ELECTRIC SIX - ABSOLUTE PLEASURE

I made Tyler order this CD for me online for Christmas.  I really wanted it and couldn't wait any longer.  I've seen E6 a number of times in concert and I've enjoyed seeing almost all of these songs performed live.  There are two songs in particular I've been wanting to see live and I was able to see them but I'm even more surprised and pleased to find them included on this release.  'Future Is In The Future' and 'When I Get To The Green Building' are amazing tunes.  It's so great to have live versions in my library.

It's also interesting to have a copy of the Osmond Brothers cover, 'Crazy Horses'.  Why on earth E6 decided to do a version of this song I'll never know.  But it comes out sounding just great and makes another reason to pick up this already exclusive release.

I believe this CD is a mix of two nights performances.  But it doesn't matter much in the end.  You can put the disc on and let it play without worrying about skipping unwanted tracks.  They're all gems.

There's a lot of conversation happening here as well.  Dick Valentine spends a good deal of time entertaining the audience with his witty humor.  It's a pleasure hearing it live when you're at the show.  Even moreso when you can keep a copy of it and listen to it over again.

The title of this release makes me think of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show".  One of the lasts songs Frankenfurter sings is that one where he goes, "Don't dream it, be it"  Another line from that song is, "Give yourself over to absolute pleasure."  In my mind, that scene inspired this incredible record.  I can picture Dick Valentine in corset drag with a pink feather boa and high heel shoes singing that line over and over.  It's a disturbing but happy image for me.  I think he's talented enough to pull it off.  Much like Tim Curry.  My final words on this release are: LONG OVERDUE AND WORTH THE WAIT!

ELECTRIC SIX - ABSOLUTE PLEASURE

01. It's Showtime!

02. Down At McDonnelzzz

03. Danger! High Voltage

04. Future Is In The Future

05. Dirty Ball

06. When I Get To The Green Building

07. Gay Bar

08. Infected Girls

09. Jam It In The Hole

10. She's White

11. Body Shot

12. Dance Epidemic

13. I Buy The Drugs

14. Hello! I See You

15. Crazy Horses

16. Dance Commander

17. Synthesizer

DEAD OR ALIVE - NUKLEOPATRA

I was a fan of Dead Or Alive when this record came out.  Of course for me, their highpoint was "Mad, Bad, And Dangerous To Know".  That was the first DOA tape I owned and loved.  Subsequent releases left me a little disappointed, but there was always something keeping me interested.  As much as I loved DOA during the 80's, these later releases are more difficult to appreciate.  Pete Burns moved increasingly towards a transsexual persona.  In fact, the title track of this CD is about his transsexual side.  'Nukleopatra' was a minor dance hit in some of the gay clubs in Vegas.  I remember hearing it and deciding I would pick up the record.  Of course, at the time, DOA wasn't going to release the album in America and I ended up picking up the Japanese version.  Imports always cost a little more and this one was no exception. I regret spending so much on it.

Track 2 and 10 are both taken from an earlier Dead Or Alive album called "Fan The Flames, Part 1".  The addition of them here, albeit with new music arrangements is disappointing.  I wasn't a huge fan of the music on that CD and finding some of it here is a major let down.  Neither one is particularly appealing.  In fact, that was the disc that kinda turned me off to Dead Or Alive.  However, the number 3 track is a David Bowie cover called, 'Rebel Rebel'.  There are two covers on this disc and both are phenomenal!  'Rebel Rebel' kicks in and you get all the angst and confusion Pete Burn's new gender bending look boiled down into one aggressive pop single.  The second cover is Blondie's 'Picture This' coming in at number 8.  It's not as good as 'Rebel Rebel', but it's a worthy attempt and enjoyable.  Almost as much as the original version.

I could go on with a track by track breakdown of the CD, but the truth is, none of the music is interesting enough to keep my attention.  I don't have anything to say about it other than, eh...  It all sounds half-hearted anyway.  Like they were just trying to get something together to release.  There's no real "Umph" behind any of it.  It's not completely generic sounding, but it doesn't have anything special in it either.  Edina from "Absolutely Fabulous" once called this kind of music, "Dull Soulless Dance Music" and that's exactly what I think when I listen to this disc.  There's not even enough energy to get you moving.  I actually played it for Tyler and he found it boring.

This album is listed as Hi-NRG and Dance music on most reviews and information releases I've found online.  Although I'm not sure what to classify it as, I know it doesn't live up to their earlier work.  Whether it's the departure of the Dead Or Alive band that left the group without original material or the movement towards becoming an image celebrity rather than a singer; I've basically come to the conclusion Pete Burns gave up.  Since he and Steve Coy went "Solo" as Dead Or Alive, the focus has been more on appearance and drag persona rather than music and entertainment.  It's like they went on to feast on celebrity and ignored the music.

There's never been a happy balance for this group.  And for me, this record was the last straw.  I stopped buying them after this one.  Every now and again, the group will release something and I'll look at it.  The most recent thing I saw was a remix or remake of 'You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)'.  That makes me feel bad.  I'd rather see them doing something innovative and new.  Instead, they're continuing to cash in on old material hoping to squeeze one more ounce of gold out of that dried up rock.

I'm also horrified by the personal appearances I've seen Pete Burns do lately.  He's become something I absolutely detest and hate among the gay community...  A bitchy horrible old queen.  I avoid them in real life, I think they give gay people a bad image and I won't continue to financially support one who can't be a decent human being as a celebrity.  I know I'll probably get a lot of negative feedback for this review from Dead Or Alive fans.  And all I can say is, wait cause I've got great things to say about other releases.  Just not this one.  My final words: TROUBLING TRANNY TRASH!

DEAD OR ALIVE - NUKLEOPATRA

01. Nukleopatra

02. Unhappy Birthday

03. Rebel Rebel

04. Sleep With You

05. The Right Stuff

06. I'm A Star

07. International Thing

08. Picture This

09. Spend The Night Together

10. Gone Too Long

11. Getting It On

12. Sex Drive

TEARS FOR FEARS - SONGS FROM THE BIG CHAIR

Here's another one from the 80's, folks!  There was a radio show called "Rock Over London".  I can't remember which station played it in Southern Utah, but I do remember it came on Thursday nights and I would sit in my mom's bathroom (cause that's the only place the radio would pick up the station), and discover all kinds of new bands and music.  That's where I first heard Tears For Fears.  Later, this record came out and the group exploded on the American charts.  You couldn't tune in a radio station anywhere without hearing one of their songs.  

I was familiar with the singles showing up on American Top 40, but one Sunday afternoon on the King Biscuit Flower Hour (I'm guessing that was the name of the show), I recorded an entire concert by them.  It was remarkable.  Still, I never picked up the album until many years later.  I stumbled across the CD in Vegas and bought it.  Brand new.  And I've never regretted that purchase.

The first track on "Songs From The Big Chair" is 'Shout'.  There's not much I can say about this song you don't already know.  It's an international hit single and just about everyone knows it.  The second tune is 'The Working Hour'.  There's already a developing theme here.  Oppression.  Whereas 'Shout' was about protest and standing up for a cause, 'The Working Hour' is about others benefiting from others efforts.  "This is the working hour, we are paid by those who learn from our mistakes".  Although our society is based on a barter system that supports payment for labor, most business' undervalue their workforce.  People are underpaid and unjustly compensated for their labors.  Still, companies endure because they know if one person quits, they can always hire another one to fill in.  Whoops, that was a bit of a rant and probably not at all what the song is about.  But it's what I take away from it.  

The third number is 'Everybody Wants To Rule The World'.  This is a straightforward piece about acquiring power and the consequences.  It's also a metaphor for the selfish nature of the human id.  Being controlled by the id is another form of personal oppression.  Having an id based personality can be extremely debilitating.  'Mother's Talk' is a song I remember from the live radio broadcast because it's got such a powerful beat and sound.  I'm not completely sure what the meaning of the song is, but it seems to me it describes the power of rumor.  "When the wind blows, when the mother's talk"... Implying words are as powerful as nature.  Again, gossip can be a form of oppression.  So in my opinion, the theme continues.  

'I Believe' comes next and even with the soft jazz rhythm, it feels like a light at the end of the tunnel.  It offers hope in the belief of another person while simultaneously calling the listener to think authentically and take control of their destiny.  Almost in response, 'Broken' kicks in and takes a huge steaming poop all over the music we've thus far enjoyed.  Roland Orzabal rebels against everything and tells you he doesn't believe things will be alright.  There's confusion, rage and uncertainty wrapped in one aggressive sound barrage.  If music were war, this song would be on the front line.

'Head Over Heels' begins and you suddenly have a new dynamic happening.  This is the one song you can actually consider a love song.  Of the bunch, it's also the most uplifting.  Still, the relationship it describes and the poetry of the piece continue the theme of oppression.  It's about being controlled by love.  I'm particularly fond of the line, "You keep your distance with a system of touch and gentle persuasion".  Whenever I hear these words, I picture a movie screen in my head and I see a couple courting like they would in older days.  When he would advance, she could keep him at bay with soothing touches and delicate arguments.  A much more subtle time.  One I wish we had today.  Too many people feel comfortable pushing and violating the personal space of others.  Even more frightening is how complacent we are about it.  We're so used to it, we don't care about privacy anymore.  That's a broad generalization to be sure and one I probably shouldn't be making.  But that's where this song takes. me.  It then goes on to describe the complexities of family relationships and how these expectations can be oppressive as well.  The song segues back into a reprise of "Broken" and ends in a firecracker burst.

The final song on the album is 'Listen'.  Although it doesn't resolve the theme of the disc, it offers a strange view of major world events.  Possibly in the hope of teaching.  Learn from mistakes.  Look to the future.  Whatever the function of the track, the music is sweeping and feels like a closing.

The entire offering is quite short, but packed with material both thought provoking and invigorating.  I truly enjoy this disc and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in this duo.  My final words: AN OPPRESSIVE THEME TO SET YOUR EARS FREE.

TEARS FOR FEARS - SONGS FROM THE BIG CHAIR
01. Shout
02. The Working Hour
03. Everybody Wants To Rule The World
04. Mother's Talk
05. I Believe
06. Broken
07. Head Over Heels/Broken (Live)
08. Listen

PET SHOP BOYS - FUNDAMENTAL

The Pet Shop Boys usually release a regular and a bonus edition of their albums.  "Fundamental" was no exception.  I was able to get the double disc edition and I've been pleased to no end with the results of my efforts.  

My focus with PSB is usually the lyrics.  I love groups who write songs that grab you and tell you a story.  PSB is one of those bands for me.  Except you often feel like you're walking into the middle of a story and watching something happening in the moment.  This record is no exception.  

Still, my enjoyment of their music can be hit and miss at times.  And this CD certainly has a few misses in my opinion.  However, the good material is strong enough to bear up under the weight of the filler stuff; so ultimately, you win here.  What you'll find lacking is a cohesive overall theme.  The CD seems to jump around without focusing anywhere.  As a whole, it can be challenging to listen to.  On a song by song basis, the material is much more accessible and pleasing.

Normally, I'd do a song by song breakdown, but in the case of this CD and considering how late it is, I think I'll just write about the impressions I get from the discs.

I like 'Psychological', but I'm more impressed with the mix on the second disc.  I find the build quite exciting and ethereal.  I get excited when I listen to it.  Let's face it, the first few songs are very strong and keep you on the edge of your seat.  'The Sodom And Gomorrah Show' is absolutely astounding and I've had more than a few fantastic moments singing along while listening to my ipod and having someone look at me like I'm smoking crack because of this tune's lyrics.  They're wonderful and bring to mind Armistad Maupin's "Tales Of The City".  All about discovering the world and embracing a less traditional lifestyle.  Seeing through the crap and finding enlightenment free of superstitious inhibitions.

'I Made My Excuses And Left' is a song I quite love, but I'm also uncomfortable when I hear it.  I've actually had moments like that in my life and it's difficult to listen to a lovely ballad describing feelings I'd prefer to forget.  'Minimal' kicks in and lightens the mood with a refreshing beat reminding you PSB are masters of dance floor hits.  This one made the circuit all around the world I'm sure.  If it didn't, it should've.  'Numb' is a rather doleful number.  I think it's a clever tune, but reminds me heavily of sentiments expressed by Nine Inch Nails and other industrial bands rather than a pop duo.  Still, the issue of avoiding one's feelings is a subject I can't expect master song writer's like Neil and Chris to avoid.  

The next notable track is 'I'm With Stupid'.  It's common to think you're mentally superior to others.  I used to think I was smarter than most people.  In fact, I had a superiority complex because of it.  As I've grown older, I've changed my views quite a bit.  It doesn't stop me from feeling superior when I'm hanging around people who haven't devoted time or energy researching politics or paying attention to what's happening in the world.  My critical mind also feels an ego boost when I listen to people spout nonsense they hear on programs like Rush Limbaugh or accept some radical propaganda as reality instead of researching the truth.  My initial reaction is to pity them and view them as weak minded.  Fortunately for me, I work in an industry where I'm not the smartest or most talented individual in the building.  Quite the opposite, I'm usually the one wondering what's going on.  I've grown to realize people are different and smarter in different areas.  I've been able to see past my own bias and find the strengths of others rather than finding a reason to feel superior.  

Whew, that was a long ramble...  And all to say, I can certainly understand the meaning of this song.  I've often found myself in this position.  

'Twentieth Century' is a wonderful number.  The tempo is slower, but the chorus is simply brilliant and lovely to sing.  It's one I belt out at the top of my lungs.  No matter where I am.  It leads into one of the most wonderful ballads ever written, 'Indefinite Leave To Remain'.  Absolutely beautiful.  

The second disc is loaded with some truly memorable tracks.  From exciting mixes, b-sides and new versions of older songs...  There's something for everyone here.  I love 'Fugitive (Richard X Extended Mix)'.  As I mentioned before, I also love the Alter Ego Remix of 'Psychological'.  I think it's stellar.  About the only thing I'm not impressed with is the updated version of the tune PSB wrote and produced for Dusty Springfield, 'In Private'.  It's performed as a duet with Elton John.  I much prefer the original version to the remakes.  But that's just me.  A name like Elton John is sure to draw some interest in the tune.

So to wrap up, "Fundamental" is a strong record with minimal filler tracks.  You can safely purchase this disc knowing you'll have some great songs to look forward to and enjoy.  For fans of PSB, it's heavenly.  For those who are just discovering them or enjoy them in passing, this is a record you will find many of their styles showcased in great form.  It's definitely worth the purchase price.  The bonus disc is also worth the effort to track down.  It's just brilliant.  You won't go wrong there.  My final words: IT'S GOT EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR COMPLETE ENTERTAINMENT AND INSTRUCTION.

PET SHOP BOYS - FUNDAMENTAL

01. Psychological

02. The Sodom And Gomorrah Show

03. I Made My Excuses And Left

04. Minimal

05. Numb

06. God Willing

07. Luna Park

08. I'm With Stupid

09. Casanova In Hell

10. Twentieth Century

11. Indefinite Leave To Remain

12. Integral

FUNDAMENTALISM

01. Fugitive (Richard X Extended Mix)

02. The Sodom And Gomorrah Show (Trentemoller Remix)

03. Psychological (Alter Ego Remix)

04. Flamboyant (Michael Mayer Kompakt Mix)

05. I'm With Stupid (Melnyk Heavy Petting Mix)

06. In Private (Stuart Chrichton Club Mix)

07. Minimal (Lobe Remix)

08. The Sodom And Gomorrah Show (Dettinger Remix)