Customer Reviews

Ladykillers Pt.1

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The "Ladykillers" (Disc 2) single for the album LOVELIFE is a good single that will interest many Lush fans. Although it isn't as crucial an item as their albums, it is essential for anyone who bought LOVELIFE and enjoyed it.

"Ladykillers" is the same as the album version. After inexplicable failure of SPLIT, an album of incredible songwriting and solid production, Miki Berenyi tried to write the cheesiest song possible, with goofy lyrics and pop hooks. Of course, a songwriter as talented as Berenyi couldn't create a *terrible* song, and "Ladykillers" is quite listenable. The late Chris Acland's drumming here is among the best he's ever done.

"Matador" is the ideal good b-side, an amusing diversion that was never intended to go on the album. It is one of the only Lush tracks written by bassist Phil King.

"Ex," however, is the lackluster. After more than 10 songs about relationships on LOVELIFE, we really didn't need one more. The instrumentation is great, but the lyrics make one cringe.

"Dear Me (Miki's 8-track home demo)" is, on the other hand, a wonderful song that really should have been on the album. Although it was put together entirely by Miki Berenyi, the songwriting holds it up as an excellent track.

This is another CD4 by Lush that really deserves listening to. The bonus tracks aren't on the CD, but are among the best. "Matador," penned by bassist Phil King, is an instrumental that easily conjures up images of a matador fighting a bull. "Ex" a Miki Berenyi penned tune, talks of breaking up without shutting everyting up. The last tune is perhaps the most personal and most haunting. "Dear Me," a demo track that probably would have been ruined by having the band join in, is a very haunting tale of self-introspection and attempting to make sense of what is going on.
Check it out.

Once again, Lush has redefined the meaning of b-sides. Once, a while ago, the b-side space was reserved for songs that either lacked the luster of the original album or for songs that displayed a creative outlet, not necessarily for better or for worse.

But in this case, neither definitions suit the b-side songs found on the Ladykiller's UK CD single.

Matador is only 1 of 2 songs that Philip King, the bass player, penned. While it is an instrumental, the entire band lends its voices. The harmony and instruments are haunting and absolutely brilliantly arranged.

Ex, written by Miki, is an excellent track. The melody grabs your attention immediately. Of course, this song captures the very essence of Lush, the harmony and counter-harmony of Miki and Emma's voices, an absolute brilliant feature that has yet to be achieved by another band.

Saving the best for last, Dear Me is an excellent, excellent song. Its brilliance cannot be overstated. Writing a review of this song could never do the justice that it very well deserves. For those who haven't heard of this song, it starts off haunting and ethereal with chimes and bells, similar to "Light From A Dead Star" and immediately captivates you. The lyrics are absolutely amazing and the different vocal parts all add to the intensely beautiful song.

This was a CD single released during Lush's lovelife years and it is guaranteed to make anyone realize just how uniquely brilliant Lush really is.