Customer Reviews

Icehouse

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

FLOWERS (the original name of the band to become Icehouse) is an overlooked classic that fused guitar pop with postpunk and new wave/synthpop (even glam) back in 1980 -- one of the strongest debuts from down under ever. "We Can Get Together", "Walls", "Can't Help Myself" and "Icehouse" are all classic singles from the album. This remastered edition adds 3 more bonus tracks to the 3 bonus tracks that were featured on the initial CD release (really 6 bonus tracks).

My only complaint is that the production on this album is disappointingly tinny-sounding and the mixing is weak. This album was released in 1981 in the U.S. in a remixed form with what sounds like re-recorded vocals, and this version sounds far superior in my opinion. Unfortunately, the U.S. version is long out of print on CD (well worth seeking out) and will likely never be reissued in a remastered form. Still, this is a classic early 80's album. Why the original Icehouse line-up disbanded after this album is a mystery to me. (Lead singer Iva Davies established a new lineup after effectively recording the 2nd album, PRIMITIVE MAN, all by himself!)

As a huge fan of Icehouse, I was very suprised at the quality of their freshman debut. This is an outstanding album form top to finish. Iva Davies combines the best of various glam and New Wave influences and melds them together by creating crafty incisve pop songs. The band is more raw and heavy on guitar than on Primitive Man, and this actually gives Flowers an edge over its successor. Although the proper album doesn't have that one pure sweet confection like Angel Street or Trojan Blue, every track is a winner and there's no filler, and with the inclusion of the era's b-sides, 'All The Way succeeds in being that gem that always highlighted the later albums.The title track also has to be one of the best post-punk songs ever. A great purchase and worth the high price!

I threw this on my CD again 26 years after hearing the original and it's still as fresh as I remember. Flowers as they were known then became Icehouse and this was in a time when Australia was going through a real splintering of musical styles. And even then, this album was like a breath of fresh air. Much like U2's Boy album.

It's good to see that young bands are are re-discovering and citing early Icehouse as an influence.

The original album was released under the original band name Flowers. This is their first album as recorded in Australia. The mixing is completely different and a bit more repressed than the Chrysalis release of the same material. Due to the mixing and style differences, I had to take away a star. Any fan of Icehouse must get this CD. It has been years since the original vinyl was available even as an import. No matter how it is recorded, no song will ever again match the title track.

There are a couple of CDs that I own that I would pay almost any amount to replace if they where damaged or lost; Modern English "After the Snow", Waxing Poetic "Manakin Moon", Happy The Man and Ice House (aka Flowers by Icehouse). Buy this CD you will never regret it!

"It's always cold inside the Icehouse"....what a goose pimple experience if you hear the track "Icehouse". Also includes "I' Can't Help Myself" , "Walls", "Sister" + great b sides, the instrumental "Paradise Lost" + the pulse pounding "not My Kind". This would be Icehouse's 1st release, under the name 'Flowers', the name was changed due to another band having the same name at the time (gee what happended to that band??). While there are a couple of singles here, the album is meant to be heard as a whole, which is a dark, moody & ambiet release.

What a way to start a career! The fully integrated blend of synths & guitars make this album sound ahead of its time, and it seems surprising that Icehouse didn't have a huge worldwide hit off this album. Each song sounds like it was written with the intention of being a single, and that is certainly not a bad thing in this case.

Sure, there is a bit of spot the influence going on here, as many of the songs sound a bit like David Bowie, Bryan Ferry & Ultravox, but it's still a very rewarding listen. The bonus tracks are perhaps even stronger than any of the original album tracks. If you like the blend of keyboards & guitars in a rock music setting, you will probably find this CD enthralling.

One of the greatest debut albums of the 1980s. Every song is strong and the talent of the lead singer is unquestionable. Very Psycehdelic Furs-like. I am trying hard to find a CD of this, because the tape I had in the 1980s was worn out!

This first ever Icehouse venue is more "dark coffee house" & far less "pop" than later efforts. I can remeber lying in the dark listening to this over & over again, it is creepy yet full of real "DownUder" story telling. Not a real Icehouse type deal. Rather a classic before it's time.

Recently purchased - (re-purchased) this disc. I haven't listened to it in years, but remembered really loving their sound and 80s melodic stylings. Still sounded good after the passage of time. Thanks to the other well informed reviewers for their information about this cheaper imported version than the American release as Icehouse, which would have cost much more. Same great songs with a couple of bonus tracks, which the more expensive American version did not contain. Bought from Fulfillmenticity. Great service, no problems and order arrived very quickly, much sooner than the window of delivery time given when the order was placed. Would definitely order again from this seller.