Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The most atmospheric album I've yet heard, 6 May 2004
This is my favourite of Siouxsie's releases that I have collected thus far. In comparison to other albums, this work continues the more melodic, less-punky style of the bands later albums (Tinderbox, for example), as opposed to the harsher, simpler (yet still brilliant) earlier releases.
The atmosphere that pervades this album is truly captivating. It conjures imagery of old country folklore and halloween, with its array of instruments from violins to accordions and harmonicas, and lyrics about scarecrows and carousels. Another reviewer called it a 'journey into fairyland', and I think that is a good summary of its magical style.
Standout tracks are 'Peek-a-boo', which might be too poppy for some, but has a really funky rythm, and an accordion tune to die for. The next two tracks 'Killing jar' and 'Scarecrow' enhance the old Victorian-esque feel and really get the album going. Another standout track is 'Burn-up' which builds up continously throughout until the end sees a breathtaking crescendo of harmonica and woodwind instruments. Finally, my favourite track would be 'Rhapsody', which begins on a dark rumbling note and builds up into one of the most driving, dramatic and passionate songs I have ever heard, with a full ensemble of instruments and Sioxsie's soaring, commanding voice as enchanting as ever.
This is an incredible album owing to its unique dreamland atmosphere and brilliant integration of a whole range of instruments. Therefore, fans of the earlier punk style might not like it (admittedly, I was shocked when I first played it - but pleasantly) owing to the sheer musical grandeur, but I feel that unless one is a total early-Siouxsie diehard, her cooing lyrics and that quintessential Banshee style should win you over. Pricless.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Slick, smooth and melodious album., 17 Jan 2002
By A Customer
This is the album that converted me to S&TB many years ago. I loved the sinister thread running through the tracks, particularly "Carousel" & "Rhapsody". If you are already a fan of Siouxsie, this album may be a little too commercial for your tastes. Then again, it shows a smooth move towards the slinkier side of their music. Personally, I love it and find it very atmospheric - and it was good enough to make me go and buy their previous albums too!
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8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Never Never Land, 11 Jul 2003
By A Customer
"If there is such a place as Never Never Land, Siouxsie & the Banshees can take you there". And they will "definitely" whisk you away with this one. A "masterpiece" from start to finish, "Peek-A-Boo" showcases with a powerful slink that regurgitates itself with a phenomenal sharp diversity of sound looped back, forth and again with a wild screeching flute, jolting horns and "amazing" accordion riff that's sly, debonair and "emanates" 1920's burlesque with a powerful modern twist that smirks and connives., Sioux's voice is thrown at you from all directions in defferent "frequencies" sharp and crisp, low and amplified, and shouted out via "ringmaster"! "The Killing Jar" starts the "journey" into "fairyland" with it's rampant skipping and jumping through a forest night over babbling brooks and glowing fireflies with violins and "frog croaking"! The eerie "Scarecrow" with it's glittering frost and childhood secrets provokes the imagination! The climaxing locomotion of "Burn Up" and the shear, elegant beauty of "Ornaments Of Gold" display fascinating drumwork as does "Turn To Stone" with it's spiraling sensuality, flamenco guitar riffs and congas. Sioux's voice peeks "angelically" in "The Last Beat Of My Heart" with a soaring majesty and "operatic" in "Rhapsody". If you want to loose yourself in "pure enchantment", buy this album. "It's an atmospheric treat that dares you to imagine".
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