Super Furry Animals' leap to a major label in the U.K. with Rings Around the World isn't that drastic of a change -- Fuzzy Logic was also released on Epic in the U.S., Creation was subsidized by Sony, and they never were exactly wanting of money on their previous records -- but the band nevertheless seizes the opportunity to consolidate their strengths, providing an introduction for listeners that may not have been paying attention before. As such, it's hard not to consider it as a bit of a missed opportunity, since this is the first SFA album not to progress from its predecessor, or offer the shock of the new, and that's hard not to miss -- but, if this is the first SFA record you hear, it'll likely intrigue, even dazzle, with its kaleidoscopic blend of pop, prog, punk, psych, and electronica. Still, this is nearly Super Furry Cliff Notes, offering a glossy, big-screen variation on all of their themes -- decadently lush pop-psych, chugging ock & roll, bitter leftism, sublimely warped imagery, experimentalism wrapped in luxurious productions. Alluring, to be sure, and satisfying, too, and there certainly are wonderful details scattered throughout the album, the least of which are cameos by John Cale and Paul McCartney. Plus, there is exceptional songwriting here, such as the cinematic "Juxtaposed With U," "Sidewalk Serfer Girl," and "Receptacle for the Respectable," which encapsulates nearly every side of the band within five minutes. Still, it's hard not to want a little more from the band that was the best pop band of the late '90s. It's hard not to at least want surprises (since there are none) or, if it's going to be a consolidation, to have it be a statement of purpose, since it lacks either an overarching theme or a music that gels. So, it's not what it could have been, but what it is is still pretty damn great, satisfying with its melodies, textures, and ideas. Compared to what Super Furry Animals have done before, Rings Around the World pales slightly but noticeably, but compared to the dead world of mainstream and indie rock in 2001, it still shines brightly.
oh gosh. this songs is remind me to a girl. we used to sing this song together in a car when we travel to some place. but now she's dating with another guy and we never meet again, and i think that shes just juxtaposed with me. LOL it's easy when you know howto get along without Biff! Bang! Pow!and if I see that you're fed upi'll stop and give you a leg upover-priced unreal estate, surreal est...
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..Super Furry Animals... You gotta love so much about this band... from kick butt pop tunes mixing every genre you can think of... to fantastic videos.... to an in-your-face attitude that says "Yes. At the peak of our popularity, we'll record an entire album in our native Welsh language ("mwng")... ...and to a great sense of humor throughout.....My musical upload is one of my favorites ... the ...
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maybe im looking in all the wrong places or maybe im just crazy, but i feel its funny how no one has mentioned anything about the relationship between drugs and music. you dont have to do drugs to know about great music, but most everyone i come across who listens to great music does some form of drug, be it natural, chemical, or prescribed. it just enhances the already awesome stimulation the ...
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.Join the 170,000 who are getting soaked as I post. You'll be able to watch 40 live sets from Glastonbury online any time you like. The first will go up late on Saturday 23rd and they'll be available for a week from the date of this post, sets by; Bjork Bloc Party Gogol Bordello Hot Chip Jack Penate Kasabian Magic Numbers Mumm-Ra Super Furry Animals The Coral The Hold Steady Toumani (all subjec...
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..Super Furry Animals... You gotta love so much about this band... from kick butt pop tunes mixing every genre you can think of... to fantastic videos.... to an in-your-face attitude that says "Yes. At the peak of our popularity, we'll record an entire album in our native Welsh language ("mwng")... ...and to a great sense of humor throughout.....My musical upload is one of my favorites ... the ...
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maybe im looking in all the wrong places or maybe im just crazy, but i feel its funny how no one has mentioned anything about the relationship between drugs and music. you dont have to do drugs to know about great music, but most everyone i come across who listens to great music does some form of drug, be it natural, chemical, or prescribed. it just enhances the already awesome stimulation the ...
More >
I was late to the "Neon Neon" party..just caught up with them on the "Mercury Prize" awards programme...a tremendous performance,including the ridiculous audacity of Ha-Mar Superstar...with my usual "wine-tasting" take on the sounds..i'm getting "Kraftwerk" mmmm "Human League"....er "Be-Bop Deluxe!" even , i always catch a hint of Ray Davies in Gruff's voice... and i would definitely stand b...
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oh gosh. this songs is remind me to a girl. we used to sing this song together in a car when we travel to some place. but now she's dating with another guy and we never meet again, and i think that shes just juxtaposed with me. LOL it's easy when you know howto get along without Biff! Bang! Pow!and if I see that you're fed upi'll stop and give you a leg upover-priced unreal estate, surreal est...
More >
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 "Rings Around the World")
