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In Reply to: RE: "Back to the late-90's" posted by genungo on April 21, 2015 at 17:25:37
Again, after waiting 7 years for a Prefab Sprout album, fans were disappointed in Andromeda Heights' over-reliance on slow, lifeless, often boring ballads.
When someone else listens to this album, it doesn't really matter what score I give it. The first two songs, "Electric Guitars" and "Prisoner Of The Past," are staples of mine. I may not recommend them for parties, but for personal/private listening, they often grip the listener. Especially if you were around when Beatlemania first hit the U.S., "Electric Guitars" is kind of a sad but mature acknowledgement that you've reached the gray twilight. Back in 1981, some of my Baby Boomer friends were disturbed by Steely Dan's "Hey Nineteen." It was the first time they realized that their youthful ways weren't working any more, that another generation had taken their place. Well, in 1997, "Electric Guitars" made these Baby Boomers feel better about closing this chapter, about being okay with their part in the arc of life.
I'm not the only one, for whom "Prisoner Of The Past" makes clear that we are no longer in childhood. However, innocence lost can be wisdom gained. And that is a powerful lesson.
I guess the point of all the slow songs is to set a mood. Unfortunately, that mood can invoke and induce afternoon siestas. So fans have to get past that, and then delve into Paddy McAloon's messages. And just when the audience is starting to fall asleep, McAloon revives us with the crafty "The Fifth Horseman." I mean, who else, but McAloon can write:
"The Bible mentions four
I tell you there's one more...
Love is the fifth horseman of the apocalypse"
Andromeda Heights will never be the most popular Prefab Sprout offering. Since backup singer Wendy Smith isn't utilized that much on this album, it further reinforces just how much we miss her [McAloon carries on under the Prefab Sprout moniker, but is really a solo artist]. Andromeda Heights may not be a strong entry, but that doesn't mean we should ignore or overlook it. And for those of us who are building music collections, it adds much-needed depth to the repertoire.
Follow Ups:
Playing this disc on a Moon Andromeda player?
Along with the dCS Puccini and Wadia 781i, the Simaudio Andromeda was one of my so-called "Big 3" CD players.
Hands down, the Andromeda provided THE BEST sound I've ever had in my home. Nothing else has come to matching the Andromeda's living, breathing sense of "live."
But as my readers know, the Andromeda, like the other CD players I've reviewed, had its negatives.
For over half a decade, I've been trying to find a player which has the Andromeda's sound quality, but in a more usable package.
Simaudio's own Supernova had better ergonomics, but its sound erred on the warm side, wasn't as transparent and lively as the Andromeda.
Simaudio's more affordable CD-3.3X had a good DAC section, but a lousy transport. So the search continues...
Consider and demo the Levinson No. 512 and Parasound's newest spinner...
why not own at least (1) of your big 3 ?
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