tapes for tueday: a series part 10

Echo and the Bunnymen- Reverberation (1990)

The first caveat that this album must overcome is the absence of Ian McCulloch. He was replace by Noel Burke for this album, and ya know what? I Like It! I didn't come on to Echo and the Bunnymen until 1990, so the change in vocalist was less shocking because I was less invested in the original lineup.

The title is excellent because it is so reflective of the guitar style employed, a bit loose and twangy, and a bit psychedelic. Not the original sound, but very much in vogue with the up and coming Manchester sound a la Happy Mondays, The Farm, Stone Roses. It also had a new dance-ability that was formerly lacking. Also, there is an Indian influence to the music, with sitar, dulcimer and tambura that add yet another layer of sound.

I think that the purists are missing out when they deride this album for lack of Ian. Yes it sounds different, but to dismiss the entire album and the efforts of the remaining band members because of a change in vocalist is snobbish and short-sighted.

Track List:

1. "Gone, Gone, Gone"
   
2. "Enlighten Me"
   
3. Cut & Dried"
4. "King of Your Castle"
   
5. "Devilment"
   
6. "Thick Skinned World"
   
7. "Freaks Dwell"
   
8. "Senseless"
   
9. "Flaming Red"
   
10. "False Goodbyes"
    

This whole album is fantastic. I sat down this morning to give it a full listen though and realized I'd forgot how much I loved it. When it came down to picking a song today, I had to pick by my favorite lyrics.

"GONE,GONE, GONE"

My head is like an unblocked drain
My head is full of brains
My instincts are to kiss this train
I hear it coming

You're conscious says mind how you go
Your ulcer still says no
Your morals ebb
Your morals flow
Your bath is running

The normal rules do not apply
And mine is not to reason why
Gone, gone, gone

My arms are like two shipyard cranes
That may not work again
My fortunes wax
My fortunes wane
My sense is sundered

A carpet cheer is a cheerless heart
The path I dare not to jot
I look askance not quite the part
Someone has blundered

The normal rules do not apply
And mine is not to reason why
Gone, gone, gone

To all this grand old scheme of things
To all the pain it brings
To all of those who pull the strings
I said good riddance

To pass the time to coin a phrase
I meant a million ways
To counterfeit my salad days
And split the difference

The normal the rules do not apply
And mine is not to reason why
The normal the rules do not apply
And mine is not to reason why
Gone, gone, gone

SONG OF THE DAY:
"Gone, Gone Gone" - Echo and the Bunnymen