Customer Reviews

Candleland

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

 

 

Recorded after the death of two constants in his life, his father and Echo & the Bunnymen (thankfully, not a permanent breakup), Ian McCulloch's first solo offering, "Candleland" is a soul-searching album about loss, reflection and ultimately, hope.

Mac has always had a gift for writing some hard to decipher lyrics, but he's probably at his most direct on this album. He's always had a great ear for melody as well, and the 10 tracks on here ooze with atmosphere.

I think the standout numbers on here are "Proud to Fall" (the 1st single lifted), "Horse's Head", "White Hotel", the title track, featuring Elizabeth Fraser of the Cocteau Twins, and the minimalist closer, "Start Again", which in many ways sums up the entire album... hopeful, but not quite sure when or where that hope is coming from. "Start Again" was actually originally attempted as an Echo song that was more mid-tempo, but here it is stripped bare, sung over an acoustic guitar and some strings, and it works very well.

Those expecting Mac's famously over-the-wall vocals from earlier Echo albums won't find them here. His strong voice drips like honey in many spots, but it is much more restrained, given the subject matter.

This is a record to play when you have some quiet time to yourself. You can immerse yourself in it pretty easily. In my opinion, it doesn't equal the brilliance of Echo & the Bunnymen, but it is a very good album. The latest Echo album "Flowers" and his new solo effort, "Slideling", proves that Mac hasn't lost his touch.

"Candleland" moved me when I first bought it in 1990. It still has that effect today.

(as a side note to any Cure fans, Boris Williams guests on the drums on a few tracks as well.)

Cool, deep, moody, eccentric, lovely, inspring...
This album helped me through some very dark periods.
A light at the end of the tunnel is -
Candleland.

IAN MCCULLCH FIRST SOLO ALBUM FULL OF THE PROPERTIES OF HIS VOICE AND HARMONY GUEST STAR DOING CHOIRS FOR HIM IS ELIZABETH FRASER OF THE COCTEAU TWINS IT IS A LOVELY RECORD, THE CONTENTS OF THE LYRICS ARE REALLY INTERESTING.

Being that he's the singer for Echo And The Bunnymen, this sounds alot like that band. But to me, it also sounds a bit like The Cure and The Smiths, and much like other moody music from that era. Between his voice, the lyrics, and the overall mood of this album, I often play it on sad days, or at least during poor weather. Every track is good, especially the beautiful "Start Again". Even 14 years later, I still really enjoy this. Here's the tracklist: The Flickering Wall, The White Hotel, Proud To Fall, The Cape, Candleland, Horse's Head, Faith And Healing, I Know You Well, In Bloom, and Start Again.

Even though this is by far the most "pop" sounding release of his career, hearing him perform these songs live helped me have a greater appreciation for Candleland. One of the most talented and beautiful voices in rock, McCulloch projects a powerful magic when put into a live setting. From Echo and the Bunnymen to Ian M. to Electrafixion to the EATB of 2002, Ian has proved again and again that he's a major talent and one of the top live performers of the last 2 decades. Seeing him on this tour was absolutely amazing, and to top it all off he performed the sweetest version of Joy Division's Ceremony that I've ever heard. Support Ian and buy Candleland and/or Mysterio, both are worth every penny!

This is a stellar release, that still holds up bigtime contentwise, in 2004. When this first came out, this was considered a masterpiece by Echo fans, given it's lush, layered sound, and deep sad overtones. I can still see why. Musically, the songwriting is top notch and reeks quality, with some great hooks and melodies. This, to me, is one of the definitive overlooked releases of the late 1980's. Very unique music bordering on masterpiece. This is a must for every alternative 80's collection!

reading over the reviews i see something very big missing it is the fact ian is a special dude and he hit his epiphany on this record. echo fans liked this more so do i. he paints with his words on this albumn much from his youth looking back with a father gone and disappointments to put in place. growing up going out making music wearing eyeliner n stuff being an artist. seems to be lost to most even those that like this record that this is truly special word imaging and a master work in the highest forms of compassionate art. as elliott smith said leaving heatmiser compassion is where its at dude. compassion is good, it's better. i agree. the song i know you well is my fave. this cd goes on the top shelf.

Ian McCulloch's solo album, Candleland, came to me when I was doing music reviews for a newspaper. It was catchy and strong back then, and still stays with me today, 20 years later. What more needs be said? Buy this album!

admittedly, i was never a huge follower of Echo and The Bunnymen, and looking back, i really don't know why i ever bought this album in the first place. but i am glad that i did! Ian has such a lovely, smooth voice that croons it's way deep into your head and your heart and this album is full of charm. every song is really wonderful but my absolute favorites are "Proud To Fall", "I Know Youi Well", and the title track which features the gorgeous vocals of Elizabeth Frazer from the Cocteau Twins. hmmm...now that i think of it, her guest spot on here might have been the reason that i purchased this fine album.

I loved Echo & The Bunnies. They were great when Ian was pissed off, depressed, and philosophical with venomous music to drive his worldview. As he matured he unfortunately started spouting the same garbage as every other pretentious singer. Singing of god, souls and other non-existent stuff. Thankfully Ian made great music whether hyper or majestic, well the Bunnies made a lot of the music, but Ian carried the melodies. This album doesn't have the Bunnies, but it is awesome all the way through. Every song is a highlight. If only he didn't lose his atheism and sing of people having souls. Otherwise this album would be perfect. While not perfect it is always an awesome listening experience.