Sometimes I wonder how you manage to find the best possible words to discribe what I feel about a record. 'Dazed and confused' is exactly what I feel about Loveless. I revisit the album time after time usually for the first song, cause I don't remember anything else from it. It's probably weird but in my head MBV constitutes one part of a triad, with Cocteau Twins and Lush, being the other two (CT being way superiour).
Would it be fair to compare this album to Trout Mask Replica in terms of it being a mystification? The musical value of this album is hidden behind so many layers that maybe the prize lies in the process of unraveling it, regardless of what one may ultimately find.
I never bought this record but I did get Never Mind. I bought some Pearl Jam Stone Temple Pilots Spin Doctors a few others I have to search for. I never bought Trout Mask Replica either. I bought a guitar and and a subscription to Guitar Player. I am learning to play all my favorite songs from the sixties and seventies.
You are much friendlier to the album than I expected you to be. I thought you'd slaughter it for the lack of immediate melodies and attractiveness (something you always seem to value highly).
The overall conclusion is slightly surprising though: 4 out of 5 thumbs up but not a desert island choice? What is needed to get there?
While it's not Loveless Naked, it's easy to find a less mucky version of Loveless. It's called "isn't anything". Seriously, to my ears at least, the melodies, tempos, and vocals are pretty much the same. "Loveless" just slathers several extra helpings of guitar mush over everything and hides the rhythm section in the closet. I have always enjoyed "isn't anything" more, but I guess I'm in the minority on this.
> the same accusation could be flung at 99% of > people working in "shoegaze"
I don't know, I think 'shoegaze' can actually claim some better songwriters than Shields. "Chrome" by Catherine Wheel and "Mezcal Head" by Swervedriver have better songs and composition than "Loveless," in my opinion (particularly "Chrome"). "Loveless" is unmatched for its multi-layered production, but I just think the songwriting is weak -- personally I only ever liked "Only Shallow" and "Soon," and I think I'm more appreciative of production wizardry than a lot of people. My favourite work by Shields is his ultra-aggressive version of "If They Move Kill 'Em" on Primal Scream's "XTRMNTR."
Sometimes I wonder how you manage to find the best possible words to discribe what I feel about a record. 'Dazed and confused' is exactly what I feel about Loveless. I revisit the album time after time usually for the first song, cause I don't remember anything else from it. It's probably weird but in my head MBV constitutes one part of a triad, with Cocteau Twins and Lush, being the other two (CT being way superiour).
ReplyDeleteWould it be fair to compare this album to Trout Mask Replica in terms of it being a mystification? The musical value of this album is hidden behind so many layers that maybe the prize lies in the process of unraveling it, regardless of what one may ultimately find.
ReplyDeleteI never bought this record but I did get Never Mind. I bought some Pearl Jam Stone Temple Pilots Spin Doctors a few others I have to search for. I never bought Trout Mask Replica either. I bought a guitar and and a subscription to Guitar Player. I am learning to play all my favorite songs from the sixties and seventies.
ReplyDeleteYou are much friendlier to the album than I expected you to be. I thought you'd slaughter it for the lack of immediate melodies and attractiveness (something you always seem to value highly).
ReplyDeleteThe overall conclusion is slightly surprising though: 4 out of 5 thumbs up but not a desert island choice? What is needed to get there?
While it's not Loveless Naked, it's easy to find a less mucky version of Loveless. It's called "isn't anything". Seriously, to my ears at least, the melodies, tempos, and vocals are pretty much the same. "Loveless" just slathers several extra helpings of guitar mush over everything and hides the rhythm section in the closet. I have always enjoyed "isn't anything" more, but I guess I'm in the minority on this.
ReplyDeleteI would imagine desert island list to include records that George would enjoy listerning.
ReplyDelete> the same accusation could be flung at 99% of
ReplyDelete> people working in "shoegaze"
I don't know, I think 'shoegaze' can actually claim some better songwriters than Shields. "Chrome" by Catherine Wheel and "Mezcal Head" by Swervedriver have better songs and composition than "Loveless," in my opinion (particularly "Chrome"). "Loveless" is unmatched for its multi-layered production, but I just think the songwriting is weak -- personally I only ever liked "Only Shallow" and "Soon," and I think I'm more appreciative of production wizardry than a lot of people. My favourite work by Shields is his ultra-aggressive version of "If They Move Kill 'Em" on Primal Scream's "XTRMNTR."
A guy who adores Beatles for the songwriting (ugh) shouldn't review Loveless.
ReplyDeleteCould you care to explain your obviously controversial statement?
DeleteNice b8 m8, I r8 8/8.
DeleteYou might have to say a little bit more than just "ugh" to dismiss Lennon/McCartney as crummy songwriters.
Delete(((((ugh))))
DeleteLoveless has just passed Revolver in the RYM charts, so George has to switch the order now :-)
ReplyDeleteBut it says also that Loveless' average rating is 4.21 and Revolver's is 4.30.
DeleteRIGGED!! :)
"A well organized pixie squad in the night."
ReplyDelete