Customer Reviews

Equally Cursed & Blessed

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Stand out tracks are Londinium, Equally Cursed And Blessed, and Mulder And Scully, the strengths of Catatonia are manifold. The lyricsl quality is not only high, it's different, so in the above three examples, we have songs about city life, Princess Diana, and peculiar stuff happening, which make a nice change from love songs. The best thing about this group however has to be the melodies, which are always strong, bear repeated listening, and maintain the quality throughout the album. The vocal oddities of Cerys Matthews just make it that bit more interesting.

Catatonia haven't reinvented the wheel, but they don't need to. This album is really great, fun music. The kind of songs you'll tap your toe to and sing in the shower the next day. There are no skippers on this album, and the US release adds Road Rage and Mulder & Skully, both taken from their excellent, but now sadly out-of-print, International Velvet album.

And I must say that Ms. Matthews has probably the coolest, and cutest, voice ever.

Most people first heard of Catatonia when they released previous album 'International Velvet'. This, their third album and follow-up to their breakthrough album was anticipated heavily. In many ways this is a more accomplised album, with witty lyrics and a variety of style.

It begins with the single 'Dead From The Waist Down', a rare smoothly seductive tune sung by the ever-gorgeous vocals of Cerys Matthews. This is followed by a little swipe at city life in 'Londinium', with nice little details thrown in such as the M25. In fact, the general feel of several songs on the album seems to be an affectionate, lighthearted swipe at everything varying from the monarchy (the infectious 'Storm The Palace') to millionairesses ('She's A Millionaire'). In this it can often raise a smile, yet it is also an album that is quite capable of a softer undertone. This is particularly evident on the slow number, backed by harps, 'Bulimic Beats'. In many ways its in a similar style to 'Don't Need The Sunshine' from 'International Velvet' or 'Godspeed' from 'Papers, Scissors, Stone', but is definitely a surprise from a band normally famed for its loud and enjoyable vocals.

There's not one filler track here and although it's perhaps not as good as Catatonia's other albums, this is merely because the others are all so excellent. 'Equally Cursed And Blessed' is a real gem.

I bought Equally Cursed and Blessed in the UK nearly a year ago. It's interesting that it was (just) released in the US with two extra tracks - very good ones - from their previous release International Velvet, which I feel is a superior album. I like the band's sound. Cerys has an oustanding voice, and the rockier songs are as good, maybe slightly better, than their ballads. Also, one has to be impressed with their lyrics; there are some really clever lines. Nevertheless, EC&B has its good moments and its not-so-good, and I find the album fairly uneven, especially after having long-admired International Velvet and their first album, Way Beyond Blue, both of which are must-haves. It's doubtful they'll experience success here; they certainly won't replicate the considerable success they have in the UK, and I doubt they even care: their anti-American stance has been pretty well documented. In any event, I'll just appreciate their music from afar.

This is a spirited, lively group of songs by a very talented band. It's part moody/introspective, and part bouncy hooks. It doesn't get monotonous or repetitive. Standouts include "Karaoke Queen", "Mulder and Scully", "Road Rage", "She's A Millionaire", "Londinium",... have I named the whole CD yet? The sound is in some ways reminiscent of Blondie's "Eat to the Beat" -- driving rhythm and melodic in places, pop yet unique. You may be put off at first by Cerys' voice -- but you'll soon be captivated and surprised at the range of emotions she delivers.

Take a look at Blondie's second album, "Plastic Letters" (listen to it too!) -- do you see the similarity between that cover and the U.S. cover of "ECB"? Promo shots of the band on the Atlantic site also mirror the "Blondie" look, accenting Cerys by putting the rest of the band in black. Interesting.

Everyone has to buy this album! This is Catatonia's third, and it jam packed with tight tunes that appeal to everyone. There is the jazzy arrangement of "Dead from the Waist Down", the bluesy baseline of "Shoot the Messanger" and straight out rockers like "Storm the Palace" and the amazing "Road Rage". With every listen it gets better and better. Finally, a band that can create intelligent and humorous lyrics while retaining rock and roll spirit. And, Cerys has one of the best voices in music. You will not be disappointed!

Catatonia is a great band and Equally Blessed and Cursed is in my opinion their greatest album to date. Cerys Matthews has such an incredibly unique voice. Best tracks on this cd are "Dazed, Beautiful and Bruised," the catchy sing-a-long song "Road Rage" and my favorite, the sultry "Shoot the Messenger". Over all the album is just better than average but I still recommend it.

I confess I had never heard of Catatonia until a three-week visit to rural West Wales in the spring of 1999, where my brother and my Welsh sister-in-law quickly taught me about the joys of Super Furry Animals, Stereophonics, Manic Street Preachers, and above all, Catatonia. I returned to the U.S. with all four of their albums (1993/94; Way Beyond Blue; International Velvet; and Equally Cursed and Blessed). I also returned utterly infatuated with Cerys Matthews, but that is neither here nor there!

In many ways, this is their finest album. The cd available here on Amazon is a modified version of the British release of ECAB -- all the original stuff, plus "Road Rage" and "Mulder and Scully", the two biggest singles off of the IV recording. I cannot fathom why more British acts don't make it in the states, but of all the Brit bands, Catatonia's lack of success in the USA is most mystifying to me. Matthews is a potential superstar with that unique voice, her Welsh accent, her intelligent and sexual stage presence. And the music is pure ear candy. My favorite song (largely because it is done so well live) is the haunting "Bulimic Beats", though many will find the more uptempo strains of "Londinium" and "She's a Millionaire" more accessible. A great record, up there in my recent Brit Pop collection with Radiohead's "OK Computer" and Travis' "The Man Who".

Well, Cerys Matthews and Catatonia have done it again! Their release in the U.S. will hopefully leave America more than 'Dazed, Beautiful, and Bruised'. This album says it all with Cerys' sweet and soft, bold and bright voice. She could lull you to sleep with 'Bulmic Beats' and make you get off your feet and dance with 'Karaoke Queen'. Catatonia's clever lyrics also make this album worth while. In addition the CD contains two tracks( 'Mulder and Scully' and 'Road Rage') from their previous album 'International Velvet'(which is also a good listen). So why not try something a little more Welsh today? You can't go wrong with Catatonia!

This CD is quite good, and very innovative in its sound. The lyrics and sounds are very catchy and combine quite well together. The vocals are definitely intersting and different from most standard female vocals even if they do get a little screechy at times. It starts off with the great song "Dead from the Waist Down" which is an interesting song even if the lyric about "Making hay" seems a little corny. "Londinium", and "Karaoke Queen" are also quite good, but I think the best songs are "Road Rage" and "Mulder and Scully" which I understand are actually from the International Velvet album and thus I am going to try and find that CD next. Overall if you want an innovative sound try this CD.