Astronaut [Import]

Product Description
Japanese pressing of 2004 release is scheduled to include a DVD (NTSC/Region 2) & one bonus track. Details TBA. Epic.

Tracks:

Little Dipper
The Pod
Stars
Suicide Machine
The Very Old Man
Why I Like The Robins
I'd Like Your Hair Long
I Hate It Too
Songs Of Farewell And Departure

Customer Reviews:

good 'ol days.......2007-03-06

This is one of those bands that will probably make me say: "man... they don't make music like this anymore" and I will officially be old. But that aside, this is one of my favorite albums ever. Downward is Heavenward is awesome too.

hum- perfect for anytime.......2006-08-21

This album along with "downward is heavenward" and failure's "fantastic planet" have been my favorite rock albums for years. This cd is one where you can listen to it for months straight, on repeat. My favorite tunes are "suicide machine" and "I hate it too" but when you're listening to the album in full it is hard to tell which ones are your favorites as it seems like one song which can not be serarated. I always get a little sad when the last song comes on, signaling the end of the journey. I think of this album as perfect to accompany a trip into space, dark fall nights, or sitting in the dark. But it also works for bright sunny days stuck in traffic. It can even calm you down when you're feeling stressed. I highly recommend this cd, as well as the others I mentioned above.

Gonna be a classic for me, great album!.......2006-07-20

I got this album back in about '95 after a bad incident. This guy I knew broke into a car and stole the radio and the CDs. He didn't like rock so he gave them to me. Among the CDs was You'd Prefer an Astronaut. I never heard of Hum but I grew attached to it and always remembered Little Dipper and how it sounded over the years, different from any other song out there. So I picked it back up a few years ago and "rediscovered" it again. It's now among one of my all-time favs now and has been for years. I hate to say it, but it never would have been if it weren't for that guy. My kids love it too and sing along with it, their fav is I Hate It Too, a great song. They always refer to it and beg me to play the "Never Gonna Get Me There" song. A couple years ago I listened to this album and their '98 album "Downward Is Heavenward" while cruising the hills in Austin, perfect album for cruising or chilling at home. It rocks yet can get dreamy too. I take Hum to all of my trips, while flying or sitting on a Cancun balcony. I get infatuated with it every year or so, it has a long shelf life. I kept it in my CD player for 2 months straight. I disliked the singer earlier on, but I eventually realized he's damn good and is a huge part of their sound. I'm a drummer and love how the drums cut through instead of being dull in the back. Love his snare sound! Bryan St. Pere isn't just a punk hitting on some skins, he's very musical. It's a shame they're not together anymore, I really would have liked to see them live. It's really cool to see them really get down musically instead of the usual filler [...] material on most CDs today. Every song is great(although I don't like The Very Old Man), you'll be singing along after a while. Check out their other album Downward is Heavenward, on par with this one!

great album.......2006-07-11

its a shame these guys arent together anymore. they got dropped from their label because the follow up to this one didnt sell very well...all that aside, this is one of the great rock alternative albums of the 1990s. Just about everyone has heard stars and can probably remember when it got some brief radio airplay, but that is just one piece of the puzzle. lyrically speaking, they never let you know exactly what they are talking about, but instead give the listener a chance to figure it out for themselves. The music is simply beautiful and it all pieces together very well. It is simplistic and lots of fun...for anyone who loved the alternative movement of the 90s but wants something different that is just as good if not better, then check this album out...

Music to live life by........2006-06-12

You've read the other reviews, it's not a coincedence that everyone calls this amazing, otherworldly, whatever. Find a comfy spot on the couch, close your eyes, listen to this music, and clear your mind. I'd consider this the ultimate chill-out CD, driving at night CD, reading during a stormy day CD, and just about everything else. My words aren't enough to describe it, just buy the CD, you won't regret it.

Average customer rating:

What a Pleasant Surprise!
The fab five are back!
Duran Duran reach up
Welcome back boys!!!!
A masterpriece!

Astronaut
Duran Duran
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Duran Duran 2 (The Wedding Album)
Greatest
Notorious
Seven and the Ragged Tiger
Duran Duran

ASIN: B0002X591A
Release Date: 2004-10-12

Tracks:

(Reach Up For The) Sunrise
Want You More
What Happens Tomorrow
Astronaut
Bedroom Toys
Nice
Taste The Summer
Finest Hour
Chains
One Of Those Days
Point Of No Return
Still Breathing
Still Breathing

Amazon.com

The reflexes of those old enough to remember when "The Reflex" and "Rio" went rocketing up the Hot 100 in the 1980s may not be what they used to, but certain reactions to the first full spin of Astronaut can't help kicking in anyway. First among equals is exhilaration: Few can sit through pop this inventive--titillating, even, on the thumping disco dazzler "Bedroom Toys," which features Chic's Nile Rodgers--without owning up to a genuine thrill. And though the original fab five, as they're being heralded on this first disc in more than 20 years, leans a little heavier on Andy Taylor's guitar work than in the past, the band stays loyal to its original electropop sound, skillfully shuttling the faithful back in time but kicking in enough keyboard wizardry to avoid leaving them feeling old. Once the inevitable buzz dissipates (give it a while--the sunniness of opening anthem and first single "(Reach Up for) The Sunrise" sticks around, as does the moodiness of "Still Breathing"), puzzlement takes its place. Simon Le Bon sounds not a day older than when he recorded "Girls on Film," something for which he owes fellow 80s-band singers who flopped on the comeback trail an explanation. More puzzling still, though, is why Duran Duran waited so long to return: Had they reunited sooner, legions of dedicated, sophisticated popsters might have been spared the indignity that was the boy-band craze. --Tammy La Gorce

Talking with Duran Duran
Amazon.com contributor Beth Massa spoke with lead singer Simon LeBon and keyboardist Nick Rhodes separately to discuss the band's original line-up reunion, the passion they felt recording Astronaut, and their appreciation for their female fan base.

Listen to the interview with Simon LeBon

Listen to the interview with Nick Rhodes

Customer Reviews:

What a Pleasant Surprise!.......2006-12-18

I finally broke down and bought this CD a couple of weeks ago. The first time I listened to it, I thought, "Eeehh. It's okay." Then I committed to really listen to it and gave it a second try. Wow! What a difference a little breathing room makes! The second time gave me a much different feeling, and now I've been listening to this CD non-stop! I've actually got this CD in right now as I type this. So, if you tossed this one aside after only one listen, listen again!

There are some real gems on the CD and I hope the Fab Five puts out another one soon! I think they've found their element. There was a nice techno flavor to three of the songs that caught my ear: "Taste the Summer", "Want You More!", and "Nice". "Finest Hour" is chilled and easy, a real pleasure to the ears. The title track, "Astronaut" is upbeat and catchy, while "Bedroom Toys" is just funky and fun. While being a bit techno, "Nice" is also upbeat and dancy and really comes together nicely! My absolute favorite song on this CD, though, is the last one. "Still Breathing" is absolutely wonderful! It's a slow, pensive song, and Simon's lyrics are haunting against a brilliant background of music.

I haven't mentioned every song, but rest assured, each song is pleasing and different from the rest. A lot of bands put out CD's and every song sounds like a variation of the last, but not-so with this one! Duran Duran has put a little something for everybody on this CD - techno, adult contemporary, easy listening, funk, dancy, feel-good, etc.

I hope Simon, John, Nick, Andy, and Roger stay united now that they've come back together since their hey-days as the 80's greatest pin-up boys! I'd like to hear more of the same as what's on this CD! BRAVO!!! Encore! Encore!

The fab five are back!.......2006-07-29

Astronaut is one of the best albums in the last ten years. It features great dance-rock by the greatest of the 1980s bands. "(Reach Up For The) Sunrise" is a brilliant opening, it is so powerful and inspiring. "Want You More" is a good dance track. "What Happens Tomorow" is a good synth-rock ballad, very powerful. "Bedroom Toys" is interesting. "Nice" is a brillaint song, I cant believe it didnt go to number one on the charts, it is the best dance song of the year! "Astronaut" is an okay track, as is "Taste the Summer." The other two tracks are enjoyable as well.

Buy Astronaut at all costs, you wont regret it! If you love 1980s rock, mixed with a 'lil bit of fantastic dance music, Astronaut is for you! While your at it, pick up a copy of MEDAZZALAND or POP TRASH, the band's interesting attempt at gothic rock. Or the POWER STATION album, which is a hard rock album featuring the hits "some Like it Hot" and "(Get it on) Bang a Gong."

Duran Duran is unrivaled brilliance, and one of the best bands currently performing. Cant wait for the next album in 2007; "Gloss!"

Duran Duran reach up.......2006-05-10

This has got to be not only one of the greatest releases so far this decade, but possibly one of the best comeback releases of all time. Granted, Duran Duran never really went away for any length of time, but it's obvious after listening to Astronaut just what was missing from the previous releases without all of the fab five.

There aren't many bands out there that thrived in the '80s and have managed to still be relevant today. Duran Duran may well top that list. Astronaut recaptures the vitality and incredible synergy that propelled them to the top of the charts again and again 20+ years ago.

Reach Up For The Sunrise sets the stage for this entire album. Fantastic songwriting, catchy melodies, and hip, contemporary sounds permeate this record from start to finish.

Simon sounds as good, if not better, today than he did during their seminal period. Every member is still at the top of their game. I can't describe how cool it is to hear John ripping out the bass lines like he did on Rio.

Duran Duran sounds as tight and in control as if they never missed a beat between 1984 and 2004. It's hard to pick favorites here. Every track has numerous strong points, but do yourself a favor and check this out for Sunrise, Bedroom Toys, Nice, and Taste The Summer for prime examples of why we fell in love with Duran Duran way back when.

Here's to hoping there's more to come from Duran Duran.

Welcome back boys!!!!.......2005-12-22

I was so thrilled to hear that the original line-up of Duran Duran was reuniting. I bought this cd the day it came out and I have about worn it out I have listened to it so much. They have successfully recaptured the signature D2 sound they had back in the 80's while also showing their musical growth at the same time. I think all tracks on this album are fantastic but the standouts would have to be "sunrise", "what happens tomorrow", "nice", "taste the summer" and "bedroom toys" is a delicious piece of funk. As a matter of fact it is the best funk-flavored track they have ever done. If you have ever enjoyed their music, you have got to get this album. I promise you won't be disappointed.

A masterpriece!.......2005-12-19

This album is brilliant! "Sunrise," "What Happens Tommorow" and "Nice" are three of the best Duran Duran songs ever! However, I wish Warren was still here, as he was genius. WHy couldnt the fab five keep Warren in their reunion? I give it 4 out of 5 stars, I don't give it five because I am taken a star out for Warren's absence.

Twelve Small Steps, One Giant Disappointment

Average customer rating:

Fantastic Finish
Ghostwrite for Soft Schedule
Hmmmmm
It's still heartbreaking music
The last chapter of the Bad Astronaut saga

Twelve Small Steps, One Giant Disappointment
Bad Astronaut
Manufacturer: Fat Wreck Chords
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Houston: We Have a Drinking Problem
Acrophobe
Love Their Country
War of the Worlds
Unicornography

ASIN: B000IZJ1HU
Release Date: 2006-11-14

Tracks:

Good Morning Night
Ghostwrite
Beat
Stillwater, California
One Giant Disappointment
Minus
Best Western
San Francisco Serenade
Autocare
Violet
Go Humans
The 'F' Word
The Thirteenth Step

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic Finish.......2007-04-12

Perhaps my favorite Bad Astronaut release and definitely one of the best records of 2006. One Giant Disappointment is one of my favorites here. It made me cry everytime I heard it for 2 weeks, Ghostwrite, Minus, Best Western, San Fran Serenade, Go Humans are all excellent. Joey is consistantly great, one of my favorite artists of the last 15 years.

Ghostwrite for Soft Schedule.......2006-12-21

Fist thing first: it's a great album. Songs are so hooked on a soap space, since the 'Houston...' LP that they are actually in so often feels like one. Good Morning Night' and Beat' still capture the old fashion secrets of Joey and added satisfy feeling that came with new ways such as 'Best Western. Only misguided feeling is the whole concept evolution through the "album" idea. After Derrick passing, it's hard to collect the motives of sound to create tracks and waited for a new born viewing behind the main ideas of the songs. Joe Strummer's Streetcore suffers by the very same thing. At the some point 'Twelve Small Steps...' seems like a some kind of superior collecting rare songs and b-sides album with a thrilling feeling in the core that is both dark and celebratory. As a legacy it's an ear-catching affair to it's white noise. As a tribute; it'll be along any forever...

Hmmmmm.......2006-12-17

Ok, the other reviewers before me have done a great job of talking about the background of this band and the trajedy that befell them. Therefore I will skip to my review of what I feel is a lackluster album (it appears I'm in the minority, which is nice... I love Bad Astronaut). Anyway, there are no real great songs on here, just a bunch of good ones. For any other band that would be more than satisfying, but this is Bad Astronaut! Their first two albums are without a doubt two of my favorite records of all time. The band grew so much between Acrophobe and Houston... and I was hoping that 12 Steps would be even better than the first two. However, this is not the case. Ignoring the death of one of the key members of the band is unfair, but we are reviewing the cd here and I can't change my rating of the music. Hopefully over time this album will grow on me, but unlike the first two it has not hit me immediately.

It's still heartbreaking music.......2006-11-15

This is a very different CD than I was expecting, it's hard to know how losing a pivotal member both musically and personally will affect the music they create. Many people fall apart and give up, while others take the pain their feeling and focus it back into their music. Fortunately, Joey Cape is more of the latter than the former. I've always felt that the greatest artistic achievements have come from pain (see: Disintegration by The Cure, Tragic Kingdom by No Doubt, etc.), so while this CD wasn't what I was expecting, it is by no means disappointing.

I first heard of Bad Astronaut right around the time that Acrophobe came out, and it was such a breath of fresh air from the music at the time. There was so much thought put into the music, the cello was present, but never overused, it was just incredible song writing and musicianship (is that a word?). Their second CD was even better than the first, "My Son" literally drove my mom to tears the first time she heard it, and the maturation of the band continued. After Derrick took his life, there was a lot of talk that this record would never be released, it was too hard for them to face this. Luckily Joey took the pain and heartache and created a beautiful, if sometimes disjointed record.

This record was being written when Derrick died, so some songs were written before, some after, and the disparity between the two types of songs are huge. There are the "normal" Bad Astronaut songs like Go Humans that for some reason reminds me of Grey Suits, and there is the haunting Minus which has been one of my favorite songs for quite a while. The real highlight of this CD is the songs written to/about Derrick. You can almost see Joey trying to cope with it as the CD progresses. In One Giant Disappointment he almost sounds angry at Derrick for leaving him, for not struggling on. In Stillwater, California he pays tribute to the ones that have left us including Derrick, but also Jason (Thirsk? Sears?) and Richard (?). Finally there's a general acceptance of things with Thirteen Steps, the minor chord he drops into right before the "devastating" is just heartbreaking. There is so much emotion and depth to their songs.

So sadly as we say goodbye to Bad Astronaut, we can thank them for some beautiful songs, for putting everything out in the open so we can see what they were dealing with at the time. As I listen to the backwards guitars that have a very "Beatles" feel on Thirteen Steps, I smile, realizing that I was very lucky to have been clued into them, and realize that as long as Joey is creating (the Tony Sly split is beautiful) and the rest of the band keeps doing their thing, we'll all come out ahead.

The last chapter of the Bad Astronaut saga.......2006-11-15

Bad Astronaut. A band that was made as an excuse for 2 old friends, Derrick and Joey, to play together again. With Derrick gone now, Twelve small steps, one giant dissappoinment, is Joey's final goodbye to his best friend.

From start to finish you can hear the honesty and passion in the music, writing and Joey's voice. Even in the songs that are not written about Derrick {or don't seem to be written about derrick}, you feel the power in this album. This is record is truly a gift to the world of indie rock, punk, or all music lovers.

After hearing it for only one day, it moved me almost immediately. This is a must for all Bad Astroanut, Wagon, Caper, and Derrick fans. I highly recommend this for indie rock lovers. You will not be disappointed. The boys in Bad Astronaut put their heart and soul into this recording and I for one am going to miss this band's contribution to the world of rock.

Not to mention Derrick's contribution to the World of Punk Rock and Rock.

Do yourself a favor and get this cd.

Thanks to the Guys of Bad Astronaut. And thank you Derrick for the inspiration. You will not be forgotten.

Average customer rating:

Different but great
First voyage of the Lonely Astronauts
Misunderstood Masterpiece
Disappointing

Let's Just Be
Joseph Arthur
Manufacturer: Lonely Astronaut
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Nuclear Daydream
New Moon
Sky Blue Sky
Big City Secrets
Easy Tiger

ASIN: B000O590AC
Release Date: 2007-04-17

Tracks:

Diamond Ring
Good Life
Precious One
Spacemen
Take Me Home
Chicago
Cockteeze
Lonely Astronaut
Cocaine Feet
Let's Just Be
Shake It Off
Lack A Vision
Gimme Some Company
I Will Carry You
Yer The Reason
Star Song

Amazon.com

It's hard to resist the urge to rock out once in awhile. Let's Just Be is proof that even the most smooth-voiced and pop-minded singer-songsters must get their ya-yas out now and again. On some songs, Arthur conjures the early '70s spirit of Mick Jagger while on others he seems to be shooting for Marc Bolan. His most ragged-sounding and strictly rock and roll album to date, the record has a very loosely hewn feel which reaches an apex during the 20 minute (plus) "Lonely Astronaut." That song starts out as a pleasant enough country warble then mutates into a sloppy rave-up before dissolving into a bizarre mantra of the word "I" chanted atop an acoustic guitar and what sounds like a cement mixer, before slipping back into the warble bit. This disc is charming in its own way, and clearly was a blast for all involved--but a tad more editing might have been nice. --Mike McGonigal

Customer Reviews:

Different but great.......2007-07-13

As indicated this album is not typical of Joseph Arthur. I do own JA's five prior full length CDs but none of his EPs or single recordings. After reading the first review I felt disappointed as I really enjoy the heck out of his music. He is one of my many favorite artists. So, I figured I buy tons of music without the slightest clue as to what to expect...So why not an album from an artist who has never disappointed. I bought the album and five others at the same time all from the same "alternative genre" and mixed them up and dropped them into my car CD player. I wanted to see if this album would stand out. I had listened to three tracks on this disc before I knew that I was listening to JA. I really liked what I was hearing without presuming an artist or a particular sound. If you do the same this album will stand alone as a great effort. PS The eighth track did bother me a bit on first listen ... less so on subsequent play. Tis' rock and roll folks. Open your mind and this JA CD will take you somewhere new.

First voyage of the Lonely Astronauts.......2007-05-19

I got to see some of this album performed live in Cincinnati, and it was fantastic,infectious music. At the show I bought a copy and still cannot stop listening to it. Yes, it is different from Joseph Arthur's earlier offerings, not as dark, much more optimistic. The first album released by Arthur's own label, Lonely Astronaut Records, it is a sample of what happens when someone as talented and original as JA hooks up with a band like the Lonely Astronauts. Watching this music live I could not help but notice how this band works together and has a great time doing it, and it comes across on Let's Just Be.

Standout rock songs- Diamond Ring, Spacemen, Cocaine Feet

Take Me Home has the feel of a sublime night out on the town ending as the sun rises, sound like the revolution of the car tires as the night ends

Precious One- love song, JA and LA style- original

Gimme Some Company- Jennifer Turner shines here- great song

I Will Carry You- Kraig Jarrett Johnson, formerly of the Jayhawks, with JA- these guys sound great together- write great songs together!

Yer the Reason- fun, jangly beat with raw lyrics.

I am scheming to try to fit another one of their concerts into my schedule before this tour ends. Do yourself a favor- if you are skeptical about JA's new sound go to his website and watch some of the videos of these songs performed on various shows- or better yet stop brooding in your bedrooms and go out and see this band before the tour ends. You will not be sorry!

Misunderstood Masterpiece.......2007-05-17

This album isn't for everyone but it's an extremely rewarding listen for those who "get it." There's meaning behind the madness and Arthur makes quite a statement. He stepped out of line and dared to challenge the norm and so far he's mostly been unjustly critisized. It'll probably get its due in about twenty years. This album is a masterpiece.

Disappointing.......2007-04-20

Let me start by saying: I'm a big Joseph Arthur fan. For anyone who is interested in his music- I deplore you- go buy Come to Where I'm From or Our Shadows Will Remain. Those albums are a much better representation of what Joseph Arthur is capable of as a musician- and must haves for any fan.

Now, on to Let's Just Be.

Let's Just Be is Joseph's follow up to last years lukewarm Nuclear Daydream, and his first release on his Lonely Astronaut label. Similar to John Lennon's / Yoko Ono's Wedding Album, Unfinished Music etc. - Let's Just Be seems like an expression of all the crap that the labels wouldn't release on one of his previous releases. Overall, the album has a very Rock N Roll production. Any fans expecting anything similar to his previous releases might as well give in to disappointment immediately.

The opening track, "Diamond Ring" might as well be a discarded AC/DC track. Overly raucous and messy.
Track two, "Good Life" begins with a 60 sec sound collage intro. This track is a little more bearable, with a decent verse / chorus - but ends awkwardly with Joseph piercingly screaming "Rock N ROLL!" into the microphone. Already, less than five minutes into the album- I could tell this was a album was packed with nothing more than dissatisfaction. And it gets worse before getting better.

"Spacemen" begins ok, but the ridiculous chorus "Here Come the Spacemen, Outta the Sky!" ruined the track for me.

"Take Me Home" is definitely a little taste of the Joseph Arthur I know. A stripped down, simple track- it fails to reach the beauty / complexity of his best works, but is still a simple little track with a nice sound.

"Chicago" is an alternative track with lots of overdubbed vocals / echoes. It emotes similarly to his work on Redemption Son.

"Cockteeze" is another Rock N Roll track. It has a charm about it- but it's too silly to take seriously. Joseph's voice cracks through the whole track as he reaches too high out of his range. Again- I hear an AC/DC influence here...

I had high hopes for "Lonely Astronaut". It begins as a slow, acoustic, country flavored tune with more "Take Me Home" style lyrics. At around the 8 minute mark, the beat deconstructs - the music becomes noise- and Joseph repeats the word "I" into the microphone every three seconds for the next SEVEN MINUTES. After about SEVEN minutes, he begins repeating the word "LOVE" into the mic instead. This continues for another few minutes before the acoustic guitars come back in for the reprise, ending the track at just over 20 minutes. I am all for avante garde experimentation, but let's either leave it to the artists, forewarn your audience, or wait until you come down off the cocaine before doing so.

And that brings us to, "Cocaine Feet". Another bluesy Rock track- personally, I don't feel it's Joseph's genre- and I would rather hear it from people who do it well. But all in all, it's a decent track that showcases Jennifer Turner's guitar skills. One of the more solid tracks off the album.

The title track, "Let's Just Be", is a clap-a-long with more shrieking Joseph. Nothing special about this one.

"Shake it Off" is one of the worst tracks I have heard in recent memory. Again, I'm all for experimentation. Substances have helped a lot of musicians, but rarely while they are in the studio. Please stop the recording process until you're sober enough to recognize your inability to perform.

"Lack of Vision", Jennifer Turner's "Gimmie Some Company", and "Yer the Reason" are the standout tracks on the album. They sound as if they were recorded live in the studio- and Joseph is definitely outperformed by his band mates. Turner's "Gimmie Some Company" is one of my favorites of this album.

The album closer "Star Song" begins with the band members imitating cat meows.
It's another slower tune, with a Middle Eastern flair to it. It's one of the few incidences on this album where the Lonely Astronauts experimentation actually sees fruition. Well done guys.

All in all, I feel as though Joseph Arthur has lost all artistic credibility. I wish he would have taken the time to either hone these songs, or forewarn his fans that this album was more experimental (i.e. Unfinished Music).
As I said to my fellow Joseph Arthur fans on the day of release, the only talent Joseph exhibits on Let's Just Be is how he can ruin a song in thirty seconds.

Again, if you are interested in Joseph Arthur's music, which I highly recommend, then buy Come to Where I'm From or Our Shadows Will Remain, you will not be disappointed. His (actual) music is truly underappreciated.

Average customer rating:

BEST NEW ARTIST IN AMERICA...
Other reviewers are wrong- sorry! 3.75 Stars
absolute rubbish
Sloppy seconds
Not What We Want

Let's Just Be
Joseph Arthur
Manufacturer: Lonely Astronaut
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Nuclear Daydream
The Reminder
Easy Tiger
Volta
Sky Blue Sky

ASIN: B000O590A2
Release Date: 2007-05-15

Tracks:

Diamond Ring
Good Life
Precious One
Spacemen
Take Me Home
Chicago
Cockteeze
Lonely Astronaut
Cocaine Feet
Let's Just Be
Shake It Off
Lack A Vision
Gimme Some Company
I Will Carry You
Yer The Reason
Star Song

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

BEST NEW ARTIST IN AMERICA..........2007-06-09

...AND IN THE WORLD, considering the fact that entertainment is America's Number One export these days. ;-) After putting out his first five albums, perhaps all destined to be classics, Joe has earned the right to be a little self-indulgent. This CD was going for $16.XX when it was released, and now you can't find it for less than $20.00. Apparently the market agrees.
While "Let's Just Be" is not as painstakingly produced as his other offerings, it is just as musical, moving, and exciting as his other work. This is an artist who excels at writing music that "sounds good." He rarely, if ever, gives himself a break when it comes to practicing his craft. I sense that he searches his talented soul for the "right sound" at every juncture. No cliches here. No music that takes you down a tired, boring road. There is nothing more frustrating for a music lover than listening to formulaic music--the kind so full of overused hooks, for example, that one can anticipate the next few bars and predict their construction on the first listen. Joe excels at creating music that is interesting and exciting, and always new. A pleasant irony given his masterful emulation of great songwriters that have gone before him. He does Neil Young better than Neil Young can, and so on. I get the impression he would not release a "Neil Young-ish" tune if this were not the case.
And so it goes with the creations on this CD--he does Mick Jagger better than Mick Jagger, in my opinion. I think after listening you would agree that he at least takes the material down new and wonderful pathways not considered by the artists that influence him. I think this is because Joe is not really trying to emulate anyone at all. He is most definitely Joseph Arthur, and uniqely so, when it comes to writing and performing his music. What I believe is happening here is something much more profound. This is about a man who is especially gifted in his generation; a man who hears the song first, both lyrics and melody and all else that makes up a song. Then he writes it down. And as any songwriter worth their salt will tell you, skilfully and sensitively hearing the song is the key. Such a songwriter is rare indeed. I believe the music he writes delights and amazes him as well as his fans, in the sense that he might wonder how on earth he was able to give birth to such work.
I am a songwriter myself, and I have been influenced and encouraged in a huge way by this artist. He has motivated me to listen and compose what I hear in the same way. In a frame of total honesty, humility and passion for one's craft. To listen for and create that combination of lyric and melody, over the right rhythm, that is the best possible combination for that particular piece. This is what makes great music.
One last thing. Some argue that Joe's latest rendering here is perhaps too naked, as though it needs to be fully dressed because some of the clothing his music wore on earlier CDs is missing on "Lets Just be." Certainly, the detailed paint strokes we found so beautiful and pleasing before are not present here. But as a well-repected producer wrote in an article I read just yesterday in one of the trade mags, simpler is often better. It is at least just as legitimate if it fits. And when an artist as adept at adding lush details as Joseph Arthur is decides for a certain work to abstain from this, we should assume its because adding more would ruin it. There are few things more difficult than excercising the discipline necessary to say "Enough" when laying down tracks in the studio. Especially these days, when artists, engineers and producers ahve so many tools and fantastic resources at their immediate disposal. I think Joe played it right on "Lets Just Be." Relax and enjoy a true master craftsman's work. Buy the CD before the price goes any higher!

Other reviewers are wrong- sorry! 3.75 Stars.......2007-05-25

The first four negative reviewers i just dont get! Yes this is not as good as Come to where im from or Redemptions Son but what is! This is an interesting raw and different recording from Joseph Arthur with atleast 5 or 6 excellent songs. This is pretty live sounding with good energy and seems to be a collection influenced heavily by Exile era Stones alittle Bowie some Trex and 70s rock. Theres still a nod to Neil Young and far as im concerned these are all good things. Its nice to hear an unpolished record for once with faults studio chatter and looseness. The slower material is not that different at all from his best if not as layered as it has been in the past. There are certainly moments that might make you cringe but overall its a record that grows on you. Its more rock than previous efforts but still has a large portion of slow raw acoustic stuff that showcases Arthurs voice and songwriting.

absolute rubbish.......2007-05-23

Having bought the three former excellent cd's by JA, this is quite an unpleasant surprise. One hss to wonder why someone with the talent of JA deliberately records absolute rubbish. I will not buy anything from this guy again.

Sloppy seconds.......2007-05-22

Brilliant artist (IMHO America's best songwriter) gets own record label;puts out CD 7-8 months after last release;16 tracks, couple just over a minute, one 20 minutes;titles like "Cocktease" & "Cocaine Feet". Insidiousy, the question forms: Could this be a self-indulgent, "experimental","ragged, down-home" collection typical of demo/B-side stuff? The answer is, yeah, pretty much. JA is too much a pro to put out pure drivel & this isn't really an unpleasant listen. Just know what you're getting-if looking for the craft, melody, or melancholy beauty of his last 3 CD's, it ain't here-maybe on his next (also expected out in '07), if this own-label thing hasn't gone to his head

Not What We Want.......2007-05-18

Let me start by saying: I'm a big Joseph Arthur fan. For anyone who is interested in his music- I deplore you- go buy Come to Where I'm From or Our Shadows Will Remain. Those albums are a much better representation of what Joseph Arthur is capable of as a musician- and must haves for any fan.

Now, on to Let's Just Be.

Let's Just Be is Joseph's follow up to last years lukewarm Nuclear Daydream, and his first release on his Lonely Astronaut label. Similar to John Lennon's / Yoko Ono's Wedding Album, Unfinished Music etc. - Let's Just Be seems like an expression of all the crap that the labels wouldn't release on one of his previous releases. Overall, the album has a very Rock N Roll production. Any fans expecting anything similar to his previous releases might as well give in to disappointment immediately.

The opening track, "Diamond Ring" might as well be a discarded AC/DC track. Overly raucous and messy.
Track two, "Good Life" begins with a 60 sec sound collage intro. This track is a little more bearable, with a decent verse / chorus - but ends awkwardly with Joseph piercingly screaming "Rock N ROLL!" into the microphone. Already, less than five minutes into the album- I could tell this was album was packed with nothing more than dissatisfaction. And it gets worse before getting better.

"Spacemen" begins ok, but the ridiculous chorus "Here Come the Spacemen, Outta the Sky!" ruined the track for me.

"Take Me Home" is definitely a little taste of the Joseph Arthur I know. A stripped down, simple track- it fails to reach the beauty / complexity of his best works, but is still a simple little track with a nice sound.

"Chicago" is an alternative track with lots of overdubbed vocals / echoes. It emotes similarly to his work on Redemption Son.

"Cockteeze" is another Rock N Roll track. It has a charm about it- but it's too silly to take seriously. Joseph's voice cracks through the whole track as he reaches too high out of his range. Again- I hear an AC/DC influence here...

I had high hopes for "Lonely Astronaut". It begins as a slow, acoustic, country flavored tune with more "Take Me Home" style lyrics. At around the 8 minute mark, the beat deconstructs - the music becomes noise- and Joseph repeats the word "I" into the microphone every three seconds for the next SEVEN MINUTES. After about SEVEN minutes, he begins repeating the word "LOVE" into the mic instead. This continues for another few minutes before the acoustic guitars come back in for the reprise, ending the track at just over 20 minutes. I am all for avante garde experimentation, but let's either leave it to the artists, forewarn your audience, or wait until you come down off the cocaine before doing so.

And that brings us to, "Cocaine Feet". Another bluesy Rock track- personally, I don't feel it's Joseph's genre- and I would rather hear it from people who do it well. But all in all, it's a decent track that showcases Jennifer Turner's guitar skills. One of the more solid tracks off the album.

The title track, "Let's Just Be", is a clap-a-long with more shrieking Joseph. Nothing special about this one.

"Shake it Off" is one of the worst tracks I have heard in recent memory. Again, I'm all for experimentation. Substances have helped a lot of musicians, but rarely while they are in the studio. Please stop the recording process until you're sober enough to recognize your inability to perform.

"Lack of Vision", Jennifer Turner's "Gimmie Some Company", and "Yer the Reason" are the standout tracks on the album. They sound as if they were recorded live in the studio- and Joseph is definitely outperformed by his band mates. Turner's "Gimmie Some Company" is one of my favorites of this album.

The album closer "Star Song" begins with the band members imitating cat meows.
It's another slower tune, with a Middle Eastern flair to it. It's one of the few incidences on this album where the Lonely Astronauts experimentation actually sees fruition. Well done guys.

All in all, I feel as though Joseph Arthur has lost all artistic credibility. I wish he would have taken the time to either hone these songs, or forewarn his fans that this album was more experimental (i.e. Unfinished Music).
As I said to my fellow Joseph Arthur fans on the day of release, the only talent Joseph exhibits on Let's Just Be is how he can ruin a song in thirty seconds.

Again, if you are interested in Joseph Arthur's music, which I highly recommend, then buy Come to Where I'm From or Our Shadows Will Remain, you will not be disappointed. His (actual) music is truly underappreciated.

Average customer rating:

Moving

The Astronaut Farmer

Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Last Mimzy
Zodiac
The Good German
Amazing Grace (Original Score)
Breach

ASIN: B000MGVBXM
Release Date: 2007-02-13

Tracks:

Opening Titles
Sleepy Shepard
Bank
Smoochy / Lost Ring
Meeting Grandpa
Nurse Goode Chases Farmer
FBI Arrive
Embrace The Media
Weatherman
Farmer And Sunshine
Colonel Sees Rocket
Colonel And Farmer in Trailer
Farmers Speech
Dunkin Donuts
Funeral
The Bullet Keeps On Traveling
Wreck
Pick up Farmer
Hospital
Farmer Wakes
Sad Family
Bag Of Money Preparations
Leaving
Pre Launch
Launch
In Space
Lost In Space
Ring
Re-Entry
Home
I Made A Lover's Prayer Performed by Gillian Welch

Customer Reviews:

Moving.......2007-02-22

This is crazy. I'm not one to really listen to score albums, but I saw this film in an advanced screening and absolutely fell in love with it, couldn't stop blabbing to my wife about it, so she bought me the score album (which was a weird thing for her to do I think). Having said that, I'm a big fan of the composer - Stuart Matthewman (he's one of the SADE guys if you don't know), so I was pretty excited when I put it on the other night, while trying to get some work done late. I still thought I would be kind of bored, but, wow, I couldn't stop listening to it. It's moving and touching and dramatic and made me want to go see this film again.

Average customer rating:

God is an Astronaut: All is Violent, All is Bright (Revive Records, 2004)
Transcendent into space

All Is Violent, All Is Bright
God Is an Astronaut
Manufacturer: Rocket Girl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The End Of The Beginning
A Moment of Stillness
Young Mountain
You Are the Conductor
Every Red Heart Shines Toward the Red Sun

ASIN: B000FP2H1A
Release Date: 2006-09-18

Tracks:

Fragile
All Is Violent, All Is Bright
Forever Lost
Fire Flies And Empty Skies
A Deafening Distance
Infinite Horizons
Suicide By Star
Remembrance Day
Dust And Echoes
When Eveything Dies

Album Description

God Is An Astronaut were formed in 2002 by brothers Niels and Torsten in Wicklow, Ireland. The band released their debut album The End of the Beginning on their own label Revive Records in March 2003. The worldwide release of the A Moment of Stillness EP and their second album All Is Violent All is Bright on UK label Rocket Girl, the band finally see a proper release outside of Ireland. Their music and videos have received extensive play worldwide and at home, including major radio/TV shows (MTV - The Comedown, MTV2 - 120 Minute Show, TV3 - Law and Order, film ads; RTE - Fair City; Sky - ads for films and sports events) and countless online internet radio shows. Specifically in the UK, they have been played on BBC 6, XFM and Resonance FM. The title track from the EP, released as a single has already spent three weeks in the Irish top 40. Both CDs trademark God Is An Astronaut is extraordinary energy, emotion and tension, building from serene ambience to searing intensity. Torsten and Niels are joined on these recordings by drummer Lloyd Hanney (who was trained by the late jazz legend Johnny Wadham), making this album a much closer representation of their live sound. They are considered by many to be the most intense live act to emerge from Ireland in recent times.

Customer Reviews:

God is an Astronaut: All is Violent, All is Bright (Revive Records, 2004).......2007-06-13

Ok, so post-rock bands are coming out of the woodwork with a mix of breathtaking and not so impressive results, depending on which bands you listen to. Detwiije, Bark Psychosis, Godspeed! You Black Emperor, Explosions in the Sky, My Educationand Mogwai happen to be some of the greats. I think that now we can add to the list God is an Astronaut. Hailing from Dublin, this three-piece space/post-rock band makes beautiful soundscapes and breathtakingly use volume and noise control to make epic lands of sounds and energy. The emotive element in their music is infused with their great compositions. Being only three members, this band produces music that sound like much more than that and must do musical gymnastics in their stage show to get things done. All is Violent, All is Bright is their second offering and the title is perfect for what the listener encounters inside. Torsten Kinsella (Vocal, Guitar, Keys), Niels Kinsella (Bass, Guitar, Artwork, and Visuals), and Lloyd Hanney (Live Drums, Loops, and Synths) are the masterminds behind this impressive disc.

"Fragile" eases the listener in with beautiful layers of keys and minimal guitar. This moves into killer drum loops and Torsten's Sigur Ros style vox that really add another instrument to the song. Keys add a "windy" feel and the song just draws you into their musical world. I was listening to this in my office while thunder and rain blasted against my windows. It was one of those epic listening moments. Eventually, the song explodes with voices, heavy guitars, and strong live drums. The effect is momentous and perfectly timed. One of the first things I noticed about this band is their attention to details and the small nuances they place in the song. "All is Violent, All is Bright" begins with an ominous, low layer of keys. The guitars come into the mix and usher in what might be called the melody or hook of the song. This floats amidst spacey sounds and inaugurates the drums and bass. This slow tempo build moves in anticipation of an explosive burst of guitars and percussion. While the build is moving along, killer keys and samples float in-between the sounds of the stringed instruments. The explosion of instruments hits you like a brick and is huge and infectious. This comes off the build quickly and leads the listener into a more melancholy moment in "Forever Lost." This begins with a low hum and the piano keys floating on top. The movement is moody and wistful. The guitars fill in the sound and the drums and bass eventually come in to move the song along. The sound of wind blows across the spacey keys and piano while the drums are moved a bit back in the mix. As they build and play with the volume and sounds in the track, Torsten's ghostly vocals float amidst fuzzed out walls of sound along with all the other instruments that have been building to a crescendo.

"Fire Flies and Empty Skies" reminds me at first of early M83. There is a catchy tune and great guitar work that is supported by fantastic bass and percussion. The keys float spacey sounds in-between all the intricate guitar work and forceful percussion. "A Deafening Distance" fills the speakers with warm keys and jangly guitar. The guitar line has a great hook and really draws the listener into the wall of keys and percussion. "Far off longing" may be at the center of what is communicated in this track and it is beautifully done. Being in Texas now, I kind of know the look of an infinite horizon. God is an Astronaut paints this picture with sound oh so wonderfully on their track "Infinite Horizon." The vast blue sky, the clouds traveling in the wind, and the birds as they interrupt the fastness are all painted into this soundscape. The tempo is slow and patient with glimmering guitar, floating voices, and a blanket of keys.

"Suicide My Star" begins with a very spacey feel and leads into some trippy drum work and great bass and guitar work. I have to say that, since the bass player usually gets short shrift in bands like these, I would like to give Niels props for his work on this disc. He sits in the pocket perfectly and really glues the song together like a bass player needs too. "Suicide My Star" is an excellent example of his subtle work. As the bass and drums dance their slow beat, the keys float amidst them and really lend themselves to the atmosphere created. The song builds and then the drums explode over pipe like keys. The double bass drum really creates an explosive feel to the climax of this song. "Remembrance Day" gives the listener a breather with gorgeous, reverberating piano on a cloud of humming keys. This transforms into a subtle mix of slightly distorted bass, beautiful guitar lines, and a mix of spacey and subtle work on the keys.

"Dust and Echoes" begins with a breezy type set of keys that really remind me of a dry desert on a hot summer day. The samples are odd bumps and clicks mixed in with glimmering guitars and Torsten's soaring voice. Lloyd's drum work is amazing throughout the disc, but this track is especially intricate and perfect. Visually, I see eagles soaring through the United State's Southwest sky over mesas in New Mexico or the dry wastelands of Arizona. Beautiful music that evokes great imagery is always welcome in my player. The last track on All is Violent, All is Bright is a 10 minute track, the longest on the disc, called "When Everything Dies." A strong wind like sound starts out the song with a low hum and minimal piano. Eventually the hum disappears and a spacey key drops in with bass and piano at the fore. A drum track comes into the mix and the volume begins to build. Apparently the band has visuals when they play live and I would love to see how they are interpreting their music visually because the music is very powerful and full of emotive energy. The song fades out at about 6 minutes and there is silence. After about a minute, crackles and pops slowly come into the mix and a very techno sounding synth begins panning in the speakers while a low hum rises in the background. Piano eventually infuses the song with great work on the rides of the drums. And here ends the journey.

Spacey keys, walls of sound, intricate drum and bass work, wonderful guitar and extreme attention to detail make this disc amazing and breathtaking. God is an Astronaut have produced an incredible piece of post-rock music that will stand the test of time. The compositions are perfect and there are no moments of let down or boring lulls. I highly recommend this disc to any music lover. Go buy it now!

Transcendent into space.......2006-09-18

Etheric, it takes your mind away from here. When you need a break from everything God is an Astronaut, he will take you far far away....enjoy the view!

Average customer rating:

Beautiful...
Interesting Pop, A Little Limited
Bouncy, spacey pop

Flying Saucer
Astronaut Wife
Manufacturer: Susstones
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00008WI9V
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

Flying Saucer
Are You For Real
Late Now
Anywhere In The Universe
Snake Charmer
Bird
Where Will We Go
Dolphin Language Translator
Cape Canaveral
Windshield
Disco Lights

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful..........2006-10-09

If you like Delerium or new age music with a little pop twist then you have to buy this cd! The vocals are lovely and the lyrics are really great. :) Also try the band "Balligomingo" if you like it!

Interesting Pop, A Little Limited.......2005-03-16

I bought Astronaut Wife's first CD, and found it pretty worthwhile. It's airy pop music, very tightly orchestrated, heavy on the synths, but with good rythms, and superb harmonies from the female vocalists. So I purchased their second CD with the expectation of getting more of the same. And that's what I got. But guess what? It wasn't as satisfying as their first effort. And now I'm wishing I had gotten a little *less* of the same.

Christian Erickson is the mastermind behind the band. He clearly has an excellent ear for pop song construction and instrumentation. It's equally clear that he's in a bit of a rut, lyrically. Broadly speaking, almost every composition on both CDs harps on the following two emotional themes:

1) I'm Alienated By My Life (Please Help Me Escape By Taking Me Away From Here), OR
2) Relationships Are Inherently Unfair (And You've Got All The Cards)(Again)

Only the very interesting "Dolphin Language Translator" falls outside of this general theme. And after a dozen or so songs in this general vein, I'm ready for something new lyrically. A song about toasters. Or something. Whatever. Actually, what I'd really like to hear is a song about confronting, and learning from one's emotions, rather than simply saying "Beam me up, Scotty."

I personally hope that Christian (whom I've never met, despite his being friends of friends of mine) doesn't actually have this sort of a outlook on life, but my guess is he might. Which would be kind of sad, if true. He's obviously extremely talented, writing all the songs and lyrics, orchestrating the instrumentals, and doing all the packaging and graphic design (he's quite a gifted illustrator and web designer in his own right.) Then again, being divinely talented has never been a ticket to personal happiness, has it? Here's hoping to a broader, more insightful third effort from Astronaut Wife. They have great potential.

Bouncy, spacey pop.......2004-05-14

This is pure, sugary pop with retro-synth underpinnings, shuffling spacey beats and sweet female vocals. If Book of Love ever influenced anyone (did they?), then Astronaut Wife would be first in line. Recommended for fans of groups like Ladytron, Barcelona, Brittle Stars, Black Box Recorder and Figurine.

Average customer rating:

God is an Astronaut Do it Again!!!!!

Far from Refuge
God Is an Astronaut
Manufacturer: Revive
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Under Giant Trees

ASIN: B000QEKI4S
Release Date: 2007-05-21

Tracks:

Radau
Far From Refuge
Sunrise In Aries
Grace Descending
New Years End
Darkfall
Tempus Horizon (V 2007)
Lateral Noise
Beyond The Dying Light

Album Description

Post-rock band God Is An Astronaut's third album on their own Revive Records. Don't you love it when your most anticipated release of the year lives up to your expectations. Undeniably my favorite band at the moment has pulled off a stellar release that shows a maturing in their sound. That band is God is an Astronaut. This albums is nine tracks of perfection and will most certainly be a contender for my Top 10 picks of year unless something completely miraculous happens. Their sound is undeniable, but on Far From Refuge, they have taking that sound to a new emotive level. The compositions are intricate and well thought out with moments that explode into quietness. Torsten, Neil and Lloyd are a force to be reckoned with as their brand of post-rock screams into your speakers. --Somewherecold.com

Album Details

2007 Album from the Critically Acclaimed Irish Trio of Torsten Kinsella (Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards), Niels Kinsella (Bass, Guitars, Visuals) and Lloyd Hanney (Drums, Synths). Their Ethereal, Mostly Instrumental Music Builds from Ambient Bases to Intense Melanges of Sound that Could Definitely Be Considered Part of the "Prog Rock" Movement of the Noughts.

Customer Reviews:

God is an Astronaut Do it Again!!!!!.......2007-06-13

Don't you love it when your most anticipated release of the year lives up to your expectations. Undeniably my favorite band at the moment has pulled off a stellar release that shows a maturing in their sound. That band is God is an Astronaut. This albums is nine tracks of perfection and will most certainly be a contender for my top 10 picks of year unless something completely miraculous happens. Their sound is undeniable, but on Far From Refuge, they have taking that sound to a new emotive level. The compositions are intricate and well thought out with moments that explode into quietness. Torsten, Neil and Lloyd are a force to be reaconed with as their brand of post-rock screams into your speakers.

The album begins with the pulsing beat of Radau. Drums thump and set the tone for the immensity of the album. High hat joins in as spacey keys and guitars fill in the cracks between the pulse. A few moments later, the guitars build and the bass throttles, pushing the rest of the band forward. Radau has a sense of immediacy and desperation. The bass work is by no means mindless on this album, but it mirrors the guitar sounds while keeping the glue necessary between drum and guitar. These Irishmen know what they are doing and their compositions just float on endless keys of anxious moments. A six minute tour de force, Radau opens this disc with high energy and aggressive style. Far From Refuge is the title track and falls in after the album's pounding beginning. A bed of ambient keys floats across the speakers as drums come in to set the pace. This is a nice change of pace and really sets a foil to the first track. The guitar is glimmering and shimmers nicely on top of the careful bass and drums. The mood is somber and more melancholy than the first track, with fluted keys and warbling melodies. The shimmery ambiance eventually takes over as the languid pace plods along at perfect timing. The tumult grows dim and then bursts into loud bass and soaring guitars. This is fades with vibrations and shimmers into the next track called Sunrise in Aries. This track begins with a mid-tempo drum beat, warbly guitar and light keys. The movements in this piece are peaceful and the volume moves up and down to give flavor to the moment. Subtle in execution, Sunrise in Aries delivers a ray of hope in the midst of the Refuge which is lacking.

Grace Descending begins with bright piano in a minor key. The drums play a marching beat on the snare while the bass drum thumps to keep time. The bass glues the pieces together as the piano sings its melancholy tune. The guitar brings in variations on the piano's theme and fills out the voids in the musics cracks. The keys play with decending lines as "grace" falls upon the listener as the drums, bass and guitar explode to provide a contrast with the even handed ivorys. This fades into an ominous oblivion and opens into New Years End which begins with just bass and shimmering guitar in the background. A guitar line plays the melody and the drums slowly work their way into the mix. Eventually, all the pieces come together into perfect composition with keys laying another cushion for all the instruments. Guitar parts become more complex and abundant as the tune goes on, but the subtle quietness of this tune is not lost on the build. The crescendo is immense and breathtaking as guitars blend into one another, creating a wall of sound that does not lose the melody.

Darkfall begins with ambient keys and what sounds like work on a cello. As its title indicates, there is a dark feel to the beginning, but it's not an altogether hopeless darkness. This is a major aspect of GIAA's compositions that I appreciate: they are never so desponant in the compositions not to express some hope. As the hum of underlying keys continues, keys play and float along the stream of ambient air. Tempus Horizon connects to what is prior by beginning with ambient keys, light high-hat, and glittering guitar. The tension built by the softer tune prepares the listener for the coming storm as the band builds and prepares for more explosive moments. The volume eventually erupts as the pace remains steady and still. A slow tempo song, GIAA does not rush and is carefully patient in their compositions. It's as if they are trying to move the listener along at a pace that is emotively humane. As the song continues, the louder moments come less sporadically and begin to escalate in volume. This leads into the ominous beginnings of Lateral Noise. Deep and dark with a creepy vibe, this one starts out with rumbles galore. Then, as the track progresses, light sounding, sparkling keys come in and are drowned out again by fuzz and rumbles. This ominous track sets up the listener for the final track on the disc and makes for a dramatic, episodic introduction to the end. Walls of fuzzy guitar lift into the speakers, explode and dissapear as Beyond the Dying Light soars with spacey guitars and a slow but steady entrance. The track is bright and full of hope as the keys glimmer with guitar, bass, and drums moving at a medium tempo. Guitars build a wall and GIAA's signature sound blasts through the speakers like rays of hope. This track is a perfect finish to an emotive journal through musical perfection.

If it's not obvious, I highly recommend GIAA's new disc. Far From Refuge is anything but a cliche post-rock album. Rather, it is a masterpiece that finds the band's sound maturing. The compositions are intricate yet careful and the album as a whole is fluid and the tracks perfectly selected and ordered. Go buy it now and, if you haven't yet, the rest of their catalog as well.

Average customer rating:

A return to form but no rerun
Best Duran Duran in years
Got it for ONE song and LOVED ALL!!
Duran Duran - Back and Beyond
The classic band formation returns!

Astronaut (With Bonus DVD)
Duran Duran
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Duran Duran - Sing Blue Silver
Duran Duran - Greatest - The DVD
Notorious
Duran Duran - Live From London (2pc) (W/CD) (Dlx)
Greatest

ASIN: B0002X591K
Release Date: 2004-10-12

Tracks:

(Reach Up For The) Sunrise
Want You More!
What Happens Tomorrow
Astronaut
Bedroom Toys
Nice
Taste The Summer
Finest Hour
Chains
One Of Those Days
Point Of No Return
Still Breathing

Amazon.com

The reflexes of those old enough to remember when "The Reflex" and "Rio" went rocketing up the Hot 100 in the 1980s may not be what they used to, but certain reactions to the first full spin of Astronaut can't help kicking in anyway. First among equals is exhilaration: Few can sit through pop this inventive--titillating, even, on the thumping disco dazzler "Bedroom Toys," which features Chic's Nile Rodgers--without owning up to a genuine thrill. And though the original fab five, as they're being heralded on this first disc in more than 20 years, leans a little heavier on Andy Taylor's guitar work than in the past, the band stays loyal to its original electropop sound, skillfully shuttling the faithful back in time but kicking in enough keyboard wizardry to avoid leaving them feeling old. Once the inevitable buzz dissipates (give it a while--the sunniness of opening anthem and first single "[Reach up for] T! he Sunrise" sticks around, as does the moodiness of "Still Breathing"), puzzlement takes its place. Simon Le Bon sounds not a day older than when he recorded "Girls on Film," something for which he owes fellow 80s-band singers who flopped on the comeback trail an explanation. More puzzling still, though, is why Duran Duran waited so long to return: Had they reunited sooner, legions of dedicated, sophisticated popsters might have been spared the indignity that was the boy-band craze. --Tammy La Gorce

Listen to the interview with Simon LeBon

Listen to the interview with Nick Rhodes

Customer Reviews:

A return to form but no rerun.......2007-01-31

Right off, Astronaut starts off strong. Sunrise, an obvious first single, is a lush audio landscape of melodies and reminds all that these guys know how to write, play, and deliver better-than-pop tunes. And at the first song's conclusion, old fans are tempted to guess that this will be the one-hit wonder off a dying band's last stand. That's when it gets really interesting: the following song after song redelivers the promise of Sunrise.

With maybe only a weak spot or two out of 12 songs (and a fascinating live/behind-the-scenes DVD), this is a surprisingly fresh reinvention of a band that has seen several reinventions, some better than others.

Astronaut, as many know, represents a reunion of the original members. No one sounds out of practice. The Taylors, each one, plays as if it were only yesterday since they were last in the studio together. Simon still sings with the power and emotion of a bright-eyed freshman popstar. And Nick still delivers the vibrant and energetic audiotronics that glue the whole thing together. They all are truly at the top of their game.

Most welcome is the sense one has, when listening to Astronaut, of meeting an old friend and making a new one at the same time. It sounds like Duran Duran, it feels like Duran Duran, yet it doesn't really sound or feel like anything they've ever done before. It has the spirit and energy of DD circa 1984 but releases a sonic boom that is definitely DD 2004.

This is not a last stand but a new beginning. Astronaut is Duran Duran's return to space and beyond...

Best Duran Duran in years.......2007-01-10

Initially I bought this for someone for Christmas, but he liked it so much that I went back and got one for myself. Excellent album, as good as the stuff from their heyday, and the DVD is worth it too for any serious fan of DD.

Got it for ONE song and LOVED ALL!!.......2006-05-21

This CD has really got me hooked. My daughter got it for me for Christmas in 2004 because she knew wanted it. I loved the song I heard on the radio, "Sunrise", and then when I heard the whole CD, I was like "WOW". Even my husband has taken to most of the songs. It does not sound like the old 80's stuff to me but it does not need to because hey, it's a new generation. And Duran Duran has proven, they are a group that can stay with it after all this time. Great job, guys!!! Thank you for coming back and pleasing us all once again. I feel I will never get sick of this one.

Duran Duran - Back and Beyond.......2005-08-21

This album is Duran Duran in all their essence - it's catchy, it's poppy, it's simple, it's fun. The original Fab Five are back, and they prove they can still do it. This album is not a mere product of the 80s nostalgia. This is the comeback of a band with a new, fresh sound that still manages, nevertheless, to keep its essence.
The DVD is quite a treat too - very enjoyable for Duranies who never get enough of the guys' fun. The live excerpts are a proof that Duran Duran is sounding better than ever.

The classic band formation returns!.......2005-07-14

Astronaut (2004.)

Duran Duran was, without question, the most popular of the eighties new wave pop acts. While the vast majority of the bands in this hit-or-miss genre were one-hit wonders, Duran Duran spawned numerous classics for the ages and remained popular long after their heyday was at an end. Unfortunately, for nearly twenty years the band had been reduced to a threesome, as opposed to its original five-man formation. And then in late 2003 or early 2004, the news surfaced that the classic five guys were back together again! Only adding to the excitement was the fact that they wouldn't only be touring together, they'd also be recording a new record! This was the classic formation's first album in nearly twenty years. Read on for my review, and see how Astronaut measures up.

I didn't know what to expect from this album. After the classic Duran Duran formation shrank to a three-man group, their music quality took a massive hit in quality. The once great band became a hit-or-miss one, like many of their contemporaries from the era. The changing musical trends in the world didn't help things any, either. With the classic version of the band back together, does the future look brighter? In short, the answer is yes. This is, without question, the band's strongest album ever since the classic formation was originally dissoved circa 1985. The classic eighties pop sound the band gave birth to is back and stronger than ever. They have also blended their sound with modern pop and contemporary sounds, but as a whole this only strengthens the package! From start to finish, the band takes us on a fun-filled trip back to the eighties. Simon LeBon doesn't sound a day older than when the band recorded its last stuff with the classic band formation. And the rest of the band is still in tip-top shape, too. I really had my doubts that this would be a good album, but I was wrong to have those doubts. Astronaut is the band's strongest release in a very long time. It's nothing truly revolutionary or outstanding by the standard the band set for themselves oh so long ago, but it's still damn good stuff. Four out of five stars. Recommended.

There are several different versions of this album - an Enhanced CD one, one that comes with a bonus DVD, as well as one that is DualDisc in nature. Regardless of which version of the recording you opt for, you're essentially getting the same album. And it's the music that really counts.

Well, that's it. Astronaut marks a triumphant return for Duran Duran - one I thought I'd never see. If you're a fan of the classic albums the group released back in the early eighties, back while they were in their prime, Astronaut shouldn't fail to please. Any fan of eighties music is likely to enjoy this trip back in time.

Rock Music:

Rock Music