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Editorial Reviews
Xiu Xiu's first full-length on Polyvinyl, Always, transforms avant pop elements from an undertone into a bright black focal point. The album formats feature stunning packaging and artwork (the LP is pressed on 180 gram white vinyl and includes a pull-out poster and digital download code). Produced by Deerhoof's Greg Saunier (who also contributes drums and vocals to the album) and mixed by John Congleton (Antony and the Johnsons, Marylin Manson, the Roots) the album is positively vibrant.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Listening to any XIU XIU album is not an easy task. First of all the instrumentation has always been either sparse and creepy or aggressive and distorted. On this album somehow Stewart has decided to tone down that aspect and become (ever so slightly) more accessible. But do not be fooled, this is still a look into the mind of a deranged maniac, one who is trying to recover from his blood lustful impulses, but at times fails horribly and gives in to the urges. At some points the album is slow and almost pretty, other times the music pierces with crunchy and sharp sounds. I'm not one to become overly sentimental with music, but Xiu Xiu is nothing short of a disturbing affair, time and time again. Stewart's vocals are of a haunted man who seems to always be hiding in dark corners with a quivering voice of abandonment, desolation and utmost despair. In my humble opinion this album rank's highly in Xiu Xiu's discography and is also a very good place to be inititated into the bands music.
By Nonce
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
If you're a Xiu Xiu fan, you probably have strong opinions about the arc of Jamie Stewart's output; some people I know love the earliest stuff, some the newer stuff, and some like me have a few favorites from throughout the catalog. (Fabulous Muscles, The Air Force, and Dear God, I Hate Myself are all highly recommended.) After the really great opener "Hi," things just never quite come together, disjointed not in an engaging way but sounding almost hesitant about trying different approaches, some of which have been covered before. It's not a bad album, and I don't think Stewart and his collaborators could put out a bad Xiu Xiu album, it's just not high on the ranks for me because of its (by comparison to other Xiu Xiu) relatively lackluster, unmemorable songs.
By Sam
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Along with every Xiu Xiu album, you're getting the same package. My ears can handle it while others may get a bit annoyed with Jamie Stewart's political, personal screams of opinionated blabber. If you're a fan of Xiu Xiu you'll like this, otherwise get something else.
