I've heard a couple of trax on the radio and they sound cool. I think it's the title track that has Q-Tip and it actually works. What do u purple ppl think?

wasitgood4u said:

I did this thread a couple of weeks ago. The reaction was tepid if anything. Most said it has some really good tracks but not all the way through. And most said it was better that the last one.

the Q-Tip track is annoying.....is his finger still on the button?

abierman said:

I love that song!

I have listened to the CD quite a bit. It's grown on me some. Basically, my original feelings have just intensified. The songs I didn't like I REALLY don't like and the songs i dug after 2 listens are holding up well..

this is my original review...


Galvanize- (featuring Q-tip). Good beat, great vocals, some interesting strings that sound new and fresh for the Chem Bros. It seems to have fans on here already, for good reason. This had better be the lead-off single. If not, they need to put this out.

The Boxer- I am COMPLETELY biased cos the vocal are done by Tim Burgess (from the Charlatans) but...I like it! It's not as catchy as Galvanize. But, that is often a good thing. In a few more listens I'll be able to figure out if I really like the track or if I just LOVE Tim Burgess

Believe- Good beat, lotsa nice little tweaks n blips n bleeps and it builds up well. But it sounds a lot like Chem Bros we've heard before. Some will love this. Some are sick of it...

Hold Tight- Sweet vocals by Anna Lynne and actual drums (not programmed) provided by Jon Brookes of the Charlatans. Again, this track is VERY Chem Bros. But I think it's a good thing in this track. The beat and the flowing vocals help creat a mystical atmosphere.

Come Inside- looped chant, lotsa crazy cowbells and knob twiddling, Reminds me of Hey Boy, Hey Girl...but not as good. It does have an unexpected breakdown in the middle of the song, they lose their way for a minute but find their way back to the chant and the beat...

The Big Jump- one of a few tracks to play with some almost electroclash sounds. One simple vocal line is repeated throughout. Nothing too groundbreaking but it has a lot of energy. I would enjoy it on the dance floor.

Left Right- I don't know what to think of this song. I know nothing about the vocalist/rapper (Anwar Superstar) but this is a rap song. It's quite dark and brooding and with "left right" repeated throughout almost the whole song. It took me by surprise, but I don't think in a good way.

Close Your Eyes- Vocals provided by The Magic Numbers. Moments of this cut sound almost like the Cocteau Twins. The arrangement seems a bit more simple, which works. Granted the Bros have a million things going on in the song, but they leave the knobs alone and let the song unfold. I like it. A lot.

Shake Break Bounce- Built on a funky li'l guitar bit. They are back to twiddling the knobs. Decent background music, but nothing too amazing.

Marvo Ging- Lotsa looped musical bits, sparse vocals snuck in on occasion, LOTSA tweaking going on. The song ebbs and flows, almost stops and then kicks back in. The trouble is, I feel like I've heard this track on EVERY Chem Bros album.

Surface To Air- Everything I said about "Marvo Ging" applies here. This is the requisite end to a Chem Bros cd. It starts slow before building up to a magic beat. I'm sure it will end the show perfectly. Bound to get people pumping their fists in the air and bouncing for joy. Not necessarily any better than previous album closers, but a good track.



I like it enough after TWO listens now ( ) that I'll give it some more time. If you are a fan of their past efforts, I don't think you'd be disappointed by this effort. You may not be blown away, but that may not be needed at this point in their career. Although, I would like them to blow me away one more time.... This will have to do until that happens.

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[Edited 2/7/05 19:21pm]