The Alley of the Damned
I’m going to review this cd because I can. Watch me go.
Track 1: Antarctica
First Appeared On: This album
This song is sooooo good. The line “When there’s nothing to lose there is piece of the mind” is just nice. Geike Arnaert is a wonderful singer. This track is just perfect.
9.4/10
Track 2: One
First Appeared On: Presents Jackie Cane
The redone version of this song is a-ok in my book. It’s a little slow and could stand to use a bit more… life. But its still good. The strings are fine and I like it. Solid. But not as good as the original.
7/10
Track 3: Inhaler
First Appeared On: A New Stereophonic Sound Spectacular
I like this new version better than the first one. It’s great! Geike takes over from the Hoov’s first vocalist and does a magnificent job. The string arrangment is just nice and melodic, too. Great stuff
8.3/10
Track 4: Jacky Cane
First Appeared On: The Magnificent Tree
Bleh! This version is too slow and dull. It’s almost boring. This is the only song on this album I wish they would have just left off. But near the end the strings do make the song much better. It’s ok, then. But Geike doesn’t seem as into it as she usually is on this track. Hmm…
5.3/10
Track 5: My Autumn’s Done Come
First Appeared On: This album
Another new song. This one is, although great because its new, kinda a letdown. Each time Hooverphonic does a new album, they have a new feel. I hope this song isn’t a foreshadowing for what their next CD is going to be like. The style is ok in one song, but not for a whole album. Geike seems to be enjoying it, though. And that makes me enjoy it, too.
7/10
Track 6: 2Wicky
First Appeared On: A New Stereophonic Sound Spectacular
I loved this song on NSSS. It was just so…. trip-hop. This is the band’s original roots, rite here. The redone version of it sparkles and shines like nothing else. If it weren’t for the last two live tracks on this album, 2Wicky would be the high point of the CD.
9.5/10
Track 7: Frosted Flake Wood
First Appeared On: The Magnificent Tree
The first version of this was crazy! It made no sense! This version is no better, lyricly speaking, but musically? Oh, so much better! The deep cellos and bass sounds are great and the piano work is astounding. Geike isn’t as “on” with this song as the others, though, and actually seems to be her weakest song on the live album. But its still a fun song.
8.2/10
Track 8: Eden
First Appeared On: Blue Wonder Power Milk
It’s a shame that this is the only song from Blue Wonder Power Milk. But the award for prettiest song on this album goes to Eden. The piano paired with Geike’s wonderous voice is just… *deep sigh of love* Flawless. Simply flawless. Buy this album for this song, stay for the redo’s of Sometimes and World Is Mine.
9.4/10
Track 9: Vinegar & Salt
First Appeared On: The Magnificent Tree
I love this song on Tree and now its better than before. The loss of the synth stuff is overshadowed by the lovely addition of the extra strings. Geike’s vocals are rock solid in this song and the added silent moment near the mid-point gives me chills everytime. Wonderful!
9.3/10
Track 10: Sad Song
First Appeared On: Presents Jackie Cane
This is almost a flawless translation from the original. It’s minus the slide whistle, though, which subtracts some points. But it is still a great song and Geike still seems to be in love with it. That’s good enough for me.
8.6/10
Track 11: Someone
First Appeared On: A New Stereophonic Sound Spectacular
I never liked this song when I first heard it, in fact I’d say it was probably my least favorite Hooverphonic song of all time. This redone, string version doesn’t change that. Much. It’s still pretty and Geike does a much better job on it than the first singer (whose name is both unpronounceable and unspellable!). I’ll give it an extra 1.2 for that.
6.3/10
Track 12: The World Is Mine
First Appeared On: Presents Jackie Cane
I love this song. I’m having this version played at my wedding, even though it won’t fit. It just feels like a song you’d play at a wedding. The lyrics are fun, the strings are lively, and Geike just seems to be having as great a time as ever. I love this song!
9.5/10
Track 13: Sometimes
First Appeared On: Presents Jackie Cane
This song is perfect. I remember the first time I heard it on Jackie Cane. I had to listen to it twice more to prove that I wasn’t hearing things. This version on Sit Down and Listen to is flawless. 100%. It’s the perfect song. This is Hooverphonic at its best.
9.9/10
Track 14: The Last Thing I Need Is You
First Appeared On: This album
The only studio recorded song here. Its a good one, too. Geike seems to be having the most fun with this song over all others. And its no surprise, either. The lyrics and the music are just fun. Almost jumps back to trip-hop roots, there for a second. But then comes back. Yay! I hope they steer in this direction for their next album.
8/10
Overall: Their best CD? Probably. My favorite? No. That’s a toss-up between Magnificent Tree and Jackie Cane. But its still good.
9.5/10
Songs That SHOULD Have Made It:
Battersea. Duh. I have no idea why it didn’t show up. And Out of Sight? What about Club Montepulciano? *cries* Well, that would have been too much of a good thing, I guess. Oh well. Ooh! Ooh! And they should have had Hooverphonic’s cover of the Depeche Mode song Shake the Disease. That’s my favorite Hoov song, rite now.
-See you next mission!!!
Added April 7, 2016
This review made me start listening to the album, right now. As I type the period at the end of this sentence.
This album got better with age.
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skylerbartels 