking Heads and Bob Dylan, stuck together with bubblegum). If intelligent lyricisms and lucid guitar melodies were adored by the commercial world, this song would top the charts. McLennan’s songwriting strength lies in lyrics of longing and love, and ‘Finding You’ finds him snuggling comfortably into his niche, ever the wistful troubadour. Forster is in full force on the magnum opus ‘Darlinghurst Nights’, with its Blood on the Tracks acoustic guitar beginning and lyrical nostalgia. From its opening lines (“I opened the notebook, it read the Darlinghurst years”), the song crescendos with the band at full power, replete with horns, as Forster pays tribute to friends and acquaintances from the early 80s inner Sydney artist fraternity. Oceans Apart mixes the polished sounds of 16 Lovers Lane with the raw, ethereal beauty of Before Hollywood. Forster and McLennan’s distinctive songs take turns on what’s their most accomplished and mature work to date, and one that sits equally well on both bands of the radio. A fine return to form. ***** (Donat Tahiraj) |