Whenever I hear a new album from an artist that I like, one of the first things that I listen for is a song that will stand the test of time - a song that will continue to be performed live after the token 'new album tour.' So, does such a song exist on Ninth
, Peter Murphy's newest album in 7 years? Absolutely.
, Peter Murphy's newest album in 7 years? Absolutely.
His last album, 2004's Unshattered
, was doomed from the start when the label went belly-up as the record was released. While it may seem like he's been inactive - after all, seven years is a long time between albums - in the meantime, he reunited with his former bandmates to have another go at Bauhaus with a tour and a new album - Go Away White
; he has also toured several times - once with Nine Inch Nails; released a series of cover songs, and even collaborated on a second Dalis Car
album with the late Mick Karn. So the man hasn't been slacking.
, was doomed from the start when the label went belly-up as the record was released. While it may seem like he's been inactive - after all, seven years is a long time between albums - in the meantime, he reunited with his former bandmates to have another go at Bauhaus with a tour and a new album - Go Away White; he has also toured several times - once with Nine Inch Nails; released a series of cover songs, and even collaborated on a second Dalis Car album with the late Mick Karn. So the man hasn't been slacking.
Ninth is Peter Murphy's edgiest solo album to date. At 53 years old, there is no sign of him mellowing out on this new record. He's got a seasoned, road-tested band behind him and a batch of some really good material.
is Peter Murphy's edgiest solo album to date. At 53 years old, there is no sign of him mellowing out on this new record. He's got a seasoned, road-tested band behind him and a batch of some really good material.
Some songs are immediately catchy and accessible - the lead-off single, I Spit Roses
and its digital b-side The Prince & Old Lady Shade. The latter is just an incredible piece of music with beautiful strings and a melody that stays with you.
and its digital b-side The Prince & Old Lady Shade. The latter is just an incredible piece of music with beautiful strings and a melody that stays with you.
Other tracks really sneak up on you the third time around. One of those being my absolute favorite, Uneven & Brittle. With its crunchy guitars and a mega-intense chorus - this is gonna be a powerhouse in the live setting:
You spit as you say,
'I get crushed by my dreams that i crawled and begged for.
It's myself I deceive, I got all I ask for.
If I wait in deep sleep, there's nothing there to pray for.
Uneven and brittle, is there fruit on our tree?'
At the song's climax, Murphy lets out a 15-second scream that will send shivers down your spine.
Seesaw Sway
, the album's second single, is another striking moment with its duel guitar melodies bobbing and weaving around the vocals. Like most of the songs on Ninth, it is dynamic and emotional. The album has its gentler moments with the acoustic-based Never Fall Out and the album closer, Creme de la Creme. Creme begins as a piano ballad, and then continues to build. It made me think of Ziggy Stardust's conclusion, Rock 'N' Roll Suicide
, mixed with his own My Last Two Weeks
. A gorgeous ending.
, the album's second single, is another striking moment with its duel guitar melodies bobbing and weaving around the vocals. Like most of the songs on Ninth, it is dynamic and emotional. The album has its gentler moments with the acoustic-based Never Fall Out and the album closer, Creme de la Creme. Creme begins as a piano ballad, and then continues to build. It made me think of Ziggy Stardust's conclusion, Rock 'N' Roll Suicide, mixed with his own My Last Two Weeks. A gorgeous ending.
So, to revisit the criteria that I set in my opening words... The Prince & Old Lady Shade, I Spit Roses
and Uneven & Brittle are my picks for the tracks that will remain part of his live set for years to come. :)
and Uneven & Brittle are my picks for the tracks that will remain part of his live set for years to come. :)
Peter Murphy is moving forward. Like all good artists, it's all about what you create in the present and future, that makes you still relevant. I applaud him for this new album. Cuts You Up
is over 20 years old now, it's time to make some new memories. Buy Ninth now.
is over 20 years old now, it's time to make some new memories. Buy Ninth now.Key Tracks: Uneven & Brittle, The Prince & Old Lady Shade
, Seesaw Sway, I Spit RosesRelease Date: June 7, 2011 on Nettwerk Records
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Is your review of a digital, CD, or vinyl release?
ReplyDeleteI will purchase this, probably digitally, but am not very excited about the "edgy" aspect of it, to be honest. But I will keep an open mind =)
The cover songs, were those every physically released?
Really looking forward to this album. The 7th of June seems so far away. A lot of my favorites have been putting out some brilliant work. This should be no different. And no Lew...I think the secret covers stuff was digital only release from PM. Am I wrong?
ReplyDeleteLew, the track listing is the same for each format. As Tom said, the cover songs were only a digital release... actually exclusive to iTunes, I believe.
ReplyDeleteactually edgy is not the word i'd use....what constitutes the edge these days? heavy? hard? the songs are all well road tested, so they sound very much live/alive. "The Prince and Old Lady Shade" is the song most of the die-hards, myself included, are gravitating towards as "the classic" off the new album though they're all sounding good.
ReplyDeleteBy edgy, i mean intense, energetic and yes, heavy compared to most of his solo work.
ReplyDeleteWow. What a FUCKING GREAT RECORD!!! Played it three times in row. That's a good sign, innit? :)~
ReplyDeleteTom, yes... rad album. Hopefully you bought thru my link above? :)
ReplyDeleteWhat's your favorite track at the moment?
This is a great release from our man Murphy. Fav tune? "The Prince and Old Lady Shade." A close second I think "SeeSaw Sway."
ReplyDeleteThere are six standouts on this record:
ReplyDeleteVelocity Bird
I Spit Roses
Never Fall Out
The Prince & Old Lady Shade
Uneven & Brittle
Slowdown
Just discovered the Prince and Old Lady Shade, courtesy of Spotify recommendations, and completely hooked. Came by your blog and liking the company. Having a long walk tomorrow, with the album on repeat.
ReplyDeleteThe Prince and Old Lady Shade is still one of my favourite songs of all-time. It haunts my dreams and often enters my head for weeks on end. Peter's voice is something I never want to leave my head.
ReplyDeleteSee Saw Sway was my hook to this album. Absolutely love everything about the song but the drumming just gets me every time! So many powerful songs here that I can’t pick a favorite. Uneven and Brittle and Crème de la Crème both still give me the chills. There isn’t a weak song on the album. Buy it now!
ReplyDelete