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ALPHA
THE IMPOSSIBLE THRILL |
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| | Reviews: 20 |
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| Average Rating: 8.70 |
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It's good, real good, but... it's missing something.
by C. Blair Chi-town
Reviewed on January 20th, 2002
The Impossible Thrill is more of the same laid-back Bacharach-styled trip-hop that was found on ComeFromHeaven. Unfortunately, it's missing some of the magic that made their first LP so wonderful. The first thing one hears upon puching play is that Alpha has made the switch to live instruments, no more relying on samples. It has mixed results. Don't get me wrong, I'd much prefer live instruments over samples, but when it actually takes substance away from a song, you know there's a problem. The first song attempts to grab you in a "please, please listen to me" sort of way. In a way it works, but by the end of track two most will have lost interest. Sure, some songs are more structure, with clearer melodies and changes, but other songs just go off the deep end, staying unpredictable and nothing more than layer after layer of sound. Another minor complaint is that some of the vocals, aside from Martin Barnard who will always be mind-blowing, have lost their luster.But for all of my complaints, I was floored on occasion. When The Impossible thrill shines, it soars. The middle of the CD is wonderful, as are the first and last track, and it was an utter joy to hear Daddy G of Massive Attack lending his pipes to the jazzy song "Wishes." Equally stunning is Martin Barnard's performance on "Dim," possibly the best track on the CD. So, all in all, The Impossible is a tad disappointing, at times brialliant, at times confusing, but most definitely satisfactory for a fan of the band or the genre (although Alpha are truly in a genre of their own). Remember: three stars means GOOD! NOT BAD! (1=bad, 2=fair, 3=good, 4=excellent, 5=perfect)
More "The Impossible Thrill" reviews:
[2003-08-30] Alpha is a Mellow band (8)
[2002-12-24] If you don't have it... (10)
[2002-03-11] It's Ok....... (6)
[2002-03-10] quite a unique sound, not to mention good (10)
[2002-01-20] It's good, real good, but... it's missing something. (6)
[2002-01-05] It hasn't kicked in yet (4)
[2001-12-23] You have to think about this one!!! (8)
[2001-12-20] Great Googa Mooga (10)
[2001-12-12] I dont get this one... (6)
[2001-11-24] a loosely connected lattice of disparate sound (10)
[2001-06-27] deserves the extra listen (8)
[2001-05-29] Nothing Quite Like it.... (10)
[2001-05-27] Humid (8)
[2001-05-18] Music under my skin (10)
[2001-04-18] evolution is sweet (10)
[2001-03-30] fluid seduction (10)
[2001-03-27] Pure Bristol sound bliss from Alpha. (10)
[2001-03-25] [....] (10)
[2001-03-23] A complex, seductive recording (10)
[2001-03-20] TOO EXCITED TO WRITE (10)
Displaying reviews from 1 to 20
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