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LA RECENSIONE
In that extraordinary melting pot called new-wave, Tuxedomoon were undoubtedly among the most "intellectual" formations. The work in question looks at rock as if from a hill at sunset, often approaching the avant-garde. Its strongly cerebral climate, dark and unsettling atmospheres, and compositions that wink at chamber music all contribute to the charm of their long-distance debut. Half Mute is in a sense an experiment on the psyche, or on music applied to the psyche, with its sound blends that continuously astonish because they are never the same. The crowning jewel of the album is undoubtedly the marvelous sound of Blaine Reininger's sax, clean, provocative, and sinuous but incredibly "icy." It stands out prominently and emerges as an undisputed protagonist but never intrusive, drawing designs of great sensuality. Listening to "Fifth Column," my words become music, and what music it is.
Disturbing electronic fragments prick the backdrop of a dark and menacing bass, and here intervenes the protagonist... the extraordinary sax of mental darkness.
What more can be said about the splendid minimalism of the initial "Nazca"? The sound seems to vibrate in the air to paint a desolately cold atmosphere.
The mechanical dance of "Loneliness," the exasperating harmonic duet between a dancing violin and a petrified bass in "Volo Vivace," the android singing that characterizes the gloomy march of "7 Years," and the listless sax of "Km" are other gems to note in the diary of someone who loves good music.
An album about alienation, tense and vibrant, full of a silent neurosis and therefore even more frightening, it will mark a rare case of true "musical avant-garde," worthy of being considered a true "milestone."
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Summary by Bot
Tuxedomoon's Half Mute stands out as a cerebral new-wave album that incorporates dark, unsettling atmospheres with avant-garde elements. The album highlights Blaine Reininger's sinuous and provocative saxophone, blending experimental rock with chamber music sensibilities. Each track offers distinct and surprising soundscapes, from minimalism to mechanical rhythms. It is praised as a milestone in musical avant-garde, capturing themes of alienation and tension.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
02 59 to 1 (03:58)
It's 59 to 1 against you
It's 59 to 1 against me
59 seconds of everyone
59 seconds of everyone
59 seconds of everyone minute
59 seconds of everyone
59 seconds of everyone
59 seconds of everyone of misery
So you don't go out much any more?
yeah..oh yeah,how much?
Weell i couldn't do it all
I could do maybe ten
no i don't work, i don't want to get a job you kidding?
look there's two reasons why people work
one, to take their minds off the frightening possibility of
what they would do with all their free time if they weren't working and two
to buy enought things to keep their minds
off the frightening possibility of what they do if they weren't working
yeah o.k. we'll have to rendevouz somewhere
well hey i hardly even know you man
right ok
see you later
59 to 1
Tuxedomoon
Tuxedomoon are an American music group formed in San Francisco in 1977, known for blending post-punk/new wave with avant-garde and chamber-like elements, often featuring saxophone, violin, and electronics. Reviews highlight their strong European affinities and periods based in Europe.14 Reviews
Other reviews
By awhitenoise
This masterpiece... does not lend itself to any review... the sound in fact surpasses its syntactic structure, returning to its hieroglyphic, uterine state.
The fourteen pieces composing this mosaic... guide us to the Land of a Klee-like otherworld from which there is no return.
