| Product: |
Slowdive in general |
| Date: |
27.04.08 (46 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Dreamy, floaty, emotionally charged music
Disadvantages: Over too soon
Slowdive, another of my shoegazing favourites, and a band who are said to have gained musical inspiration from the Cocteau Twins. From the first listen I was destined to like this band, and now Id like to share with you the magic of their dreamy music.
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Formed in 1989, in Reading, Slowdive adopted a style akin to their predecessors, shoegazing artists the Cocteau Twins and My Bloody Valentine. The bands figureheads were Neil Halstead (guitars and vocals), a hugely talented musician with a mellow and distinctive voice, and Rachel Goswell (guitar and vocals) a slightly grungy bob-haired girl. Goswell had the kind of dark and mysterious allure that can make a band appear enigmatic before they even strike a chord! Halstead and Goswell had been friends in their youth, and had combined to form the heart of Slowdive. The other members included Nick Chaplin (Bass), Christian Saville (guitar), and a number of drummers (Adam Sell, 1989; Simon Scott, 1990-early 1994), and finally Ian McCutcheon 1994).
Slowdive have an incredible sound, quite evocative of the Cocteau Twins, but with a twist of individual inspiration. There is a familiar focus on the instrumental backing, primarilly the guitars, whilst the vocals are relaxed and subdued. The music that Slowdive produced is emotionally charged, and exhilirating in places.I would say that Slowdives offerings are 'thinking and feeling' music- I know this sounds a bit daft, but if you listen to any one of their songs you will find it takes you on a personal journey of reflection. A song might conguer up images of lost love, or make you feel 'in touch with your surroundings', it may even help you find the peace you need to make a difficult decision. Like alot of dream pop, the songs might not always make literal sense, but you do get an impression of what you 'should' be feeling, and for this reason I find shoegazing music quite therapeutic. It is introspective stuff in effect- adept at exploring all the feelings that make us human and alive.
Ok, Im gonna quit with the philosophical hard-sell here and just recommend to you a few of my most loved tracks from their albums:
~Just For a Day (1991)
This was their first album, and like most 'starters' it is a bit hit and miss. My favourite song on here is *Catch the Breeze*.
~Blue Day (1992)
Try *Avalyn 1* and *Morning Rise* perhaps.
~Souvlaki (1993)
This was Slowdives most popular album, and it contains some real gems. If you fancy something incredibly uplifting, a song to inspire you first thing in the morning try *When the Sun Hits*. I also love *Alison*, *Here She Comes* and *Some Velvet Morning *.
~Pygmalion (1994)
The final album made by Slowdive, since their record label were putting them under pressure to make a future album that would capture mass appeal. In effect, they wanted your generic Pop-music to be produced. Slowdive were not prepared to relinquish their independent thought, and subsequently went on to form Mojave 3. Songs that I enjoy on this album include:
*Visions of La*
*Blue Skied and Clear*
*All of Us*
*Cello*
If you like Slowdive, you may not be up for Mojave 3. Although Nick Halstead and Rachel Goswell reformed this band, they didnt pursue their Slowdive sound and material. They actually went for a kind of folky/country vibe, which I think was fairly successful- Halstead and Goswell write great music and have versatile voices. I absolutely love their song *Some Kinda Angel*, its a real uplifting, smile and euphoria giving tune. Its one of those songs that makes you feel damned fine and happy to be alive. I put it on in the mornings when Im dressing and need a boost-its like a musical pep pill. Still, its an aquired taste.
Well, there you go chaps. Slowdive, give 'em a try. You wont regret it.
Summary: More shoegazing music.......
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