Customer Reviews

Filth and Dreams

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Despite some of the comments I've read about this album, it isn't really that much of a departure from the typical SOS album. It's a shame this album has only been released in Japan, and this fact probably says more about SOS's waning popularity than it does about the strength of Japanese fanaticism. The elaborate melodies and dynamic percussion that are SOS hallmark sound are as strong as ever, though through longtime producer O'Duffy, the songs rely more on electronica and keyboard wizardry than ever before. Musically, Andy Connell continues to grow, which helps to draw attention away from the more familiar aspects of the songs. Corinne's delivery is as sultry and soulful as she could hope to be, and as the "voice" of the group, she has seldom sounded better. Unfortunately, her lyrical turns are mostly re-treads of earlier efforts. The usual switch-off between upbeat, peppy songs and introspective mood pieces is in place, but overall Corinne sounds a bit depressed. In "Invisible" she sings of being a "lonely star without a crowd," which seems to suggest disappointment with her position in life, if not with SOS limited influence on the current music scene. There are several gems (as usual) in this album that should not be missed: "Who's Been Sleeping," "Filth & Dreams," "If I Had the Heart," and my favorite, "Make You Stay." The latter song seems to epitomize the sunny regrets and heart-tugging melancholia that are ever-present in SOS best work. Just listening to Corinne singing the closing line ("...yesterday seems so far away...") is enough to give you goose bumps, like the memory of a long ago love that never faded with time. Though I personally maintain that "Shapes and Patterns" is their definitive album, "Filth & Dreams" is an essential part of any SOS fan's collection, particularly those who prefer SOS' blue moods to their upbeat moments. (A lyric sheet was included with the Japanese disc I bought...a nice bonus.) Now, if there is any justice in the world, Andy & Corinne's newest album will see release in other markets, and thus help retain loyal fans abroad.

Filth & Dreams is the most recent and ultimately superb SOS album to date. All the tracks succeed in lulling the listener into a state of cosy ecstacy. Invisible (track 8) and World Out Of Control (track 9) are technically perfect. The title track allows Corinne to sing in a strong yet vulnerable way. My ears and heart are in heaven every time I play this CD. This CD really does play in time to my heartbeat. Yet another winner from the best female singer the World has ever had the priviledge of hearing. Please release more magic ....

Want to feel like the most happening, most coolest person to ever walk the face of this earth? Then you need to own this CD.
From the music, to the lyrics, to the graphic design, to the pics of Corinne and Andy, this album just reeks with coolness. On their 6th album, SOS sprinkles on a bit of urban hip-hop, Brazilian, and that really futuristic stuff that you'll sometimes hear on the fashion runways. But not to worry, there's still the retro part of the old SOS that we all know and love in there too. So many nice songs to discover! Songs like:

"Who's Been Sleeping" (I'm not a big fan of hip-hop, but this is just irresistable.)

"Sugar Free" (Are my ears mistaken, or is Corinne Drewery rapping? This is my most favorite track. The arrangement of the lyrics to the music are so divine.)

"Closer Than the Sun", "Filth and Dreams", and "When Morning Comes" (You gotta love the "Pa-pa-da, Pa-pa-da..." from guys in the background.)

"Happy When You're High" (I can't quite place this one in any musical category. It's quite unique in itself. A very SOS characteristic.)

Again Corinne and Andy experiment with a new style to their music, and again they manage to get away with it! Well done guys! Very well done.

After waiting patiently for the latest edition of Swing Out Sister to arrive, I could not wait to listen to the Stylish vocal's of Corrine. From the catchy "Who's been Sleeping, to the haunting vocal's on "Make you Stay, Swing Out Sister proves they are among the very best.This cd feed's your heart and soul. Thank you Swing Out Sister-La La La mean's I love you

"Happy When You're High" is worth the price of the cd alone. SOS brillantly mixes, hip hop, jazz, soul & bossa nova & 60's lounge into a gorgeous hip, laid back, piece of art. I just can't get enough of SOS and this cd. It's crazy this cd wasn't release nor got any attention in the U.S. The songs from this cd would have fit at home on any contemporary r&b, jazz, AC, & pop radio. If you don't have it go get it!

gs08dew

This album soars,swoops and skips.corrine and andy give a take on many genres here.hip hop,bossa nova,acoustic guitar plus pure vocal delivery.a sublime album of taking chances and always moving forward are the true swing out sister sound. never staying in one place or repeating themselves.muscianship and production have always been the trademarks to never be disappointed about. i have read some reviews dissin' this release. i wonder if those are true fans or those wanting a repeat performance.swing out sister has never put out a bad or worst album. one can truely say that about this duo.smart,chill and downbeat.

Fans of SOS have come to know them as an enjoyable and " 'ol faithful" when you wish to enjoy listening... of course with a few of your own vocals to add. This venture is no different. A litte bit "acid lounge" thrown in for good measure, but you will find this at the top of your pile as something just a little left of center in your collection.

I chose this as album of the year in 1999 and have always loved it. However, SOS's Cuban album really achieved legend status on my iPod as I spent two weeks in Havana. The title of the album, the references to all things Havana and Cuba shows that this is a themed masterpiece. "If I Had the Heart" is the finest pop song I have ever heard. This is one of the three greatest albums in the HISTORY of pop music. To any SOS fan who didn't like it, I encourage you to listen to it again on headphones. Phenomenal!

At first I was a bit let down by this 1999 release, following the brilliant "Shapes and Patterns", but I have now come to love this CD, and in particular, the cut "Closer Than the Sun", a Sergio Mendes-like number, easily one of their most seductive tracks ever. It is obviously a favorite of the band, too, as it is featured on their (so far) sold-at-gigs-only CD, "Live In Tokyo". Can't wait to hear the live version of this wonderful song. (Hopefully it will still be in their live set when they tour the US this summer.) There are other fine moments on this CD as well, such as "World Out of Control", "When Morning Comes", and "Make You Stay", the closing track. This is a pricy CD, but a must if you love Swing Out Sister, or Sergio Mendes & Brazil '66, for that matter.

A rare release from Swing Out Sister , Japanese edition full of electronic beats and rithms , far away from their traditional Jazz, Bossanova and Soul offers we are used to listen but this is a unique gem in their awesome discography , and for this reason it has its own value, its good , very good
HM