Customer Reviews

Antics: The Special Edition

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's been exactly a year since Interpol's second album "Antics" (10 track; 41 min.) was released. I like the album now even more than when it first came out, and it easily remains one of 2004's best albums, period.

A "limited edition" of Antics has just been released, with a bonus disc of material. The bonus CD (5 tracks, 29 min.) contains one 'new' song, "Song Seven", which Interpol has been playing on and off for years (I already had it on a 2002 release called "B Sides + Rarities", excellent if you can find it). In the other tracks, each of the band's members remixes a song: Paul remixes "NARC", which now is just an accoustic guitar and Paul's vocals; Daniel remixes "Not Even Jail", with good effect; Sam remixes "Length of Love" into a house/techno-like stomper (not my favorite). Not surprisingly, the remix of "Public Pervert" by Carlos D (who frequently DJ's at Interpol's after-show parties) is the best of the bunch, a creative retake on the original without abandoning the original structure altogether. On top of that, the bonus disc contains the videos for all 3 of the singles from "Antics".

If you don't have "Antics" yet, there is no more excuse! BUY IT! If you do own the original release, whether you want to trade it in for this depends on how much you like Interpol. I was quite happy to "trade up" and get the bonus disc.

First of all, the main album is very good. While it isn't as as good as their debut, it is a solid 4* album. I'm sure other reviews can do it justice.

I found myself disappointed with the bonus CD. Song Seven is a decent enough bonus track, but is nothing special. Narc is soft, quiet, and acoustic, which to me does not really fit the song very well. The Not Even Jail remix is horrible. The sounds laid on top really distract from things and make it really difficult to listen to. Length of Love is a bit boring as a techno song. Public Pervert is the best of the remixes, but stretching the song out to eight minutes is excessive. The bottom line is that these remixes do not fit the songs well. They don't play to Interpol's strengths at all, and really don't add much of anything. I don't anticipate listening to them much at all and give the CD 2*.

Even though I had the original version, I figured that at the discounted price, the special edition CD would be a worthwhile purchase. Nope. Big fans will want the stuff, but if that doesn't describe you, I'd pass.

For people who haven't bought the original version of Interpol's second album "Antics", this is that same album reissued with whatever was on the singles. Except for the one new track, the bonus material on such singles was of no interest to me, since they were remixes of songs. Also, the one bonus song on the "Evil" single was available for mp3 download from a special Open Disc Interpol website accessible only by using the "Antics" CD. However, if you haven't bought the original album, you should know that the bonus song, called "Song Seven" (which is actually a few years old but was rerecorded during the Antics sessions), may not be available on that special website anymore, and having it in CD quality is worth it, since it is perhaps better than all the official "Antics" songs; it's that good.

I'm so glad this album was released.The remixes put a whole new spin on the original tracks of Antics. And the entire original antics album is on there, and i cannot stop listeing to it. My favorie remix is Public Pervert (Carlos D Remix).
But the real reason this albumis great is Song Seven. I had no idea that Song Seven existed when i bought this album, and it turns out to be one of the best songs I've evr heard. The great guitar chords and unique lyrics make this song incredible. If you like Interpol, you'll love the Special Edition, and especially Song Seven.

Even though Interpol's 2001 release, "Turn On the Bright Lights," was brilliant, it had some of the most grating and cruel lyrics I'd ever heard. It's hard to listen to a song about a friend who likes to carve people up, or an outcast girl who was the Paul Bank's catatonic sex toy (weird).

Thankfully, Interpol always has room to improve, and their second album is a wonder. "Antics" is one of the most memorable albums of the decade, featuring excellent songs of love for girls who just haven't been looking in Bank's direction. Since Interpol's sound is based on the dark band Joy Division, there are many, many dark songs about sex and public prostitutes, such as "NARC" and "Take You On a Cruise." And Banks' need for vengeance against the hollow romance of unfaithful lovers really shines in the upbeat neo-punk song "Slow Hands." He really shows his insight with lyrics of anger against pole dancers, such as "We slow hands/killer for hire/you know not yourself." While it's not the biggest show of angst, especially in comparison to Nirvana, Banks' lyrics are much more interesting in this album than "Turn On the Bright Lights."

More importantly, Interpol is also showing a more political side in their songs, especially with the song "Not Even Jail." The drums really plod on a cool disco beat surrounded by deafening guitars, as Banks sings about criminals who make promises not to do wrong in the face of the uncompromising police.

Most notable, however, is Interpol's first switch to try to write songs about healthier love relationships. "C'mere" is one of the most beautiful and upbeat neo-punk rock songs about love. There's something romantic about Banks' when he sings "It's way too late to be this locked inside ourselves/The trouble is that you're in love with someone else/It should be me/Oh, it should be me".

And Interpol is starting to show insight in their analysis of failed love. Banks' last song, "A Time To Be So Small," is a song about girls who long for parents who died. Perhaps Interpol really wants to tell people to seek to find more realistic relationships with this album. Their craftsmanship is improving steadily, and this album proves that they are one of the more intriguing New York bands around.

Listen all the way through 3 times and you will not be able to figure out what song is your favorite. This is a timeless recording. It is hard to believe that Interpol is not more popular.

Interpol, Antics: The Special Edition
In Interpol's second album, Antics, these decadent princes of gloom manage to make the sun come out at a funeral. In The Special Edition, a bonus disc includes the new 'Song Seven' plus remixes from Antics that range from a techno version of 'Length of Love' to an 8 minute long 'Public Pervert'. Still, Antics manages to soothe my aching soul. With the somewhat uplifting opening organ chords of the first track 'Next Exit' to the pop-like melody on 'Slow Hands'. Reminiscent of Joy Division, The Smiths, and Echo and the Bunnymen. Web link: [...]

I was already an Interpol fan when I bought this album. I have slowly been collecting their discography and owned all of their albums except "Antics." When I saw the special edition for less than 20 bucks I jumped on it and I do not regret my decision. I didn't know the album that well. I really liked "Turn on the Bright Lights" and I also liked their other two as well but not as much as their first album. "Antics" has quickly become tied with "Turn on the Bright Lights" as my favorite Interpol album. Also the bonus CD has some nice remixes and includes "Song Seven," but a different version than the one found on "Precipitate EP." This is definitely worth the money.

this is probably one of my top fav albums. it's upbeat, but a tad morose. great lyrics, great rhythem. there is not a single song that i ever fastforward passed because i don't like it, and several that i can't help but to put on repeat, such as C'mere. like it better than the first. awesome!

It's been a month now since I purchased this album and I haven't been able to stop listening to it.. it's amazing! Love the guitar sounds and I adore Paul Banks' voice... the remixes are great, although Banks' remix is a bit slow and it fogs up the song...the videos are great also... Any true fan of Interpol would LOVE this album!