"The Cultural Revolution (1967-1976) was perhaps the cruelest period of modern Chinese history. Xiu Xiu: The Sent-Down Girl (1999), the latest portrayal of the ruthlessness of the People's Republic of China in trampling on the individual during the Cultural Revolution, is adapted for the screen and directed by China-born actress Joan Chen [do you remember her in Twin Peaks?]. It is banned in China. Joan Chen, moreover, is prohibited from making any more films in the territory of the People's Republic."
The band's name is taken from this film, and in the music of Xiu Xiu, a group composed of that crazy Jamie Stewart, Cory McCulloch, and Yvonne Chen, you can find all the drama and desperate resignation, but also a certain tragic irony...
I think I waited too long to write about it, now I can no longer be objective, I love everything about this album!
Almost impossible to listen to with headphones, the sweet and slowed melodies, electronic sounds, screeching noises, and Jamie Stewart's voice... there are no half measures for his voice, his singing is often a trembling whisper, and just as you're turning up the volume to try to understand better the words he mumbles...AAAAHHHHHHH! A piercing scream makes you jump out of your chair....
I even love his megalomania and paranoia highlighted in "Ian Curtis Wish List" (perhaps written for a fan?):"oh what will happen, will you ever bleat out: DO YOU LUV ME, JAMIE STEWART?! Jane.S I AM KIDDING, I'M JUST KIDDING!!!!!!!" ... "I will take it too far! The twenty-hundred private loops making up my AAAAAAAAAAAAAA! Ian Curtis - I can't believe I said it! - wishlist!"
He's crazy!!! and the look in the photo on the back of the cover says it all...
But don't be frightened by Jamie's screams, nor by my review, it takes strong nerves on the first listen, but I swear it's worth it... it's a difficult but beautiful album!!
BUY "A Promise"!! Even if it's just for the beautiful "Sad Pony Guerrilla Girl" and "Apistat Commander," an exhilarating crescendo and the obsessive chorus... "all that you left you left for someone, all of this hurt that's wilted off, oh this relief is the oddest thing, oh my god, oh my god, oh my gooood...!"
There's also a naked and disarming cover of "Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman, with just bass and voice.
Necessary references: Mark Hollis - Talk Talk, Einstürzende Neubauten (one of Jamie's favorite bands), Tindersticks, Robert Smith - Cure, and their friends Deerhof.
And the instruments: Jamie Stewart - vocals, harmonium, guitar, programming, Cory McCulloch - bass, synth, mandolin, Yvonne Chen - gongs, trumpet, synth, Lauren "Dr. Troll" Andrews - synth, piano, bells.
BUY IT!!! On their website, it says that their very expensive equipment was just stolen and they had to cancel the rest of the tour... let's help Xiu Xiu!!!
I LUV YOU JAMIE STEWART!!!!!
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