Foxbase Alpha
Saint Etienne
1991
Tracks
1. This Is Radio Etienne
2. Only Love Can Break Your Heart
3. Wilson
4. Carnt Sleep
5. Girl VII
6. Spring
7. She's the One
8. People Get Real
9. Stoned to Say the Least
10. Nothing Can Stop Us
11. Etienne Gonna Die
12. London Belongs to Me
13. Kiss and Make Up
14. Like the Swallow
15. Dilworth's Theme
Well, that was odd. This album is very much a product of its time, which I suppose all albums are, but this one sounded much more dated than our other entries on the List.
Still, it can be viewed as a curiosity, a weird mix between French swing music and 90s dance music. That wasn't exactly a concoction I was hankering for, but it was still interesting.
A little cheesy and dated but at least it felt unique.
RATING: 3/5
Technique
The New Order
1989
Tracks
1. Fine Time
2. All the Way
3. Love Less
4. Round & Round
5. Guilty Partner
6. Run
7. Mr. Disco
8. Vanishing Point
9. Dream Attack
I have begged the List gods for something to break up the monotony of so-so albums and they have answered my prayers. It's tempting to compare this to Joy Division, and even though it has been awhile since I listened to Unknown Pleasures, I think I prefer this one. I know I am probably in the minority on that one.
Maybe the music does feel a bit dated now, but I actually liked that aspect of the album. I know when something typically sounds like something from the 80s it means tackiness/synths. But this felt like something that would play at a 80s rave and I enjoyed having a more immersive experience with music today.
So thank you, New Order for breaking us out of our rut of meh albums. Madonna, you better not blow this tomorrow.
RATING: 4/5
