Customer Reviews

Kiss & Swallow

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I had little hope that anything would ever come close the greatness of the sneaker pimps' album "splinter," but Chris Corner on this solo album may even surpass it. The dark sensuality of Corner's voice combined with beats similar to but darker than those on "bloodsport" make this album intoxicating. A must have for all sneaker pimps fans.

To be honest, I wouldn't have minded if this were the fourth Sneaker Pimps album. Reviewer Thomas Rowe bemoans the use of electronics and falsetto singing, but I doubt he realizes the roots of which this album is based--'80s electrosynth.

I am X mainman Chris Corner has concocted a true work of art that is filled with varying sonic landscapes. Sure, the album is electronic, but Corner uses analog instruments like electric guitar and bass guitar in 'Naked But Safe,' and violins in 'Your Joy is My Low.' The songs are also quite good--replete with hooks and catchy beats. And one must also take note of Corner's great lyrics, especially on songs such as 'I Like Pretending' and 'Missile.'

Do yourself a favor and check this album out--it's worth it!

I agree with all previous reviewers. This is possibly Corner's best yet. It combines the moody, dark masterpieces from the Pimps' album Splinter with the energetic electro-beats of Bloodsport. It could easily be a Sneaker Pimps album, but there is a more intimate, personal feel to it that distinguishes it as a solo album. It runs the gamut of emotions and is often perverted (which isn't a bad thing). Favorites so far are the mellow, moody "Simple Girl," "Mercy," and "Missile," and the fast-paced yet dark "Your Joy Is My Low." There's only one track I don't much like ("Naked But Safe"), but one not-so-great song among 11 great songs is not too bad a thing. Amazon's tracklisting is a little off. Some are out of order, one has a different name (due to the fact that the actual name is a bit risque, I assume), and "Missile" is left off completely. My major complaint is that there's no booklet. The case has a slot for a booklet, but no booklet. And there are no album credits anywhere, which seems weird, especially since there is a female backup vocalist on a few tracks. I guess she is to remain anonymous. Maybe mine was just missing in error. Anyway - this album is highly recommended for anyone who likes dark electronic new wave-infused pop. One of the best albums of 2004.

This cd is amazing. Chris Corner has really created a dark, sensual album with Kiss And Swallow. The songs are all very similiar to the last two Sneaker Pimps cds...in Fact, this cd kind of feels like it is picking up where BLOODSPORT ended. I love this cd. Chris has such hauntingly unique vocals and the beats are all stunning. The cd has such a broad range of moods and characteristics that they are really hard to explain. Buy this cd if you are a fan of the last Sneaker Pimps albums or any form of Electronica with vocals.

Once I bought this CD, it didn't leave my CD player for weeks. This album might as well have been made with the Sneaker Pimps, although Chris Corner has ventured more into the electro genre than trip hop.
I love Chris Corner's lyrics and vocals...and the beats...ahh, they just get me goin.
I completely disagree with Thomas Rowe's review on this album. Vibrato?! Chris Corner uses no vibrato at all! He never has with the Sneaker Pimps, and he certainly does not on this album. He also mentioned something about this album being repetitive...well, if you don't like electro then don't bother with this CD...though, this CD DOES have the potential to turn someone on to electro.
Being a long-time Sneaker Pimps fan, I highly recommend this CD. I couldn't imagine it to be any more perfect.

For those that have followed the Sneaker Pimps' powerful presence in underground electronic music this album by one of its leading members should come as no surprise as to its quality.
What would have been a surprise is if "Kiss & Swallow" had turned to be a forgettable release. Far from.

This is a top-league electronic album, dark as most of the Pimps' releases have been, futuristic and incredibly catchy, penetrating and with loads of depth for good measure.

In a genre where the mainstream has been fed with tons of lukewarm "chill-out" tripe, the Pimps and now Chris Corner are offering a drastic alternative with intelligent and multifacial music that can satisfy even the more whimsical listeners out there.

2004 has been a greatly interesting year for electronic releases and "Kiss & Swallow" is one of the primary reasons for that. Easily among the essential ten albums as this year winds to a conclusion.

Well, forget everything you heard about Corner simply wanting to be like Radiohead. This album pretty much takes the early industrial (I'm not talking about NIN), lite trip hop, and 80's flavorings that cropped up in Bloodsport and takes it to the extreme. His voice might seem a little much after a while, but I made it through the first 1 1/2 listens before it got a bit annoying in a single sitting. At least he knows how to use his voice qualities and limitations properly, unlike a lot of people who don't capitalize on their strengths and stay away from their weaknesses as they should. It might seem like gimmickry, but that's kind of the whole point of using your voice as a hook. The weird gay heroine addict theme of the photography might throw some people off, but the guy's just skinny, likes funky fo-hawks (read that: really big bed hair), and the color pink. Can't blame a guy for that.

Fantastic CD-- variety of sounds, in other words, all the songs don't sound the same, which is always annoying when you buy a band's CD. The songs vary from melancholy yet upbeat ballad-style tracks to funky dance songs with sexually-charged lyrics. Their style is a bit like Goldfrapp mixed with Gary Numan and the Sneaker Pimps. Also, the singer Chris Corner used to be in the Sneaker Pimps, if that gives you an idea of what to expect.

I think Chris Corner has outdone himself on his solo appearance. This CD had me hooked from the beginning and kept me on erotic tenderhooks throughout. A sensual work of electronic art.

This is one of the most incredible pieces of audio intelligence in a LONG time. Chirs Corner's voice is both pleasurable and captivating. If you listen to "Mercy" and don't fall in love with him you may need to have your head examined. A definate must to any collector of true talent.