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Elly Roberts reviews
Mute Records
- Cat.no: CDSTUMM235
- Released: April 2006
- Rating: 10/10
Erasure has always been full of surprises – this is no exception.
Twenty years into a brilliant pop career and 14 million sales behind them, Erasurerevisit songs from their glittering back-catalogue. Recorded at intimateUnion Street studio in Brooklyn New York, Vince Clark and Andy Bell decidedit was time to, “Show the songs in a different light, and show that theycould work on whatever instrument, synthesisers or guitars”. Clark said, “Wefound this cool guitarist (Steve Walsh) with a cool studio and decided touse both”.
Like many a supposed acoustic album, in theory this isnt either,but the use of more traditional instruments like banjo, flute and pedalsteel, they give this album an almost country and western feel, alongsideradical arrangements.
Including one top 20 single Stay With Me, theremainder are album tracks; it matters not, because theyve certainly donetheir homework on making this superb collection sound as though they shouldhave done it before. Their trademark infectious synth-pop has been abandonedfor deeper artistic values, though Andy Bells falsetto singing is still ahighlight however, he does drop it down on a few occasions, with greateffect. Its a bold, even experimental step which is without doubt aresounding success.
The makeover brings new meaning to lost gems thatprove theres more to Erasure than exotic stage shows and dance orientatedpop anthems. A graceful album in every way.
Best tracks Tenderest Moments and tear jerking closer Rock Me Gently.
Weblink:Erasure Info.com
The full list of tracks included are :
1. Boy
2. Piano Song
3. Stay With Me
4. Spiralling
5. Home
6. Tenderest Moments
7. Alien
8. Blues Away
9. How Many Times
10. Love Affair
11. Rock Me Gently
Elly Roberts passed away in 2011, but he was a man who was so passionate about all types of music and loved meeting his musical heroes, such as Mick Hucknall at a book signing at the Trafford Centre, Manchester in 2007.
A former teacher and also a music journalist, DJ and radio presenter on local community station Calon FM, plus appearances on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Radio 2, Elly started doing reviews for DVDfever.co.uk in 2004 and he did the majority of the CD and concerts reviews on the website.
I know also that he loved getting away for the summer to Spain and I hope that wherever he is now he is enjoying the hot sunshine and, as one of his friends has said on his Facebook page, that he is interviewing his musical heroes.