Fantastic finds, Brian! I can feel your excitement through the video. The The The record looks fantastic! Space Art looks fascinating and I agree, that's a spectacular album cover. Same with Berlin Blondes!
Never come across that The The title! Very cool! I love Matt Johnson. Loves Stronger Than Death, one of the most poignant beautiful songs ever written! Congratulations on your great finds! You’re so knowledgeable on 80s and 90s artists.
Brian, I'm a Manatee Idol. I just listened to '' Some Days I Drink My Coffee By The Grave Of William Blake''. The listening experience confirmed my intuition, the song is inspired by Blake's ''Jerusalem''. Johnson uses the phrase ''burning gold'' and he lovingly manipulates some other phrases from Blake's text. I was introduced to the wonders of William Blake when as a teen, I owned ELP's ''Brain Salad Surgery'' on 8 track tape. Greg Lake's ''choirboy'' voice really brings out the majesty of ''Jerusalem''. The band, Space Art , is a project, I really need to explore. Dominique Perrier works with Jean-Michel Jarre on the fantastic recording, '' En Attendant Cousteau'' from 1990 . I have the cd version, which is the perfect format because the track, ''Waiting For Cousteau'' is 47 minutes of pure bliss. My friend Renee gave me a signed copy of Debbie Harry's memoir, ''Face It'', she also gave me some chocolate bars, which I promptly ate , but have yet to read the book.
I am familair with Blake's Jerusalem, but that never occurred to me! I really like some Jarre, so I will have to have a listen to ''En Attendant Cousteau." I think I would like it. (In fact, I just found it on RUclips, so I am listening now)I didn't even know Debbie Harry wrote a memoir. You were right to eat the chocolate straight away. I wonder if I wiould read her memoir. Probably not, but you never know 🙂
@@EmbryonicRobot Brian, I love Blondies , which are just like Brownies, but are made with brown sugar instead of cocoa. I would rather read Blake, but I'll read Debbie's book eventually.
Hey Brian, love the hat! You’ve really sold me on that The The album, as I don’t have any of their material so no preconceived notions. I really must pick up that Slowdive as well, plus that UK Grime. I have that Lloyd Cole record, fantastic. Cheers.
Went to see The The last week - he did all the new album 1st and was announced as such with a request for no phones etc- then a small break and a greatest hits set - was really good and his voice was excellent/ only gripe was we didn’t get the Beat(en) generation- nice picks up Brian 🎉🫡👍🇬🇧
Hi Rob. Berlin Blondes is an interesting find. I wonder why they broke up so soon. The couple of tracks I've listened to remind me a little of early-period Human League.
I got to pick up that Sleaford Mods. I was listening to the "Tiswas EP" a few weeks ago. I really dig their stuff. Some of the beats may sound kind of basic. But they make it work. The two of them create some very cool stuff. I like the video for UK Grim. Original and kind of funny. All great stuff Brian. I dig your cap~ Rob/Boston
Hi Rob - That cap was courtesy of Matthew Street. I never did find out where he got it from, but it is cool. I just cued up the video for UK Grim, since I have never seen it. Off to watch it now ...
Yeah 'Perfect Skin' brings back a lot of memories for me. The UK weeklies really tried to push them as the new Smiths. I've got the hits comp which works really well, but is probably enough for me. Intersting to hear youre take on the Sleaford Mods. Rather like the Fall, I imagine a band that could seem quite inpenetrable outside the UK due to their English colloquilisms. Jason accent is Nottinghamshire, which is a really interesting accent . Its almost 50% Manchester, 50% Birmingham, which isnt suprising as Notts sits inbetween the two.
I had never heard that before, but I guess I can see why they were being pushed as the new Smiths. I also have a comp (on CD), which is quite good. It was a friend who mentioned the Sleaford Mods to me along with the offer of a spare ticket to show, but I couldn't make it, which was a drag 😔
I love bands that are in your face so UK Grim album sounds like something I need to listen to. The Slowdive made my list last year but I have not heard their 2017 album. I have never listened to Hunter because of the album cover, I really hate it and I really only got into their first 4 albums and then moved on. You found a lot of stuff Brian, that darn vinyl addiction lol
Hey Brian. Some great pickups. that’s a crazy Enz release! Those first two releases are wonderful…definitely a bit of prog rock influence. Stranger than Fiction and Time for a Change are fabulous tracks. Their EnzSo project is a truly special set of recordings. The first album in particular, which has an orgasmic segue between Stranger than Fiction/Time for a Change.
I really like this Split Enz record. I realized that I am also missing Dizrythmia, but I will grab it if I ever see it. I hadn't heard about the EnzSo project, until you mentioned it. I will try to have a listen to it. Thanks!
Hi Brian, I went to see The The earlier this week and your review of the album summed up the concern perfectly. They did the new album in the first half, Matt’s voice was great, slow songs not a lot of difference in tempo, to be honest as most of them where a first listen, not very exciting. I’m guessing it sounds better in the comfort of your own home and will be a “grower”. Second half was the hits, really good, slightly different delivery to the albums, some sounded a bit Nice Cavey, which obviously is a massive compliment. I need to check out those Space chaps, never heard of Berlin Blonds but your description ticked all the boxes for me. Loved your enthusiasm for the Sleaford Mods. I may be in a very, very small minority but I actually like the hunter. Andy
Hi Andy - I will, of course, listen to The Hunter again. I certainly didn't hate it, but it probably needs anther listen. Your The The concert notes are informative. It's probably too late for me to get tickets here anyway, but it's good to know. I haven't really seen many show recently. It seems that the prices have never been higher! I guess that's part of life 🙃
It's great that you were able to pick up both slowdive records....great covers on both of those. You showed a couple of records I've heard! Sleaford Mods and Lloyd Cole and the Commotions. Rattlesnakes is a time-tested record. I'd like to hear their version of Glory - I'm sure I can stream it. Thanks for showing the records Brian!
Hey Brian , I’ve been busy watching your Lou Reed rankings then this vid popped up. I don’t have too many Lou Reed lps but I had all but one of your top 8 lol. Oh plus two greatest hits you showed. I was the first to rush into my local store to grab the new The The. Love it and yes long time no The The. I was noticing the cover of that Space Art album and if you look at the picture used in the helmet I immediately thought it was the cover of Dalis Carr. Take a look, I’m sure you own Dalis Car so check it out, same mountain nature drawing minus the fairies 🧚 and columns.
Yes, I see what you man about the Dalis Car cover, which I think is from a Maxfield Parrish panting. You could be right! Good call on that. I should have noticed it myself 🙂
Yesss love to see the Slowdive!! I’ll be seeing them next month and couldn’t be more excited. I still need the debut and Pygmalion but I think they all just got reissued. This new mic is very professional. Never have listened to The The but have heard a lot of people talk about that release
Those Slowdive records were indeed reissued. I may have mentioned that my local has them for $69.99 CDN!!! If I take a longer bike ride, I can get them for $66,.99! It is tempting...
I love the new THE THE album. I feel like it’s more of a spoken word kind of record than a traditional one, but you are absolutely hanging on to his every word. Sad that Johnny Marr wasn’t part of his ensemble this time around.
That's a really good observation about the The the album being more of a spoken word record. That really sums it up in a way. I wonder how Johnny Marr would have changed the chemistry? I guess we will never know.
Hi Brian, l like the look of the Berlin Blondes. I'm still not sure about the Sleaford Mods, l should like them but... I've had that Slowdive for ages but l only played it once. Like that Lloyd album and will check out The The's new one.
Morning Brian, did not know The The was still active but no surprise in today’s day and age… I have none of their albums, will revisit for sure!! I just looked up the Space Art album, very very cool, very “Trippy”, imagined myself in one of those “Afterhour Lounging Rooms” with lightshow… Ok Olivier back on track please lol😅 Berlin Blondes, Slowdive, Blondie etc… Discovering with Brian, taking Mental Notes, always fun… Thank you 🎶✌🏼
Nice finds, Brian. I enjoy Jarre, so I'm intrigued by that Space Art album. Will check it out. Absolutely love Slowdive's Everything Is Alive. A Top 5 album from last year, imo. Think I like the self-titled album from 2017 a tad more. Love the hat.
Souvlaki - I must say, this album is fantastic. I did take a while to get into it, as I'm not a big fan of a lot of shoegaze music. I'm not familiar with their recent work. Based upon your explanation, I think I'd enjoy the UK Grim album. I think Blondie fans will agree that it's their weakest album in their catalog, but it still has some enjoyable listening. Great hat, Brian.
Hi Mark, I am eager to acquire the Slowdive records I am missing, but the prices of the reissues are bonkers. Maybe one day ... I'll keep my eyes open 🙂
Wow, 25 years since the last The The album. Thanks for giving a review as I was wondering how this album was going to sound. Space Art, so there is another one I need to look into. I do like a lot of the electronic artists out there, so it was quite exciting to find a vinyl copy of a Four Tet record at VV for $2.49 a couple of days ago. Nice finds with Slowdive, that's one of those bands I only have on digital. Love Split Enz, another nice find. So was that album a result of their sudden popularity in North America? That would explain the overlapping of tracks. The Lloyd Cole track is awesome, I've been looking for a copy of the Rattlesnakes album forever. What a great album, but why is it so hard to find.
Four Tet for $2.49! Score. I wish I knew what to make of that Split Enz release. It is perplexing to say the least. I think some bands mess with albums once they become famous. AC/DC did that (or their record company did) on their early releases. I hope you can find Rattlesnakes. It is a big fav of mine. I'll resist telling you what I paid for my copy 🙃
Hey Brian! Great video.! I love the cover of the THE THE album too. The cover of the Space Art album it looks like what they call, a Fire Proximity Suit, they're designed to protect firefighters and volcanologist's from extremely high temperatures. We used one on a show I was writing for. Berlin Blond sounds interesting, need to check that out. Love Slowdive. Nice pickups. Sonic Boom, Kops, Rotate This, Cosmos, Neurotica, or Dead Dog? Cheers
Hi Bobby - Fire Proximity Suit! Someone has the knowledge 👍 Thanks for that. I have to say that I would never want to be a firefighter, but a volcanologist sounds oddly appealing. Well, maybe dangerous too. You seem to know some Toronto stores! This batch was a combo of Kops & Dead Dog. We are really spoiled here for record stores.
@@EmbryonicRobot Volcanologist does sound intriguing. I actually lived in Toronto for 3 yrs 2016-2019 . Used to go to those stores all the time - loved the Kops on Bloor before it closed due to the neighborhood being upscaled after tearing down Honest Ed’s. And the Kops on Danforth, their flagship store was fantastic Rotate This, was one of my faves. Love Ossington and the restaurants on it - La Banane has such a killer oyster and seafood bar… loved Salt Bar, Cote de Boeuf, Libretto… and there are a few more but I can’t remember the names. DaiLo on college was a regular hang for me, loved the atmosphere and the food. Cheers
That makes you almost a local! Kops of Bloor was great. It was on my route home from work, so I stopped there many many times. I was sad when it closed. Rotate this is maybe my favourite store in Toronto, dating back to when it was on Queen Street West. Ossington used to a down and out area, but it had a renaissance 🙂
The early Split Enz were a sensational band live for their time, I still rate the shows as some of the best I have seen. The first album was / is fantastic. Second Thoughts was redone with Phil Manzanera ( Roxy Music ). The band had quite a few strong personalities in the group ( Tim Finn and Phil Judd ) which didn't help their progress. They became more commercial when Neil Finn joined. The last 2 or 3 albums were disappointing.
Thanks for this information. I don't have as many of their albums as I should have. I only have six, and I don't even think I have hard anything from them after the late 80s. I guess I have some work to do!
“I’ve been waiting a long time for this”.. “Politics and love songs. That’s what we have here”…”It’s certainly not as frenetic”…”I recommend that”…”When I say songs, they’re more like pieces”…”At one point this sounds like Jean Michel Jarre”…”Here’s a list of the instruments”…that sounds like the credits on a Mike Oldfield album to me Brian! 😂Love anything Slowdive. I need that album. High end microphone Brian. I was not familiar with the Sleford Mods, but sounds like something I’d like. That’s a very cool Split Enz album. “You probably won’t be able to see that, but it’s been spelled incorrectly”…”Here’s a record that I overlooked”…I agreed with your assessment of that Blondie album. “It’s a strange album cover”…I have a 12” single of “Yeah whatever” from those days. I first heard it on Brave New Waves on the CBC. Nice finds Brian! ✌️
Yes, those instruments also sound like they belong on an Oldfield record. By the way, Mike Oldfield is yet another band that my old friend Pete recommended to me. I probably wouldn't have a channel had I not known him. I should track him down!
Hi Brian. I was so happy to get my hands on the new The The record. I love it, and very much enjoy Johnson's lounge core paranoid crooning. I think you were expressing my only nitpicky complaint about the album. It sounds lovely, but the tempo and volume of the songs rarely changes. But that's fine with me, as I like the laid-back The The. Is it a bit sad that when you showed that fabulous cover of the Berlin Blondes album, I recognised the modernist building in the lower right corner as the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea? Cheers - Hedley
Hi Hedley - The laid-back The The does sound good! I'll agree with you on that. Personally, Id say it is impressive that you recognized the De La Warr Pavilion. I have never even heard about it, so I looked it up and I just read the Wikipedia entry. If I am ever in Bexhill-on-Sea, I will have to drop by 🙂
I get it Brian...sometimes that is indeed the way things happen, and a new vinyl finds video needs to get out there! I haven't thought about The The in ages, and I hear a slowdive track just about every day on Satellite radio when in the car. That's the one Blondie LP I've always passed over. Lloyd Cole/Commotions debut I am still playing daily since I got it about a month ago. It may be from 1984, but currently it's my fav album of 2024! And have a nice Thanksgiving 🙂
Hi Ed - The Blondie might never appeal to me, but we will see. I can't recall if you said you have Easy Pieces from Lloyd Cole & The Commotions. That is a fine album too. The The has remained a favourite for years! Thanksgiving was very nice 👍 👍
Hi Brian .. I have the Berlin blondes album it’s decent .. I’ll check out space art. Thanks for the recommendation.. fan of the sleaford mods 👍. Hate that splits enz Record I think it features in the worst records in my collection video from years ago .. I had that Slowdive record in my top 10. It’s a grower .. never heard the hunter .. I should stream it.. maybe I’m missing something. Thanks for sharing 👍
Hi Rob, I have listened to the Split Enz record only once, so far, so I have yet to determine if I like it. It was jarring for sure, because I really only know the later stuff, and this is, as you know, quite different. We will see 🙂
Want and want and… oh man, I keep forgetting to check out Slowdive! 🙄 Oh hey, that’s my name! 😄 Oh how I love Split Enz… That baby! 😱 Love Lloyd Cole. I may have said 😄 Great video! Today you look like you are heading out for the races. The F1 races 😊
Hey Morten - I am convinced that you will appreciate Slowdive. That baby! I do recall your love of Split Enz 🙂 I was dressed for my trip to the pool for the daily (and sometimes less) constitutional, which is oddly both exhausting and life-affirming.
I'm going to get that The The album, as soon as the price drops below £30. Sleaford Mods are so unique. Remind me of the politics of early Billy Bragg, but significantly more biting. Yep, "in your face" nails it. As for Jason's accent, I've never heard anyone who sounds remotely like him.
I am hoping the price drops on Ensoulment. I paid $49.99, which is probably too much, but it was difficult to resist. I really loved early Bragg and I managed to see him live several times way back when. He always put on a great show. A friend offered me tickets to Sleaford Mods a few years back, but I had a conflict 😔
@@EmbryonicRobot I'm sure you'll get to see the Sleafords soon enough. I reckon once is sufficient. There's no real act, and the music is repetitive, but the attitude is well-gritty. Bragg was always a voice of the working man, whereas the Sleafords depict life on the dole.
Bonjour Brian, thanks for the ''education'', Soul Mining is probably the only record by The The (BTW very hard to pronounce for a French person haha) I know about. And thanks for the shout-out 🙂 In fact I do know about 'Space Art'' because my mum had bought the 45 record of ''Onyx'' when she was young (late-70s or so) which has mainstream media exposure on French TV back then. There is this famous footage of them playing this track dressed up as if they were working in a steel factory or exploring a burning volcano. From what I gather, flanger pedals for electric violins work like those on electric guitars (for distortion and delay), but I'm not the expert there ;-). Back to what was the context at the time in France, Jean-Michel Jarre was viewed as a electronic music pioneer, and remains very much a model for the generation that followed him.
Hey FVA - Thanks for the tip! Your mom sounds cool. Mine was all about Conway Twitty. . . I had never considering the pronunciation of The The from the French perspective, but I see what you mean 🙂 I think I found the video you are referring to on YT. It's trippy!
@@EmbryonicRobot By the way, there are two perspectives concerning Jean-Michel Jarre in France, those who think that he is a composer and musician genius, and others who believe he is highly overrated, some say an impostor (do we say a ring-in, right?) by making believe that his contribution to the GRM (Groupe de Recherches Musicales) was not as significant as one was led to believe.
I had no idea, but I did know that some people dislike him and other love him. I will admit that I have liked what I have heard, but that is only 3 albums, I think.
I was just chatting to a friend on Whatsapp about The The other night...he's not a fan and I was vainly trying to explain the appeal. I missed getting a ticket to the recent UK tour which sold out pretty quickly. Haven't heard the new record yet.
I have almost given up on concerts, given the cost these days. Maybe that means I should stick with smaller acts in small clubs. I don't even l know if and when The The are playing here. I should find out!
@@EmbryonicRobot I have done well for shows this year, much better than usual! Seen Nick Mason's Floyd, Thomas Dolby/Martin McAloon, and another one I've forgotten already!
Pretty sure I have a The The album but like most things I'd have to look up their discography to see which one but I remember that I liked it at the time hence it's still in the collection (somewhere 😅). Cool cap, I haven't worn one in many a year but I might just wear one in my next vid too! That Berlin Blonde looks familiar along with your description.... makes me wonder if I've got that? 😂 Six months in a leaky boat has surely got to suck! 😅
Six months is a leaky boat sounds like torture. So much bailing! The overheard spotlight was too much today so I had to put a cap fix the lighting. My grey hair just reflects all of the light and it looks ridiculous. I may have to wear a hat permanently 🎩
Wow I can tell you are over your cold. You seem much more animated than normal. Maybe caffeinated? That’s my least favorite Blondie album out of the original set before they broke up the first time. But it still has some good material on it. I am a fan of the song “War Child” on there.
More animated? When I rewatched this video, before posting, I thought I look bored 🙂 I haven't had a caffeinated beverage (coffee or tea) since the late 1990s, believe it or not! Maybe I need to bring it back. War Child did stand out on The Hunter 👍
@@EmbryonicRobot I don’t know, I felt the energy brother. Gluten free. No caffeine. You don’t drink, you don’t smoke what do you do? Subtle innuendos follow…
@@vikingbrace Ha ha. Funny song reference 🙂 Well, I do drink! (though far less than i used to). I'll take up caffeine again when I retire. I may need it.
So HP how does Ensoulment stand up to the old stuff? Seems more like Dusk era stuff? I saw The The a few years ago and they were fantastic, but I will say Matt was a lot more reserved with his singing. I love that Space Art cover. I think I might like that record too. I really like a lot of what I'm calling "indie" electronic albums that having been coming out over the last 5 years as well. Berlin Blondes...another cool cover. I love Slowdive and have all of their albums as well as I think all of their EP's & 12" singles and even have seen them live a few times. I gotta be honest I haven't got either of the new ones since they've reformed. Nice to hear they're really good. I probably should get them. I have a Sleaford Mods 7" from really early on called Mr Jollyf@#ker. Fantastic stuff. I watched that Morten vid about the different Split Enz versions of that album and I found it utterly confusing. Dirty Creature is my favourite Enz song. I wouldn't have the Hunter (because of the cover) if it wasn't for the ridiculously huge Numero box set that I have. I think your early idea of that album is correct. "Don't love it, don't hate it, but there's something in there". Moev is new to me, but I dig Skinny Puppy. I have never seen that Perfect Skin 12". At a glance that photo could be mistaken for a Bad Seeds picture from the same era. Maybe it's the German thing. Like all casual fans I only have Rattlesnakes...on CD!! It's a great album. Here's a thread idea for you. How many bands do you have only one album of and even though you think it's brilliant, you never got any of their other albums or gave anything else they released a chance? Smooth work as usual HP. Cheers...KOS
In all honestly, I prefer the older TheThe stuff. Ensoulment sounds great, but it lacks a bit of energy. Yes, maybe closer to Dusk. The new Slowdive reissues of the early records landed here locally, but they are $69.99 each! Holy hell! That is a fascinating thread idea. Hmm, it would take research. One that comes to mind immediately is The Go-Betweens. I only have one...
@@EmbryonicRobot Soul Mining is the one for me. I do have the other up until Hanky Panky & do like 'em a lot, but Soul Mining is something else. $69.99 Canadia dollars!! That is insane. I'm going to ignore that comment that you only have one GB's album. That is some kind of crime against music I think.
Fantastic finds, Brian! I can feel your excitement through the video. The The The record looks fantastic! Space Art looks fascinating and I agree, that's a spectacular album cover. Same with Berlin Blondes!
Hi Mark - I've been doing my best to contain my excitement, but I guess I failed! I'll have to do better next time 🤣
Never come across that The The title! Very cool! I love Matt Johnson. Loves Stronger Than Death, one of the most poignant beautiful songs ever written! Congratulations on your great finds! You’re so knowledgeable on 80s and 90s artists.
I agree; Matt is very cool! That is a very poignant and beautiful track 🙂
Cool looking The The record cover!
It definitely is!
Cool Ensoulment record! I'm gonna have to give that a listen.......and that Split Enz OG from '76? Have never heard that one before. Great update.
Ensoulment is really good, though it might sound a little too uniform. Still, it's nice to hear a new record from them back 🙂
Brian, I'm a Manatee Idol. I just listened to '' Some Days I Drink My Coffee By The Grave Of William Blake''. The listening experience confirmed my intuition, the song is inspired by Blake's ''Jerusalem''. Johnson uses the phrase ''burning gold'' and he lovingly manipulates some other phrases from Blake's text. I was introduced to the wonders of William Blake when as a teen, I owned ELP's ''Brain Salad Surgery'' on 8 track tape. Greg Lake's ''choirboy'' voice really brings out the majesty of ''Jerusalem''. The band, Space Art , is a project, I really need to explore. Dominique Perrier works with Jean-Michel Jarre on the fantastic recording, '' En Attendant Cousteau'' from 1990 . I have the cd version, which is the perfect format because the track, ''Waiting For Cousteau'' is 47 minutes of pure bliss. My friend Renee gave me a signed copy of Debbie Harry's memoir, ''Face It'', she also gave me some chocolate bars, which I promptly ate , but have yet to read the book.
I am familair with Blake's Jerusalem, but that never occurred to me! I really like some Jarre, so I will have to have a listen to ''En Attendant Cousteau." I think I would like it. (In fact, I just found it on RUclips, so I am listening now)I didn't even know Debbie Harry wrote a memoir. You were right to eat the chocolate straight away. I wonder if I wiould read her memoir. Probably not, but you never know 🙂
@@EmbryonicRobot Brian, I love Blondies , which are just like Brownies, but are made with brown sugar instead of cocoa. I would rather read Blake, but I'll read Debbie's book eventually.
@@michaelvalentini4869 I think my sister likes to make Blondies. I could go either way 🙂
Hey Brian, love the hat! You’ve really sold me on that The The album, as I don’t have any of their material so no preconceived notions. I really must pick up that Slowdive as well, plus that UK Grime. I have that Lloyd Cole record, fantastic. Cheers.
Hi Jack - It's a good hat! I think I had some excellent finds recently, but of course, I am still looking 🙂
Went to see The The last week - he did all the new album 1st and was announced as such with a request for no phones etc- then a small break and a greatest hits set - was really good and his voice was excellent/ only gripe was we didn’t get the Beat(en) generation- nice picks up Brian 🎉🫡👍🇬🇧
So cool. I heard that they were doing the entire album first. No Beat(en) Generation That seems like a miss 😔
i used to have that Hunter Album by blondie,it's a underrated album!
I'll give it some more listens 🙂 It’s hard not to like Debbie!
Hi Rob. Berlin Blondes is an interesting find. I wonder why they broke up so soon. The couple of tracks I've listened to remind me a little of early-period Human League.
Hi Carl - Yes, the comparison to the Human League is accurate 🙂
I got to pick up that Sleaford Mods. I was listening to the "Tiswas EP" a few weeks ago. I really dig their stuff. Some of the beats may sound kind of basic. But they make it work. The two of them create some very cool stuff. I like the video for UK Grim. Original and kind of funny. All great stuff Brian. I dig your cap~
Rob/Boston
Hi Rob - That cap was courtesy of Matthew Street. I never did find out where he got it from, but it is cool. I just cued up the video for UK Grim, since I have never seen it. Off to watch it now ...
Yeah 'Perfect Skin' brings back a lot of memories for me. The UK weeklies really tried to push them as the new Smiths. I've got the hits comp which works really well, but is probably enough for me. Intersting to hear youre take on the Sleaford Mods. Rather like the Fall, I imagine a band that could seem quite inpenetrable outside the UK due to their English colloquilisms. Jason accent is Nottinghamshire, which is a really interesting accent . Its almost 50% Manchester, 50% Birmingham, which isnt suprising as Notts sits inbetween the two.
I had never heard that before, but I guess I can see why they were being pushed as the new Smiths. I also have a comp (on CD), which is quite good. It was a friend who mentioned the Sleaford Mods to me along with the offer of a spare ticket to show, but I couldn't make it, which was a drag 😔
I love bands that are in your face so UK Grim album sounds like something I need to listen to. The Slowdive made my list last year but I have not heard their 2017 album. I have never listened to Hunter because of the album cover, I really hate it and I really only got into their first 4 albums and then moved on. You found a lot of stuff Brian, that darn vinyl addiction lol
I think the Blondie cover must have prevented me from buying it in the past! I finally gave in 😳
Hey Brian! You always have so many great album recs. I always need a pen and paper when watching. Lol. Hope that you have a great weekend!
Ha ha. That's the feeling I have when watching so many VC videos. I also worry about my bank account 🙂
Hey Brian. Some great pickups. that’s a crazy Enz release! Those first two releases are wonderful…definitely a bit of prog rock influence. Stranger than Fiction and Time for a Change are fabulous tracks. Their EnzSo project is a truly special set of recordings. The first album in particular, which has an orgasmic segue between Stranger than Fiction/Time for a Change.
I really like this Split Enz record. I realized that I am also missing Dizrythmia, but I will grab it if I ever see it. I hadn't heard about the EnzSo project, until you mentioned it. I will try to have a listen to it. Thanks!
I should listen to the new The The. I remember when I first heard Matt Johnson in the early 90s
I thought.. genius ! 🎵 I have your same Slowdive 👍
Matt Johnson really is the real deal. Too bad we had to wait so long for a new The The record.
I will give a listen in a bit, it should be up by now to stream on RUclips !
Hi Brian, I went to see The The earlier this week and your review of the album summed up the concern perfectly. They did the new album in the first half, Matt’s voice was great, slow songs not a lot of difference in tempo, to be honest as most of them where a first listen, not very exciting. I’m guessing it sounds better in the comfort of your own home and will be a “grower”. Second half was the hits, really good, slightly different delivery to the albums, some sounded a bit Nice Cavey, which obviously is a massive compliment. I need to check out those Space chaps, never heard of Berlin Blonds but your description ticked all the boxes for me. Loved your enthusiasm for the Sleaford Mods. I may be in a very, very small minority but I actually like the hunter. Andy
Hi Andy - I will, of course, listen to The Hunter again. I certainly didn't hate it, but it probably needs anther listen. Your The The concert notes are informative. It's probably too late for me to get tickets here anyway, but it's good to know. I haven't really seen many show recently. It seems that the prices have never been higher! I guess that's part of life 🙃
It's great that you were able to pick up both slowdive records....great covers on both of those. You showed a couple of records I've heard! Sleaford Mods and Lloyd Cole and the Commotions. Rattlesnakes is a time-tested record. I'd like to hear their version of Glory - I'm sure I can stream it. Thanks for showing the records Brian!
Thanks, Randy! I am very happy to finally have those Slowdive records. I am sure they will get repeated listens 🙂
Hey Brian , I’ve been busy watching your Lou Reed rankings then this vid popped up. I don’t have too many Lou Reed lps but I had all but one of your top 8 lol. Oh plus two greatest hits you showed. I was the first to rush into my local store to grab the new The The. Love it and yes long time no The The.
I was noticing the cover of that Space Art album and if you look at the picture used in the helmet I immediately thought it was the cover of Dalis Carr. Take a look, I’m sure you own Dalis Car so check it out, same mountain nature drawing minus the fairies 🧚 and columns.
Yes, I see what you man about the Dalis Car cover, which I think is from a Maxfield Parrish panting. You could be right! Good call on that. I should have noticed it myself 🙂
Slowdive!!! Those ‘reunion’ albums are excellent. Bonus points for name-dropping John Foxx- Yaaaas! 😎👍 Happy Friday!
Hi Richard - I agree on the Slowdive. Excellent stuff! (as is John Foxx) 🙂
Yesss love to see the Slowdive!! I’ll be seeing them next month and couldn’t be more excited. I still need the debut and Pygmalion but I think they all just got reissued. This new mic is very professional. Never have listened to The The but have heard a lot of people talk about that release
Those Slowdive records were indeed reissued. I may have mentioned that my local has them for $69.99 CDN!!! If I take a longer bike ride, I can get them for $66,.99! It is tempting...
I love the new THE THE album. I feel like it’s more of a spoken word kind of record than a traditional one, but you are absolutely hanging on to his every word. Sad that Johnny Marr wasn’t part of his ensemble this time around.
That's a really good observation about the The the album being more of a spoken word record. That really sums it up in a way. I wonder how Johnny Marr would have changed the chemistry? I guess we will never know.
Hi Brian, l like the look of the Berlin Blondes. I'm still not sure about the Sleaford Mods, l should like them but...
I've had that Slowdive for ages but l only played it once. Like that Lloyd album and will check out The The's new one.
Hi Mike - I would have thought that you would have been all in with the Sleaford. Mods. I guess I don't know as much as I thought!
Morning Brian, did not know The The was still active but no surprise in today’s day and age… I have none of their albums, will revisit for sure!! I just looked up the Space Art album, very very cool, very “Trippy”, imagined myself in one of those “Afterhour Lounging Rooms” with lightshow… Ok Olivier back on track please lol😅 Berlin Blondes, Slowdive, Blondie etc… Discovering with Brian, taking Mental Notes, always fun… Thank you 🎶✌🏼
You might appreciate The The, especially the first three albums. They are truly great!
i like split enz,i have 2 of their records!
They are entertaining!
Nice finds, Brian. I enjoy Jarre, so I'm intrigued by that Space Art album. Will check it out. Absolutely love Slowdive's Everything Is Alive. A Top 5 album from last year, imo. Think I like the self-titled album from 2017 a tad more. Love the hat.
Hi Jeff, I will now have to go backwards to try and find the earlier Slowdive records. I don't really understand how I missed them back then.
Souvlaki - I must say, this album is fantastic. I did take a while to get into it, as I'm not a big fan of a lot of shoegaze music. I'm not familiar with their recent work. Based upon your explanation, I think I'd enjoy the UK Grim album. I think Blondie fans will agree that it's their weakest album in their catalog, but it still has some enjoyable listening. Great hat, Brian.
Hi Mark, I am eager to acquire the Slowdive records I am missing, but the prices of the reissues are bonkers. Maybe one day ... I'll keep my eyes open 🙂
Wow, 25 years since the last The The album. Thanks for giving a review as I was wondering how this album was going to sound. Space Art, so there is another one I need to look into. I do like a lot of the electronic artists out there, so it was quite exciting to find a vinyl copy of a Four Tet record at VV for $2.49 a couple of days ago. Nice finds with Slowdive, that's one of those bands I only have on digital. Love Split Enz, another nice find. So was that album a result of their sudden popularity in North America? That would explain the overlapping of tracks. The Lloyd Cole track is awesome, I've been looking for a copy of the Rattlesnakes album forever. What a great album, but why is it so hard to find.
Four Tet for $2.49! Score. I wish I knew what to make of that Split Enz release. It is perplexing to say the least. I think some bands mess with albums once they become famous. AC/DC did that (or their record company did) on their early releases. I hope you can find Rattlesnakes. It is a big fav of mine. I'll resist telling you what I paid for my copy 🙃
Hey Brian! Great video.! I love the cover of the THE THE album too. The cover of the Space Art album it looks like what they call, a Fire Proximity Suit, they're designed to protect firefighters and volcanologist's from extremely high temperatures. We used one on a show I was writing for. Berlin Blond sounds interesting, need to check that out. Love Slowdive. Nice pickups. Sonic Boom, Kops, Rotate This, Cosmos, Neurotica, or Dead Dog? Cheers
Hi Bobby - Fire Proximity Suit! Someone has the knowledge 👍 Thanks for that. I have to say that I would never want to be a firefighter, but a volcanologist sounds oddly appealing. Well, maybe dangerous too. You seem to know some Toronto stores! This batch was a combo of Kops & Dead Dog. We are really spoiled here for record stores.
@@EmbryonicRobot Volcanologist does sound intriguing. I actually lived in Toronto for 3 yrs 2016-2019 . Used to go to those stores all the time - loved the Kops on Bloor before it closed due to the neighborhood being upscaled after tearing down Honest Ed’s. And the Kops on Danforth, their flagship store was fantastic Rotate This, was one of my faves. Love Ossington and the restaurants on it - La Banane has such a killer oyster and seafood bar… loved Salt Bar, Cote de Boeuf, Libretto… and there are a few more but I can’t remember the names. DaiLo on college was a regular hang for me, loved the atmosphere and the food. Cheers
That makes you almost a local! Kops of Bloor was great. It was on my route home from work, so I stopped there many many times. I was sad when it closed. Rotate this is maybe my favourite store in Toronto, dating back to when it was on Queen Street West. Ossington used to a down and out area, but it had a renaissance 🙂
The early Split Enz were a sensational band live for their time, I still rate the shows as some of the best I have seen. The first album
was / is fantastic. Second Thoughts was redone with Phil Manzanera ( Roxy Music ). The band had quite a few strong personalities in the group ( Tim Finn and Phil Judd ) which didn't help their progress. They became more commercial when Neil Finn joined. The last 2 or 3 albums were disappointing.
Thanks for this information. I don't have as many of their albums as I should have. I only have six, and I don't even think I have hard anything from them after the late 80s. I guess I have some work to do!
“I’ve been waiting a long time for this”.. “Politics and love songs. That’s what we have here”…”It’s certainly not as frenetic”…”I recommend that”…”When I say songs, they’re more like pieces”…”At one point this sounds like Jean Michel Jarre”…”Here’s a list of the instruments”…that sounds like the credits on a Mike Oldfield album to me Brian! 😂Love anything Slowdive. I need that album. High end microphone Brian. I was not familiar with the Sleford Mods, but sounds like something I’d like. That’s a very cool Split Enz album. “You probably won’t be able to see that, but it’s been spelled incorrectly”…”Here’s a record that I overlooked”…I agreed with your assessment of that Blondie album. “It’s a strange album cover”…I have a 12” single of “Yeah whatever” from those days. I first heard it on Brave New Waves on the CBC. Nice finds Brian! ✌️
Yes, those instruments also sound like they belong on an Oldfield record. By the way, Mike Oldfield is yet another band that my old friend Pete recommended to me. I probably wouldn't have a channel had I not known him. I should track him down!
@@EmbryonicRobot At this point, I think I need to meet Pete! 🤠
@@MGKBOSTON I really should look him up 🙂
Hi Brian.
I was so happy to get my hands on the new The The record. I love it, and very much enjoy Johnson's lounge core paranoid crooning. I think you were expressing my only nitpicky complaint about the album. It sounds lovely, but the tempo and volume of the songs rarely changes. But that's fine with me, as I like the laid-back The The.
Is it a bit sad that when you showed that fabulous cover of the Berlin Blondes album, I recognised the modernist building in the lower right corner as the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea?
Cheers - Hedley
Hi Hedley - The laid-back The The does sound good! I'll agree with you on that. Personally, Id say it is impressive that you recognized the De La Warr Pavilion. I have never even heard about it, so I looked it up and I just read the Wikipedia entry. If I am ever in Bexhill-on-Sea, I will have to drop by 🙂
I get it Brian...sometimes that is indeed the way things happen, and a new vinyl finds video needs to get out there! I haven't thought about The The in ages, and I hear a slowdive track just about every day on Satellite radio when in the car. That's the one Blondie LP I've always passed over. Lloyd Cole/Commotions debut I am still playing daily since I got it about a month ago. It may be from 1984, but currently it's my fav album of 2024! And have a nice Thanksgiving 🙂
Hi Ed - The Blondie might never appeal to me, but we will see. I can't recall if you said you have Easy Pieces from Lloyd Cole & The Commotions. That is a fine album too. The The has remained a favourite for years! Thanksgiving was very nice 👍 👍
Hi Brian .. I have the Berlin blondes album it’s decent .. I’ll check out space art. Thanks for the recommendation.. fan of the sleaford mods 👍. Hate that splits enz Record I think it features in the worst records in my collection video from years ago .. I had that Slowdive record in my top 10. It’s a grower .. never heard the hunter .. I should stream it.. maybe I’m missing something. Thanks for sharing 👍
Perfect skin 10/10👍
Absolutley agree!
Hi Rob, I have listened to the Split Enz record only once, so far, so I have yet to determine if I like it. It was jarring for sure, because I really only know the later stuff, and this is, as you know, quite different. We will see 🙂
Want and want and… oh man, I keep forgetting to check out Slowdive! 🙄
Oh hey, that’s my name! 😄
Oh how I love Split Enz…
That baby! 😱
Love Lloyd Cole. I may have said 😄
Great video! Today you look like you are heading out for the races. The F1 races 😊
Hey Morten - I am convinced that you will appreciate Slowdive. That baby! I do recall your love of Split Enz 🙂 I was dressed for my trip to the pool for the daily (and sometimes less) constitutional, which is oddly both exhausting and life-affirming.
@@EmbryonicRobot Have a splendid Saturday Brian 🙂
I'm going to get that The The album, as soon as the price drops below £30. Sleaford Mods are so unique. Remind me of the politics of early Billy Bragg, but significantly more biting. Yep, "in your face" nails it. As for Jason's accent, I've never heard anyone who sounds remotely like him.
I am hoping the price drops on Ensoulment. I paid $49.99, which is probably too much, but it was difficult to resist. I really loved early Bragg and I managed to see him live several times way back when. He always put on a great show. A friend offered me tickets to Sleaford Mods a few years back, but I had a conflict 😔
@@EmbryonicRobot I'm sure you'll get to see the Sleafords soon enough. I reckon once is sufficient. There's no real act, and the music is repetitive, but the attitude is well-gritty. Bragg was always a voice of the working man, whereas the Sleafords depict life on the dole.
Bonjour Brian, thanks for the ''education'', Soul Mining is probably the only record by The The (BTW very hard to pronounce for a French person haha) I know about. And thanks for the shout-out 🙂 In fact I do know about 'Space Art'' because my mum had bought the 45 record of ''Onyx'' when she was young (late-70s or so) which has mainstream media exposure on French TV back then. There is this famous footage of them playing this track dressed up as if they were working in a steel factory or exploring a burning volcano. From what I gather, flanger pedals for electric violins work like those on electric guitars (for distortion and delay), but I'm not the expert there ;-). Back to what was the context at the time in France, Jean-Michel Jarre was viewed as a electronic music pioneer, and remains very much a model for the generation that followed him.
Hey FVA - Thanks for the tip! Your mom sounds cool. Mine was all about Conway Twitty. . . I had never considering the pronunciation of The The from the French perspective, but I see what you mean 🙂 I think I found the video you are referring to on YT. It's trippy!
@@EmbryonicRobot By the way, there are two perspectives concerning Jean-Michel Jarre in France, those who think that he is a composer and musician genius, and others who believe he is highly overrated, some say an impostor (do we say a ring-in, right?) by making believe that his contribution to the GRM (Groupe de Recherches Musicales) was not as significant as one was led to believe.
I had no idea, but I did know that some people dislike him and other love him. I will admit that I have liked what I have heard, but that is only 3 albums, I think.
I was just chatting to a friend on Whatsapp about The The other night...he's not a fan and I was vainly trying to explain the appeal. I missed getting a ticket to the recent UK tour which sold out pretty quickly. Haven't heard the new record yet.
Nice selection, I have the first Sleaford Mods record on vinyl but never pursued them after that although I liked it...will revisit it this weekend!
I think I may have laughed a bit when I first heard them. Concert footage is kind of minimal and amusing. Still, they are cool 👌
I have almost given up on concerts, given the cost these days. Maybe that means I should stick with smaller acts in small clubs. I don't even l know if and when The The are playing here. I should find out!
@@EmbryonicRobot I have done well for shows this year, much better than usual! Seen Nick Mason's Floyd, Thomas Dolby/Martin McAloon, and another one I've forgotten already!
Pretty sure I have a The The album but like most things I'd have to look up their discography to see which one but I remember that I liked it at the time hence it's still in the collection (somewhere 😅).
Cool cap, I haven't worn one in many a year but I might just wear one in my next vid too! That Berlin Blonde looks familiar along with your description.... makes me wonder if I've got that? 😂
Six months in a leaky boat has surely got to suck! 😅
Six months is a leaky boat sounds like torture. So much bailing! The overheard spotlight was too much today so I had to put a cap fix the lighting. My grey hair just reflects all of the light and it looks ridiculous. I may have to wear a hat permanently 🎩
Wow I can tell you are over your cold. You seem much more animated than normal. Maybe caffeinated? That’s my least favorite Blondie album out of the original set before they broke up the first time. But it still has some good material on it. I am a fan of the song “War Child” on there.
More animated? When I rewatched this video, before posting, I thought I look bored 🙂 I haven't had a caffeinated beverage (coffee or tea) since the late 1990s, believe it or not! Maybe I need to bring it back. War Child did stand out on The Hunter 👍
@@EmbryonicRobot I don’t know, I felt the energy brother. Gluten free. No caffeine. You don’t drink, you don’t smoke what do you do? Subtle innuendos follow…
@@vikingbrace Ha ha. Funny song reference 🙂 Well, I do drink! (though far less than i used to). I'll take up caffeine again when I retire. I may need it.
What a price/find the Sleaford Mods record was.
It was a lucky day for me. Great album, too!
@@EmbryonicRobot indeed it is. Really enjoying your channel.
@@JohnHirstUK Thanks for the very nice comment! 😀
So HP how does Ensoulment stand up to the old stuff? Seems more like Dusk era stuff? I saw The The a few years ago and they were fantastic, but I will say Matt was a lot more reserved with his singing. I love that Space Art cover. I think I might like that record too. I really like a lot of what I'm calling "indie" electronic albums that having been coming out over the last 5 years as well. Berlin Blondes...another cool cover. I love Slowdive and have all of their albums as well as I think all of their EP's & 12" singles and even have seen them live a few times. I gotta be honest I haven't got either of the new ones since they've reformed. Nice to hear they're really good. I probably should get them. I have a Sleaford Mods 7" from really early on called Mr Jollyf@#ker. Fantastic stuff. I watched that Morten vid about the different Split Enz versions of that album and I found it utterly confusing. Dirty Creature is my favourite Enz song. I wouldn't have the Hunter (because of the cover) if it wasn't for the ridiculously huge Numero box set that I have. I think your early idea of that album is correct. "Don't love it, don't hate it, but there's something in there". Moev is new to me, but I dig Skinny Puppy. I have never seen that Perfect Skin 12". At a glance that photo could be mistaken for a Bad Seeds picture from the same era. Maybe it's the German thing. Like all casual fans I only have Rattlesnakes...on CD!! It's a great album. Here's a thread idea for you. How many bands do you have only one album of and even though you think it's brilliant, you never got any of their other albums or gave anything else they released a chance? Smooth work as usual HP. Cheers...KOS
In all honestly, I prefer the older TheThe stuff. Ensoulment sounds great, but it lacks a bit of energy. Yes, maybe closer to Dusk. The new Slowdive reissues of the early records landed here locally, but they are $69.99 each! Holy hell! That is a fascinating thread idea. Hmm, it would take research. One that comes to mind immediately is The Go-Betweens. I only have one...
@@EmbryonicRobot Soul Mining is the one for me. I do have the other up until Hanky Panky & do like 'em a lot, but Soul Mining is something else. $69.99 Canadia dollars!! That is insane. I'm going to ignore that comment that you only have one GB's album. That is some kind of crime against music I think.
@@benrankins4446 I know. It is shameful that I only have one. I will endeavour to fix that!