Customer Reviews

Blueblood

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

 

 

SILKWORM

BLUEBLOOD

by Nigel Crowley

Another radiant effort from Silkworm. I'm starting to wonder if this lot have any bad records in their oeuvre. Perhaps a children's record? They don't seem like a band who would release a children's record. Perhaps some Christmas songs.

I was instantly taken by the cover--when you fold it out, each SKWM visage is on full display. This vis-a-vis is particularly striking, as it seems they are all saying "Sod off, if you don't like it, get the new Creed record!"

"Blueblood" is a more laid-back affair. It seems like it might have been recorded on a particularly jammy Sunday afternoon, with each in a Jaggery/Richardsey/Wattsey mood. The song "Redeye," complete with bluesy licks and bouncing bassline, might be the best example of the Jagger swagger contained within. Other tracks like the closer "Clean'd Me Out," afterlife lament "Pearly Gates," and "Said It Too Late (with the sorrowful lyric "The only reason that I don't die/is I won't see you on the other side...") are among the better songs on "Blueblood," each with the weariness and insight expected from Monsieur's Cohen and Midgett.

I'm always tickled when Silkworm pulls out the ivories, and some delicate twinkling is done on the celestial "I Must Prepare (Tablecloth Tint)." On "Empty Elevator Shaft," drummer Michael Dahlquist and Tim Midgett trade verses, in a rather Danish barbershop duet style. Andy pulls out one of his lesser solos, and I couldn't help thinking to myself: "Is he in tune?" It sounded like bad jazz at the Hack cafe; perhaps they recorded the wrong solo. Minor gripe, I suppose, but it ruined a perfectly good song, and is certainly no credit to a lad known for his fantastic leads.

I don't know that this is the best representation of Silkworm as a band, and I certainly wouldn't recommend it for someone new to them, but it is nontheless a very worthy release from an underappreciated act.

"Blueblood" and "Developer" have been dissed as Silkworm's lesser efforts, but that just goes to show how wrong most people are about this band. Sure, they don't appeal to everyone--they could've been like indie darlings Pavement, but instead decided to make their own path. If you bother to even notice, each SKWM album are different in subtle ways from each other. This one is a real treat. My mouth waters just listening to it. Songs like "Eff" and "Empty Elevator Shaft" are two invaluable additions to their catalog, not to mention the other very worthy tracks on the LP.

Silkworm are a band that must don't understand--they're not exactly elitist, but that's what makes them so special.

Silkworm are surely one of the greatest bands to come out of the'indie' post rock/punk era of the 90's - the fact that they went on to make some great records on into the 2000's is a testament to not only their absolute commitment to 'the music' but also to the truly unique and honest approach they had to making GOOD music, music that will never die..

In my opinion 'Blueblood' offers a fairly good introduction to the band for anyone who isn't familiar with them, sure it might not be their BEST album, but it offers what i think to be a certain laid back listenability. Sure, you could start with the 'Firewater' record and you will NOT be dissapointed, but 'Blueblood' has a sweetness all of it's own, that will charm the ear of any seasoned 'indie' fan who likes their music free of $$$ making ideals..

If you're considering this album as a first Silkworm listen, I would encourage you to go for it - in my opinion if you don't like it, (and sorry to sound pretentious) you probably aren't or going to be a true Silkworm fan.

This band is truly original in both intensity, song writing prowess and honesty - hey, they're also damn fine musucians - they are craftsmen - and 'Blueblood' is full of beautifully crafted songs each with a quality of their own.

This album is totally infectious.

I will make no attempt to break the band down, or try and define them as musicians. Silkworm has been able to make each album subtly different from the last and this one is no exception. That is all that really matters.

Blueblood is in my opinion, their most pop-infused work. It contains alot of melody in the basslines and some new harmonies in the vocals that weren't attempted before. I own the vast majority of their discography and this album is my favourite. I love every song, and it is easily one of my top 25 records.

That being said I would not suggest this album if you're new to Silkworm. I'd pick up Firewater first as it is considered their 'magnum opus.' The indie children who decry this album as a weak effort are entitled to their opinion, but don't let that stand in your way... the best thing to do is give it a listen and decided for yourself.

I really didin't like this one. It didn't contain any of the thunderous drums and bass characterised by previous Steve Albini productions.

And worse of all, the guys attempt harmonizing with each other on this. I listened to this twice and then sold it back.