Customer Reviews

Anywhere Plus

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Early 80's synth-pop at its very best. Group leader/producer Tony Mansfield has never been given proper credit for helping pave the way for the more commercially successful acts of the genre (Gary Numan,OMD, Howard Jones,Modern English, New Order & Co). U.S. music fans should rejoice that "Anywhere", (along with the equally fine "From A To B") is now available from Amazon, as previously we've had to make do with a lone,long out-of-print LP ("Sanctuary") that combined several cuts from each of the aforementioned U.K.-only releases. At any rate, synth-pop fans will revel in the sound-- a catchy, airy drum-machine/keyboard/acoustic guitar pastiche combined with a sometimes wistful, dreamy, Lennonesque melancholy in the vocal. Mansfield certainly doesn't write your typical "love you baby" lyrics ("They All Run After The Carving Knife" will probably never be covered by Celene Dion). Many of the songs have an enigmatic and recurring architectural/geographical theme ("Areas", "Churches", "Back To Room One"). With the recent "vintage synth" sound revival, perhaps New Musik will enjoy a rediscovery by a new generation of music fans.

What a thrill it was to find an affordable copy of this long overlooked irrepressible techno-pop classic. Sure, the recording technology of 1980-81 cannot compare to the recording quality of today. Granted there are a few thin synth spots, lots of electronic beeps and blips, and a very obvious electronic drum kit. Forget all of that. Listen to what Tony Mansfield and company were attempting. Catchy melodies, experiments in sound, inoffensive, simple lyrics, and truly visionary of what the 80's and the 90's would ultimately branch off into. This has always been one of my all time favorite pop albums. I bought the original when it came out in 1981. Stand out songs include: "Churches," "While You Wait," "Changing Minds," and "Back to Room One." All the other are just plain good. Also included here are the B-sides to the two 45's released from the original album. Interesting that "From the Village" is sort of a tribute to one of my all time favorite TV shows, "The Prisoner." Be seeing you...

this album is what everyone is saying it is. the funny thing is i first listened to it waaaay to late at night, so i was sleepy and it wasn't connecting, so i felt let down.

well a few days later i listened again and kapow! it had the effect i'm sure i would of recieved if in the right frame of mind upon first listen.

the song writing is wonderful, with only 1 song towards the end being a skipove, that is a very strong track record for any album.

trying to explain the sound of this and their first album to my sister is nearly impossible. i just kept saying "he follows his own internal logic that you have to adjust to", also meaning if listening to this with the expectation of it sounding like someone else, will not work, at all.

while that sounds simple enough, you have to readjust and let his songwriting go where it will, upon which time you will be blown away by the pop smarts on display. this albu as well as from a to b are must owns for synth and music fans, his songwriting and production really sound ahead of their time i'd like to add, so much so that it sounds... timeless

Trawling through my collection of vinyl the other day, I came across this little gem from long ago. I loved this album at the time, and playing it again today floats me off on waves of nostalgia. Nice to see other people appreciated it too. Definitely worth a look if you like the eighties (or even lived through it!)

They all run after the carving knife is one of the coolest songs in the world.

The office is the best track on the CD.

Another highlight: Luxury
Another album to get by New Musick is Warp

The ultimate in 80s synth. I love this album with a passion. I loved it so muc, I learned most of the keyboard parts to it. Its a perfect CD to drive away your Christian Pop listenin roommate while he tries to sleep. Awsome CD.

You'll find these tracks appearing a lot on the live journal.
Peace

www.livejournal.com/users/frayo

I grew up with this music....
very good songs and i like the effects on the vocals,also the acoustic guitars are great (would like to now how they recorded it):)
my favourites are;

they are all runnin' after the carvin knife
peace
world of walter
changing minds
churches
from the village
back to room one
and luxury.
if you are interested in a cover version of 'Luxury',
we've recorded the song with our band 'SECOND LIFE'
check the web www.second-life.be and go to media,
hope you will enjoy it