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5.0 out of 5 stars
A great live album from a little known band, October 31, 2008
This review is from: Live at the Annandale Hotel (Audio CD)
I first heard about this album reading Pitchfork (hate to admit it). Life Without Buildings was a post-punk band from Scotland (though not all Scots), and they existed only for a few years. They have one studio album available from DC/Baltimore (Any Other City).
I suppose that your feeling about this album will be affected by your reaction to Sue Tompkins singing style. She has this really cool way of using a stuttered phrasing--repeating (many times) little fragments and words. I find it incredibly effective in the way that David Byrne used that approach. I quite like her voice too. It has a sort of childlike quality that, combined with her accent, makes it very appealing. (I should note that there is a copious amount of stage banter from Sue on this album. Normally I HATE that on live albums, but my infatuation with her voice excuses it this time!)
Another thing I love about LWB is Robert Johnston's gtr playing. I am a sucker for rhythm lead, and his playing is great. He manages to be melodic and propulsive at the same time.
The songwriting is very good. Some of the songs seem a bit cryptic at first, but meaning opens up upon repeated listens.
If you're a fan of of late 70's-early 80's post-punk you should check this out.
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