Customer Reviews

Dusk

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

...On a gloomy Sunday night, when the sky is overcast, and so is your soul, you come and seek comfort in this tavern where you are entertained, or rather consoled in the misty environment of the bar by the hauntingly eerie voice of Matt Johnson, whose songs unwrap the deepest darkest secrets of the evil human soul - its desires, its insecurities, effortlessly, in the most casual manner, jeering god's masterpiece, that is the confused human.

"DUSK", can be considered as one of those albums that have a redeeming quality. The songs are simple to understand and empathizing, if one wants to mend one's ways, and are difficult and testy, for those who seek revelry and boisterous adventures to calm their emotional turbulence.

Uncomplicated, yet far from beautiful, the songs in "DUSK" have no catchy riffs, no flamboyant guitar displays, but modest tunes, which are made alive by Matt Johnson's confirming manner of singing, and his blatantly honest down-to-earth lyrics. This fact is made even more surprising by the fact that Johnny Marr, the main guitarist of THE THE, was a part of THE SMITHS, which is as known for Johnny's rich guitar-playing, as it is, for Morrissey's earthy lyrics & singing: Johnny's presence in THE THE is somehow overshadowed by its unassuming music.

With "DUSK", it is Matt Johnson, from head to toe. The number, with which the album kicks off, "True Happiness This Way Lies", gives a glimpse, or much more than a glimpse of Matt's strong presence as the force keeping THE THE alive: He instructs with his speech, rather than his singing, of the dirtiest desires of the human soul, and the answer to true happiness in life - call it cacophony, or haughty confidence in one's ability to convert the other. "Dogs Of Lust", along with "Slow Emotion Replay" are the only two conventionally catchy numbers, in the group of seemingly somber tunes.

By a long shot, not "Dogs Of Lust", but the album reaches its summit during "Lung Shadows" and "Bluer Than Midnight" - two of the most unusual songs ever created. While in one of these, Matt's whispers give a feeling of malaise of an evil spirit lurking in the darkest corners of one's house, whereas in the other, it seems as if the spirit has actually entered one's body and is whispering out aloud one's deepest darkest fears, which one loves to hide so cozily.

"DUSK" exemplifies simplicity: simplicity of music, simplicity of words: strong and honest. It is a perfect medicine, an empathizing entity, during days when one is feeling blue and needs just the right person to fill some sense into one's rattled head. Appositely titled, "DUSK" is as subfusc as anything can be, with the nature of a mentor, who seems to know the psyche of the listener only too well.

Enough cannot be said about this album. Its moody, lyrically reflections, the atmosphere of dark heat felt. It is impossible for me to have a favorite The The album but I think this is perhaps the one. For those who've not had the pleasure of seeing The The live. I can only say this. If you think the album is that powerful and moving, seeing Matt sweat his way through these songs on stage bathed in red light and a haze of smoke only makes these songs that much more so. One of the least appreciated songwriters of the last few decades, Matt proves himself over and over again that he can make magic. This album is magic and a must to hear, listen to and feel.

This album easily stands as one of the most personal and visceral creations of The The frontman Matt Johnson. More mature than "Mind Bomb", already no minor feat, "Dusk" represents everything that serious music lovers crave, and most of what the general music industry seems to studiously avoid. Sparse, tight and intrinsically compelling, the music is only exceeded by Johnson's trademark ruminations on life, lust, death and the agony of love. This is a serious album, and one that showcases some seriously adept songwriting. Of particular note are "Slow Emotion Replay", easily one of the best songs of the nineties, and "Helpline Operator". The former deals with the helplessness that is borne of alienation ("Everybody knows what's going on with the world/I don't even know what's going on with myself"), the latter with the problems of reaching out to a world we can't relate to ("Admit to me the things you can't admit to yourself/ Admit to me and no one else/ I'm the helpline operator/.../I'm the intimate stranger/Your problems will be mine").

This album is an oeuvre that can, and should be, appreciated in its entirety over and over again. Its simplicity only masks deeper truths that hide within, ready to reward a willing listener. And, just to make sure this album is no fluke, pick up a copy of "Mind Bomb" as well, and marvel as I did at how brilliant this bloke really is.

Dusk is an incredible album on all fronts. Full of thoughtful ruminations on things like love, lust, death, fear, and eternal beauty, all melded brilliantly with soaring melodies and some of the most emotional vocal work I've ever heard. I don't know much about The The's other work, but this album is a must have. Every time I hear it, I am amazed by its clarity and its sincerity. It is the CD I put on when nothing else is appealing, and it is never disappointing. Listening to it is an emotional cleansing of sorts. In particular, "Love is Stronger Than Death," is one of the most uplifting songs I know of.

Ever since I discovered The The about 12 years ago, this album has been a staple in my music collection. I love that they don't fit into a certain genre and definitely think that they have been overlooked as an experimental group that was definitely ahead of it's time. "Slow Emotion Replay" is an incredible track that pulls you out of the introspective shadow of the rest of the album. I was disappointed to have not been able to find anything on the Internet about The The, so if anyone knows of a website, please let me know!!

In the 90s we didn't have too much to look forward to when it came to music. But Matt Johnson rescued the entire decade for me with this album. His best by far, lyrics that are simple in their complexity, and speak directly to you. This man is a true poet. I have had this album for years and it is one of a few that I never get tired of hearing. If you only own one album by Matt Johnson, this should be it.

Dusk is just pure love for me. it's a must buy!! I am in country music city (Nashville)USA, music like this does not get played.Get out there and hear the music.

Another classic from Matt Johnson. "Dusk" sits well between the musical style of "Mindbomb" and the darker/heavier "NakedSelf". The line from the track Slow Emotion Replay gives a good indication of album's musings....
"Everybody Knows what's going wrong with the world,
I don't even know what's going on in myself"
The musicianship, as you come to expect from Mr Johnson and his cohorts is top notch from the funky "Sodium Light Baby" to the slow heavy "Lung Shadows". Around the time this album was released, Johnson despaired about the social condition of the UK - he upped sticks for Sweden and the USA. That disgruntlement is to the fore on this album. If you like thought provoking music laden with introspection then Dusk is well worth your time checking out.

Dusk was not the first The The CD I acquired, and for that I am thankful - it is simply the best collection of songs that Matt Johnson has written and recorded to date. This is a "must hear" album from start to finish - preferably with low light and a glass of wine. Words cannot express what feelings this music evokes - do yourself a favor and buy this CD.

i have been coming back to this cd over and over for over 10 years. im only 26 and i know this cd more than any other cd. its not even the type of music i would suggest is MY type of music.

none the less...
i come back again and again.
so much knowledge and wisdom on this disc...

so much.

:)