Customer Reviews

Frozen Ghost

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

 

 

Tracklisting:

01. Should I See

02. Promises

03. Beware The Masque

04. Yum Bai Ya

05. Love Like Fire

06. End Of The Line

07. Time Is The Answer

08. Love Without Lies

09. Soldiers Cry

10. Truth In Lies

Review:

'Frozen Ghost', released in 1987, is one of those lost gems from the 1980's that somehow got ignored by the masses. To be fair, the album is very formulaic, unabashed pop-rock with that distinct 80's sound (drum machines, sax solos, chiming guitars, big choruses), but that is not to say it is disposable. In-fact, members Arnold Lanni (Sheriff) and Wolf Hassel managed to put together a solid and mostly memorable set of songs on this album. Two singles, "Should I See", and "End Of The Line", were released, both of which I heard on Phoenix radio. A third single promo was released for "Promises", but it never made the airwaves here in the Valley (don't know about the rest of the U.S., or even Canada, their homeland).

Honestly, all of the songs on this album are radio-ready, but it was "Should I See" that gave the band some mild radio success. It's a great start to the album - a mid-tempo rocker with punchy drums (electronic, though very live sounding), pianos, synths, chorus-effected guitar, and vocals that at times are reminiscent of The Fixx's Cy Curnin. The next song, "Promises", is a slow-tempo 80's power-rock ballad, with some nice pianos and arrangements. This song 'should' have been on the radio, and could've easily been a Top 40 single (along with "Should I See"). As good as the first two tracks are, the shining moment is saved for track #7 - "Time Is The Answer". In my opinion, this is Frozen Ghost's best overall song. This song should have actually been the follow-up single to "Should I See", but it's almost too similar in every aspect (right up to the big sax and guitar solos in the middle). In-fact, the biggest criticism (and I say that lightly) of this album is that every song uses the same-sounding instruments and effects settings. This might just be the Achilles Heel of Frozen Ghost's career, as their 1988 follow-up 'Nice Place To Visit' was nothing more than a less-memorable carbon copy of the first album.

A few songs stand out as filler, though they're not entirely bad songs..they're just sort-of 'there' (Beware The Masque, Soldiers Cry, Truth In Lies). "End Of The Line" is decent, but doesn't hold up well as a radio single. "Love Without Lies" is an enjoyable mid-tempo rocker, and "Love Like Fire", competes with "Promises" for best ballad. Now don't expect to get an education from the lyrics. It's your typical set of rock poetry, covering all the usual subjects - love, emotions, introspection, and even anti-censorship ("Should I See"), but they manage - for the most part - to steer clear of cringe-inducing.

Even though this album is very much a product of its era, it's still a rewarding listen that sounds great today, and I continue to enjoy listening to my CD as much as I did in '87. The CD itself is long out-of-print, but there's usually a handful up for auction on eBay at any given time. Expect to pay the price of a new CD for a used copy!

This album is recommended for fans of commercial late 80's pop-rock, or less commercial bands with similar production such as The Fixx, Eight Seconds, and even Rupert Hine.

Although I can't even begin to compare to the thoughtful review above, I will say that I thoroughly enjoy this CD, and as I sit here ripping it again (just lost my whole collection due to drive failure), I am reminded just how much I like the songs from this obscure group. This is one of my favorite tricks to pull out of the bag when I have a guest over who fancies themselves a Connoisseur of 80's rock... I haven't had someone remember this group yet! Formulaic? Perhaps a bit. But still a solid effort with several memorable tracks. Definitely a group that deserved more than one-hit wonder status. Cest La Vie...

Wow, there are like 5 of you. I also fell in love with them back in the day when Should I See hit the airwaves (I'm from the Minneapolis area). I remember listening to the cassette (hell yeah) and laying in bed, trying to figure out my 14 year-old life. Recently mid-80's pop rock revival (like Ladyhawke & Van She) have brought me around again, and FG sounds better than ever. The more over the top the songs get, the more I love (and miss) them. Truly an essential title for teenage fantasy nerg angst.

I was one of the few Americans that fell in love with Frozen Ghost in the late 80's.

They are awesome and I am thrilled to have found their CD's on Amazon. I have been looking for the CD's for YEARS to replace my archaic cassette tapes which were quite worn out.

I am happy the internet brought me back to this band so I can put them on my iPod and enjoy the music.

I love all three albums but this original self-titled album may be my favorite.

Frozen Ghost rocks!

I remember "Should I See" coming on the radio and people saying, "What a great new Fixx song - they're really rocking!" I think Frozen Ghost picked up on some of the strengths of the Fixx but avoided their self-aggrandisement and obscure lyrics. Unfortunately, even "Should I See" barely did much in the U.S., as far as I know (I was in the Northeast and rarely heard it).

The album is really strong, though, which a number of songs (as others have said) that are close to, or as good as, the first single. I happen to REALLY love "Love Like Fire", which I think has great lyrics and a haunting melody. In general, most of the songs have strong hooks and are very catchy. I used to listen to this quite a lot but have forgotten it for a while now. My new iPod is helping me rediscover some gems like Frozen Ghost, and I highly recommend them to people who like 80's new wave and alterna-pop.

I love the song writing and lyrics on this album. The drum machine sound is incredible (and I am a drummer who usually hates drum machines). Frozen Ghost found the spot where Pop Rock meets art and delivered it in their debut album.