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27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Melancholy & Lovely, January 1, 2000
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.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
THE MOST PERFECT SOS ALBUM TO DATE, July 1, 1999
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 ....
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you own this CD, then you got it goin' on!, July 15, 2003
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.
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