And some they fell.... (The Seeds Of Love - Tears For Fears)

Member Name: salgirl

Product:	The Seeds Of Love - Tears For Fears
Date:	14/02/01 (54 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: It's got Bad Man's Song on it

Disadvantages: All the thinking hurt my brain

Okay, now I like Tears For Fears. I know they had really dodgey hairstyles, but it was the 80's and they never got as tonsorially nasty as A Flock Of Seagulls, so I forgive them.

"Sowing The Seeds" was very Beatles, let's be honest, and I'm sure Paul McCartney would have been proud had he produced the song, but for me the key isn't in the actual music writing on this album, it's the singing.

I found it to be quite disconcerting. The sheer strength and emotional range in the vocals are stunning, especially on the 'Track Of The Album' "Bad Man's Song". This has a fantastic bluesy feeling and the ease with which Roland Orzabal and Oleta Adams blend together really does have to be heard to be believed. There's a live jam session feel to this, and deliberately so towards the end when things go off into some mad jazz riff.

"Woman In Chains" is a simply lovely song with great lyrics for all feminists everywhere. Very slick,polished production and immensely listenable, it's sure to please.

"Advice For The Young At Heart" is probably the only song I occasionally skip. It's a good track, don't get me wrong and I marvel at the notes Mr. Olazabal can wring out of his throat, but there are far more interesting tracks to listen to.

The next track "Standing On The Corner Of The Third World" sounds like it should have been on Songs From The Big Chair, and seeing as that was a good album too, that's no bad thing. AS usual the lyrics have to do with a social issue, in this case the title is self-explanatory, and you aren't just supposed to think "Yeah, guy, great track!" you're supposed to be provoked into thinking. So think if you can blot out the need to listen to the track itself.

More beauteous music and singing with "Swords and Knives" and that's what I like about TFF, they weren't afraid t
o let the vocals carry the music. But this stuff was never destined to be background noise, it will demand to be listened to, so try not to play it when you're trying to be social otherwise you may embarrass yourself ssshh-ing everyone.

"Year Of The Knife" comes on and suddenly you remember that they can play upbeat poppy stuff too, and it is welcome after the deep thinking you've been having to do.

"Famous Last Words". Well blow me down, is this another intellectually demanding piece? I believe it is. Again, it's all very lovely and skilfully crafted, but maybe they should have ended it with the jiggy one.

A real range of talent at TFF's disposal on this album - Phil Collins, Simon Phillips, Pino Palladino, Oleta Adams, Peter Hope-Evans and Tessa Niles to name-drop but a few.

Some great songs on here, but maybe lacking that certain something that was predominant on Songs From The Big Chair.

I wonder how Roland O feels about looking like Laurance Llewellyn-Bowen?? Quick, pudding basin and scissors anyone?......

Summary: