The Alternative

IAMX | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 6, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Metropolis Records
• ASIN: B0016MJ2O6
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #123,682 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. President

2. The Alternative

3. Nightlife

4. Lulled By Numbers

5. Song Of Imaginary Beings

6. The Negative Sex

7. Bring Me Back A Dog

8. S.H.E

9. Spit It Out

10. After Every Party I Die

11. This Will Make You Love Again

12. Spit It Out

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, October 9, 2006

By 

Sunil Chopra (Chicago, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Alternative (Audio CD)

I can't believe how limited this album's distribution is. It's amazing! Chris Corner has done something very special here. Every song is a gem, perfect production and powerful, emotionally packed vocal delivery. The lyrics are thoughtful and dark, the melodies are beautiful and memorable, the beats are propulsive. This is better than anything I've heard from the Sneaker Pimps. I am very impressed.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic CD, March 13, 2007

By 

Anonymous (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Alternative (Audio CD)

For me, 5 tracks were instant gems, after only the first listen:

- President
- Spit it Out
- This Will Make You Love Again
- SHE
- The Negative Sex

I'm sure the other tracks will grow on me, but these are
fantastic songs.

Most CDs have 1 or 2 good songs, but this is some fantastic
talent showcased here.

It's a shame this CD is so hard to find.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shake your hearing senses!, September 29, 2008

By 

ebmAddikt (Portland Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alternative (Audio CD)

I first heard IAMX from the "Elektrisch Vol. 3" compilation CD I purchased about a year ago. The song: "Nightlife (People Theatre's Trip To Berlin Mix)", which slowly grew on me, but I never got to the point where I wanted to buy an entire album until I was watching an Imogen Heap vBlog and how she raves about "Spit It Out!", in fact, she remixed the song for Chris Corner - founder IAMX member. So I thought, mmk-yeah... I'd check out the video on YouTube. Wow! Great song, great video! I then made the move to buy the album ("The Alternative").

Unfortunately, the CD goes for about $40.00 for the hard copy, so as my only "alternative" :P I comprimised and downloaded the album via Amazon MP3's - not bad!, the files were ripped at 256kbps for me, plus I was rewarded with instant gratification.

I would catagorize "The Alternative" as electronic with an avant-garde flavor, however, a few songs tend to have more of an ebm or futurepop influence. It is a very diverse album which ranges from the balad-esque to the dancey. Chris' vocals have definitely improved since the previous IAMX album, which I also downloaded (it's ok...but this one is far better). Vocals are an A+, not only lyrical content, but also in delivery. The Alternative is indeed one of my top favorite buys of 2008, albeit released in 2006.

I'll provide a brief description for each track:

1. "President", a waltzy marching band-like tune with tubas, french horns and piano (I assume they are sampled). Dark electronica with just a hintering of goth. I didn't like it at first, now I love it!

2. "The Alternative" is more ebm-influenced, great song!

3. "Nightlife" - another ebm-influenced track, another great song!

4. "Lulled By Numbers" - Slow burner, dark electronica, melodic, excellent!

5. "Song Of Imaginary Beings" - I love this song! French/Italian inspired electronica tune where accordians dominate. Timeless!

6."The Negative Sex" - gritty, grungy electronica. Catchy, dancy.

7. "Bring Me Back A Dog" - another ebm-ish tune. Love the lyrics. Very catchy.

8. "S.H.E" - somber, slow, vintage, timeless! Vocals reminds me of Stephen Duffy a bit.

9. "Spit It Out" - electro clash beacon! very melodic, catchy.

10. "After Every Party I Die" - blend of guitars and electronic. nice hooks.

11. "This Will Make You Love Again" - piano balad finale track, builds to strings, timpani's, horns.

My only gripes about the album, is 1). the bass response is a little thin, and 2). there's really not much headroom in the overall recording as it sounds just a tad bit over-compressed. However, even with these minor gripes, I still rate "The Alternative" a solid 5. Every song is great!

Check it out and shake your hearing senses!