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| | My initial thought (before reading) was 'this man is insane'. But you certainly have made a very point regarding nostalgia vs songwriting quality. I can't help but love it the most still though. |
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| | I'm with you all the way. I find this album to be pretty poor even, like yourself, Teenage Fanclub are one of my favourite bands. Frankly, it was Grand Prix which set the standard and that should be lauded abova all others.
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| | Jesus, I can't believe you called B'esque a shit album. I can't believe you called Catholic Ed. intermittently bearable. But, despite my unconditional luv for these two records, I think you're completely justified in chalking it up to effervescent nostalgia: I mean, that's why I like these records; they were soundtracks to achey dryhumps & tonsil hockey sessions. That's a good goshdarned reason to like a record, or records, but it doesn't necessarily make the music 'good'. Plus, I like TF's earlier stuff: when they were known as Big Star. Har har.
Nice piece, Ian. |
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| | No lie -- I was actually just playing this album yesterday night. I skipped over the middle section altogether, so it would appear you've got a pretty solid argument there, Ian. But I do still love it, flaws and all... and "Alcoholiday" was played three times to make up for the ones I skipped. I file this under, "He's right, damn him!" |
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| | I wasn't convinced after I read your article, but after listening to the album again I have to admit that you're right. Most of the album sounds pretty flaccid compared to Grand Prix or 'Norman 3'. But I still think 'The Concept' is a great song--all six minutes of it. It's pretty tough to argue with 'she wears denim wherever she goes...'. It's not a song for all moods though, and I didn't like it the first time I heard it. Oh, and also in favor of Bandwagonesque--I want to point out that it doesn't have anything nearly as annoying as 'Verisimilitude'. |
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| | Good points re: "Verisimilitude" (Jesus, that's just the WORST -- check that cloying keyboard riff!) and "Norman 3" -- I think Ian and I have actually debated the worth of the latter a bit in the past, right Ian? Not to call you out, but I am on the side of "It's utterly brilliant." I leave it to the rest of you to figure where Ian sits... |
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| | How people can prize "Norman 3" over the wonderful "Verisimilitude" is beyond me. That song is awesome, including the keyboard. |
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| | This album is overrated.
Its follow-up, "Thirteen", is by far my fave Fanny album.
If you don't own it, go out and buy it - go, go go!
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| | Even though it's probably the least consistent of all their albums, The Concept, Metal Baby and Alcoholiday carry this album. The Concept is still amazing, Metal Baby is overlooked, and Alcoholiday is gorgeous.
Not to mention that December and Star Sign are also very good. And What You Do To Me is maybe the most overrated song in their entire catalogue. |
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