Customer Reviews

Catch the Fall

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

 

 

This album received very lukewarm reviews when it was released in 1987, but like all things, it's your own personal taste that counts. Steve Jansen was slated for not having a powerful, rock-based voice, but on this album, his voice fits perfectly. The uncluttered and simple production emphasises the quality of the music and the artists that perform it, with a general mellowness that runs through the whole album. There are definite echoes of Japan, as you would expect, but also a deeper and more thoughtful quality as shown in the title track and also on 'My Winter'. No, it's not mainstream pop/rock music (and hooray for that), but it is a superb album which I would recommend very strongly if you like your music to be more reflective and moody.

Being a huge Japan fan, I approached this album with both excitment, and fear.
I came away happy, and thankful.
Steve Jansen shows his flair for song writing, and unique approach to vocals.
Richard Barbieri doesnt disappoint either, with his wonderful approach to sound,texture,and a share of the writing credits.

"Catch The Fall" is a collection of both "pop", and some amazingly moving introprosective tunes. The title track opens the album beautifully, I kind of wished they continued the album in this vein, but the following four tracks change the mood to a more uptempo/pop feel. In spite of that,these are well written and worthy of a good listening to. The final three tracks are flawless, totally wonderful, and are the highlight of this album. The mood swings back to the opening track, and you can easily loose yourself in the sounds, and moods these tracks present. Its truley blissful.

All in all, a great album, and deserves to sit beside any Japan album.

Highlights "Catch The Fall", "My Winter", and "Pushing The River"

This album is one of the best I ever heard in my life. I really would like to hear more of this group. Real good lyrics, sound, harmony the whole thing is really really fantastic. its trance like music. It really elevates you higher-deeper and deeper into your heart-music-song-feelings.... Jansen drummings are great and I think Barbieri-Jansen composing works definetly. Cmon guys make another.!! You are really great. Ricardo Nunez Ecuador SouthAmerica

Let's keep it real, Steve Jansen is the drumming brother of melonchaly songsmith David Sylvian, and Richard Barbierri was a member of the 80's super-group, Japan. The Dolphin Brothers is the first pop endeavor by the duo, and oh what an album. Moody pop, sultry ballads and just all-around good clean fun!! With guest musicians like Danny Thompson on upright bass and Danny Thompson (no relation) on guitar, brilliance...sheer brilliance.

I have to agree with other reviewers who have commented about the way this disc falls into two parts: the popscapes of songs like "Shining" and "Second Sight" and then the gorgeous artistry of the title track, "Host to the Holy", "My Winter" and the wonderful "Pushing the River." Whilst the other tracks are catchy and enjoyable, they fail to maintain the intensity established on the album opener, "Catch the Fall".
I must comment on the occasionally uncanny resemblance between the singing voice of Steve Jansen to that of his brother David Sylvian - although Steve's voice is certainly sweeter, by and large than David's hefty new-romantic croon.
As to the songs themselves, "Catch the Fall" is simply brilliant, a song that will appeal to any self-respecting Sylvian/Japan/Rain Tree Crow/Mick Karn fan. The wailing solo in the middle of the song and the ethereal vocals/bittersweet lyrics - "Falling down/Without a sound/It must be this summer that never ends" - suggest a classic set of songs. Sadly it isn't quite so. In fact, its not until "Pushing the River" that the searing intensity of "Catch the Fall" is matched, although "My Winter" is suitably icy - a nice piece of tone painting, and "Host to the Holy" has interesting lyrics and a great double bass solo. But "Pushing the River" is a super track - certainly pop-tinged but also marked by polyrhythms and punchy brass (or mayhap that's synth-brass - doesn't matter it sounds good regardless!) and a catchy chorus: "I walk the days/Until the rain came pouring, pouring down again/Why do I need miracles/To see you?"
Anyways: the songs that don't hit the mark are much much better than OK, and the very good sngs don't just hit a bullseye, they supercede it - hence the rating. Enjoy.

Mainly featuring ex-Japan members, it was probably like the old days recording this. Though Jansen and Barberi are featured here, its clear they all had a strong influence on the Japan sound. Some people just work together well and can not be replaced. There is not one weak track on the whole CD. The drumming is so enjoyable and yet not abnoxious and the interplay of synths and vocals. Great Talent.

In my opinion - this is one of the best works post Japan - along with "Gone to Earth" by David Sylvian. Love it.

fresh and clean. european style. nothing can compares with this team. bravo....