northernsky

Yes, in fact Depeche Mode are a good counterexample. But maybe we can consider them the exception that proves the rule?

The New Order never had great success in Italy. For this reason, even in this discussion, critics emerge more than admirers. The reason why they have never had significant success in Italy (at least compared to their stratospheric popularity in other countries) is that, unfortunately, music in Italy is either politically engaged or chart-driven. There are no middle grounds. Consequently, fans follow this dichotomy and struggle to categorize bands like New Order, which are both meaningful and chart-friendly, fun and musically intriguing. This was also evident at Traffic, where everyone wore Joy Division shirts, but no one had a New Order one. Yet, New Order represents a part of the English spirit and music that aims to entertain and have fun while also not giving up on writing great songs. We have no equivalents here.

beautiful review, for an immense concert. one of those events that stick with you. we can say: yes, I saw New Order live. moreover, they were in a good mood and very accommodating towards the audience with a phenomenal setlist including the 4 Joy Division tracks, each more beautiful than the last, and a stunning version of everything's gone green that they hadn't played live in ages.

I don't know if I feel like defining them as framed. With a risky equation, I would dare to say that the 3 EPs relate to Piper of the Pink Floyd as Hot Shots II relates to Barrett's solo production.

Well done on reviewing this album, which has often been relegated to the background because it was overshadowed by the release of Hatful of Hollow, considered by many to be a more representative work of The Smiths' early sound. Indeed, Hatful is more representative, but it's important to remember that The Smiths is a great debut album with the first track, "Reel Around the Fountain," which alone evokes the entire Smithsian and Morrissey aesthetic—a landmark piece. I’m not convinced by your referring to The Smiths as a cult band. Perhaps in Italy, yes, but in England, they were hugely famous, not to mention the image of The Smiths seeking anonymity. Morrissey is one of the most narcissistic and egocentric men on the planet; he walked around with flowers in his trousers and claimed that The Smiths were the best. Not exactly a champion of understatement. Anyway, the review is good. Ciao.

Well, one can be nice for as long as they want, but there are missing parts of the review here. What did Chris Martin ironically point out? Not that we care much, but at least proofread the reviews before sending them... Furthermore, it's not like if we think Coldplay suck, we are necessarily fans of hard rock... not even close. If only you knew how many bands make melodic music better than Coldplay.

You've hit the nail on the head, Ringo: the union between life and music. Today it doesn't exist anymore because bands are either raised like battery chickens or they're discovered so early that in both cases there’s no lived experience. There isn’t the time or talent for creative evolution. Therefore, the good stuff can only be found in the shadows where bands have the time to mature and less control.

Congratulations on the choice. Really original. I've read a lot about this album; I find it very interesting, but I've never heard it. I know a track by AR Kane included in the Rough Trade compilation I reviewed (which, by the way, being out of this world, I highly recommend). Cheers.

Today's mainstream music is terrible. As for black music, of which I'm not a great expert, I admit, it seems to me that today the process of assimilation and domestication by the major labels is complete. Rightfully so, Prince stands as a giant compared to today's black music. The same goes for 80s rap, which was much more detached from market logic. There were people like Public Enemy who referred to other values, to alternative cultural universes. Today, the flattening on dominant values is absolute. On MTV, all you see are whores and pimps. The woman is incredibly hot and perfectly dressed, while the man is a tough, pure pretty boy. In short, the same values as De Filippi. Or the veline. Or the Vanzina brothers. In short, youth music as a socio-cultural phenomenon is dead. And no one held a funeral for it...

Absolutely! Unfortunately, that's a real pre-judice. People who don't know the '80s parrot that it was a horrible era. In reality, we can see how the roots of a certain '90s sound were born in those years (bands like Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr., and Pixies in America laid the groundwork for Nirvana and Pavement, being superior to those who inspired them; in England, bands like Jesus and Mary Chain and MBV laid the foundation for shoegazing). Moreover, even in the realm of pure pop, there were great groups, from XTC to Depeche Mode, and the aforementioned Smiths, not to mention a ton of other bands like Teardrop Explodes, Echo and the Bunnymen, and many more...