Album review: Echo & the Bunnymen, The Fountain
Posted on 22. Oct, 2009 by Mike in Music, Reviews
The Fountain
I have been a fan of The Bunnymen since their glory years in the 80´s and have followed the band through solo releases and side projects – anyone remembers Electrafixion?
Their last decent album was “Evergreen” in 1997 and included the excellent Single “Nothing Lasts Forever”.
It’s good to have Ian and Will back with their first new album since 2005 and their most accessible songs for years.
The stand out track for me is “The Idolness of God” which is a slow paced song in which Ian sings “If I’m just half the man I was, I’d say that’s just because I must of gotten lazy” – how many of us could identify with those lyrics? Ian’s voice has never sounded better than on this track as his voice has matured well over the years.
“Drivetime” is an infectious song with a driving beat that sounds fantastic blasting from the car stereo. This would make a fab single.
“Proxy” is a glam-inspired tune (“All the way from Memphis” anyone?) in which Ian is influenced by his 70´s heroes “Bowie/Mott the Hoople/ Roxy Music.
The band are on tour at the moment promoting the album. I have seen them live and can highly recommend them!
If you were a fan in the 80´s and haven’t checked them out for a while you really should give this album a spin, good stuff.
Sparkle Rating 7 out of 10
Mike Belshaw
Author for the online friendship and dating site Sparkle and creator of the very successful blog "Off the Record"
10 Responses to “Album review: Echo & the Bunnymen, The Fountain”
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Rachael
03. Nov, 2009
Hey Mike, do you think that McCulloch’s voice sounds like John Power’s (Cast & The La‚Äôs) on ‘The Idolness of Gods’?
Have you noticed recently that more and more UK artists are actually singing with their regional accents? Bands like: The View, Glasvegas and Elbow.
Mike
03. Nov, 2009
Hi Rae,
not sure about Ian sounding like John but I do think his voice has got better as he has got older.
I havnt thought about John Power in ages I met him a few times when I did some work for him back in Liverpool and he gave us tickets to a Cast show in Blackpool. We sat with his family, a really nice man.
You know I´m awful with accents I have a real problem telling them apart.
Rachael
03. Nov, 2009
Have you heard John Power’s solo stuff? Something about the last track on this Echo & The Bunnymen album reminded me of ‘Small Farm’ by him. Although it might just be that they’re both Scousers!?!
Here’s a link to a song by The View from Dundee – I know you said you’re not great with accents, but you can’t miss the Scottish in this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpBb8KWS1Nw
By the way…what is your favourite track on The Bunnymen‚Äôs ‚ÄòEvergreen‚Äô album? I love ‚ÄòI‚Äôll Fly Tonight‚Äô.
Jack
03. Nov, 2009
I saw them last year in Tenerife and thought that the songs had held up pretty well over time. I agree Mike, I thought Ian McCulloch’s voice has improved with age – lent more gravitas to the lyrics.
Mike
03. Nov, 2009
Hi Jack I could of kicked myself as I didn´t realise they were on till it was to late, some kind of free festival if I remember.
I had to make do with seeing Rod Stewart in Tenerife ,not a great performance from him, very dissapointing.
Mike
03. Nov, 2009
Hi Rae, I only have John¬¥s “Stormbreaker” album but to be honest it isnt doing it for me, perhaps i should agive it another go.
My favourite track off “Evergreen” is a toss up with “Too Young to Kneel” and “Just a Touch Away”.
I have no sound on my computer at the moment so I´ll have to check out The VIew when it´s fixed (Phil please help)
Dave
05. Nov, 2009
Hi Mike
Have listened to this album on loop for the last 4 hours and still can’t decide whether it’s just ok or quite good.
My favourites (at moment) are Shroud of Turin and Proxy, as they seem a bit more up-beat and catchy. Drivetime is let down by the lyrics I think…but yeah a car tune.
Idleness of the Gods is really nice, “easy-listening” too.
I went to see the Bunnymen live three or four times during my YOUTH…the last being around 1990.
Overall an ok album…I would say 6 out of 10 myself
Mike
05. Nov, 2009
Hi Dave,
Thanks for your thoughts,
“Drivetime” reminds me of “Dakota” by Stereophonics.
and the intro to “Proxy” is so Mott the Hoople you may be too young to remember them!
I saw the Bunnymen live a couple of time s in the 80´s too, the first time I remember that Ian seemed stoned and the gig wasn´t great but the second time they were brilliant.
Dave
05. Nov, 2009
I know what you mean there Mike….under the weather each time I saw them!!!
I remember an impromptu gig they did late 80’s, I’m sure it was in The State in Liverpool (could be wrong). They weren’t even on a stage…but on the dancefloor…hilarious. People all over the place !!
Rachael
06. Nov, 2009
Mike, did you see that their US tour has been cancelled.