Customer Reviews

Move Me

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Midge has proven himself (again and again) to be a versatile and prolific songwriter. His new album reinstates that fact well! It is unfortunate that the U.S. market has yet to embrace this artist who is mostly known for his "Swatch" advert and "Band-Aid" involvements. New album expands on the accomplishments of "Breathe" and brings back synths and electronics without losing the "Midge Ure" signature sound. A must-hear CD! A+

One man you won't find participating in the current spate of 80's nostalgia tours is Midge Ure. As the charismatic frontman for synth legends Ultravox, Ure has as much right as anyone to bask in the glories of the past, but has consistently declared his intent to keep his music moving forwards. Whilst he has yet to make a bad record, it was more than a little ironic that the sound of treading water was a feature of both his two previous releases, "Pure" and "Breathe". "Breathe" was released a full five years ago, "Pure" another five before that. Our James was in danger of becoming as musically irrelevant as the nice line in fisherman's casual wear he sported at the time of Ultravox's demise.

On first listen, his new CD, the appropriately titled "Move Me", is a stunning return to form. The tone and instrumentation of the record is exactly right. Midge has, thankfully, avoided the temptation to update his sound by embracing drums n' bass or thumping techno backbeats. He has instead refined his trademark sound, allowing a full, warm acoustic sound to brush against delicately washed electric guitars and pristine rhythms. The song "Words" sounds more than a little like Daniel Lanois, with a pleasant stop-start feel and thoughtful lyrics. "Refugee Song" is self-explanatory in its narrative scope, without being as manipulative as, say, a piece by Chris De Burgh, and both "Somebody" and "Alone" have genuine emotional depth. Long time fans will recognize the themes that recur throughout: admissions of weakness, pleas for peace, and the healing power of love. Given the timing of the release (September 2001), some phrases are particularly resonant. "Count on every minute, every moment shared together", he sings on "Four", a tribute to his immediate family. "Watch it as it happens on the news, live from the camera on the missile" is a sentiment expressed on "Beneath a Spielberg Sky", a lyrical return to the territory of Ultravox's "All Fall Down" without the distraction of a studio awash with Celtic instrumentalists. Juxtaposed with Roger Waters' "Amused to Death", the casual listener might imagine that a cynical attitude towards war is a pre-requisite for solo releases by former frontmen of groundbreaking British bands.

As the record progresses each track offers something a little different, a variety that is very welcome and stretches the listener without alienating the diehard fans. "Monster", for example, is a raucous instrumental that manages to sound both like an outtake from "The Gift", Midge's solo debut, and an excerpt from Spinal Tap at the same time. Clearly, Midge's recent foray into soundtrack work has proved that there are plenty of strings to his bow.

At this point, it is worth mentioning the convoluted history of this release. "Move Me" was originally released in Germany just over a year ago. Before the UK release was finalized, changes in label meant that new artwork had to be designed, and the package was enhanced with the addition of three bonus tracks. The US release also includes these extras, being live-in-studio versions of three of the more poignant and considered pieces - the title track, "Alone" and "Let Me Go". These pleasantly surprised me as they close out the album very effectively, allowing Midge's distinctive voice to shine in counterpoint to his often overlooked instrumental skills.

One of Ultravox's great strengths, particularly for a New-Wave band, was the way in which their most inspired albums - "Vienna", "Rage in Eden" and "Quartet" - achieved a remarkable level of consistency through texture and dynamics. Midge Ure's solo ventures have always come across as a little uneven by comparison. "Move Me" is, however, the real deal, a tightly wrapped package that shimmers and resonates with undisguised gusto. A treasure.

I'm really not familliar with Midge Ure's work, but the combination of a co-worker always telling me how great Ultravox is/was plus a local College radio DJ playing a few great-sounding tracks from this disc prompted me to buy this excellent CD.

I have to admit, I was expecting it to sound a little retro, but it doesn't at all. Even comparing this to the new Depeche Mode or New Order CDs from '01 (both of which I like), with Midge, you never think to yourself "oh, this is very 80's" or "Oh, here's an 80's guy trying to sound hip." like I did with the DM and NO CD's. Midge really sounds like he's at the top of his game with cool, morphing song structures, a big, glossy pop-production, excellent musicianship and great lyrics. Midge's singing deserves special notice. His expressive power and technical ability is really quite stunning.

Ultimately, this CD is a rare breed, a type of album which almost doesn't exist anymore. All of the songs are tuneful, and it better times would have been huge radio-ready hit singles. But, being accesible doesn't mean it's compromised or a "sell-out" in any way. It just seems like the choice is music is inceasingly either MTV-Pop-junk, older quality stuff, or really obscure experimental music... once in a while, an album like this come along which really doesn't fall into any of those categories and is simply great music. I love it.

Ok, so I will admit up front that I am a fan of the man, and have been for 20 years. Even so, when I first played this disc I was disappointed. It didn't sound the same as any of my other Midge Ure discs. I didn't run out my door and proclaim to all my neighbors "Midge Ure has a great new CD". It sounded darker, heavier, less sublime than his previous solo efforts. Instead I decided to play this one once a week for at least several months before I decided to rank it against his previous work. And I am glad I waited! This is really an exceptional piece of work. The tunes aren't instantly hummable (which may be why some people have set it back on their shelves or pawned their copies off on Ebay), but once they become familiar, they are clearly identifiable as "by Midge Ure". "You Move Me" was a wise choice to open the disc, as it is almost hummable on first play (kind of like "Breathe"). "Spielberg Sky" is pure Midge - what a powerful chorus!! "Words" is probably the most instantly accessible tune on the disc, and one that showcases Midge's incredible vocal range. If "Strong doesn't put shivers down your spine and change your mood to one of introspection, you are emotionless! The list goes on. "Alone" is reminiscent of Ultravox; "Monster" could be a U2 instrumental; "Absolution Sometime!" and "The Refugee Song" are Ure/Mitchell collaborations, and live up to expectations. I think "Four" is the best track on the disc - deeply heartfelt and upbeat. The disc ends with soft sounds of "Somebody", leaving you with the need to hear more.

As usual, Midge continues to stretch his songwriting and redefine himself. As such, it is difficult to instantly like each new presentation - you need to let them grow on you. But to me, those are the one's that endure as 'favorites', and not those that sound the same as last year's model. Those of you who quickly put this one back on the shelf, dust it off and give it a few more spins!

The first time I heard "Vienna" from Ultravox I was hooked. Midge Ure's voice was captivating. That's why I couldn't wait for the American release of his new album. I believe it's worth the extra cash to hear it now and not wait until early 2001, which is what I was told is the projected timeframe for American distribution. Since he began his solo career I feel his voice sometimes has lacked the emotion of those early days. This may be due to his recent musical directions or something physical, but there are a handful of songs on this new album that hark back to those bygone years when he really belts it out. "Alone" is a one such track, as is "Beneath a Spielberg Sky" and "Let Me Go." His vocals on much of the album seem to be restrained, and as usual the songs tend to be a bit mellow. This is the only negative thing I can say about his new album, and is why I didn't give it 5 stars. If there was an option for 4 1/2 stars I would have chosen that. The instrumentation is fantastic, especially on my surround-sound stereo system. "Monster" lives up to it's title, a powerful instrumental track that shows off Midge's skills at creating a catchy tune. Turn the volume up when this one comes on, you won't be disappointed. The songs are much more stylistic than the stripped-down tunes from "Breathe." (Another of my favorite Midge Ure records) I highly recommend this new album for any Midge Ure or Ultravox fan.

Midge Ure seems to me to be a very uncommon musical artist.
I embrace his unique musical thoughts and can learn from it's precise depth.
"Move Me" is not at all original when it comes to what I beleive Midge Ure has released over the years, and I like it like that!
The Question I think we all are asking is....."How much deeper can one musical artist get"? I am a fan of musical artists who seek such soulfull introspective questions.
I believe he has so much more to say and cannot wait to hear from him again.

If your a Midge Ure fan and want to be taken in again in the spirit of "Breathe" then by all means, you cannot go wrong with this cd.
My Top three Ure Cds now include "Move Me'...."Answers to Nothing" and "Breathe" so in my opinion start with these three if your new to Midge Ure.

"Somebody" is an unbelievably sad song.....I love Midge for not holding back and sad the many other artists dont take such risks.

"Monster"(instrumental) has a rock element that I think Midge should encorprate more into future work.

"Absolution Somtimes" is a very cool song.....I think Midge's strong musical points are in his Choruses.

Other favorite songs from "Move Me" are: "Alone"....."Strong"...."Let Me Go"

If you were an Ultravox fan, and liked Midge's 1985 "The Gift", but then your faith was shaken by his next three wildly uneven albums -- if you heard him at his wretched, overblown, maudlin worst -- and cringed -- thinking his best years were over, and were about to give up on him altogether....

If you hoped against hope, as I did, that someday, somehow, Midge would find himself again...and release an album worth listening to...

Your prayers (and mine) have now been answered. When you first listen to "Move Me" you will wonder, stunned, if this is the same Midge Ure who released such saccharine, unlistenable tripe in the 90's. This album is nothing like that. (And nothing like Ultravox either.) This is Midge like you have NEVER heard him before. Vital, alive, angry. When the first savage chords of the album's finest song, "Alone", rip through your speakers you will be amazed and a little disoriented...until that unmistakable voice crying out, "Save me, save me, SAVE ME...Give this soul a helping hand..." sends a shiver of recognition down your spine. This is really Midge -- singing with a power and passion he has not had since the best days of Ultravox. Relentless, self-scourging -- searching for meaning, as he has often done in his lyrics, but with a newfound energy that will thrill you. Sometimes cynical, gentle, sad -- but never weak. And, for once, consistent. The CD is packed with very good songs, not a rotten apple in the whole bunch. By far Midge's finest album and one you need to buy. NOW. So what if it's not Ultravox? This album could make you forget about Ultravox.

Oh ye of little faith: Listen. You shall Believe.

i am once again amazed at midge ure's growth as an ARTIST!its nice to be able to use the term with dignity.this is his most outstanding work to date.his voice is at its explosive best(not an easy feat!)his melody and use of percussion on every song is the breath of fresh air this insiped misuc industry needs.the sad fact is that midge's fan base,as loyal as we are,is small and he may never receive the accolades he rightfully deserves.because of this fact,i shudder to think of midge not putting out cd's.his lack of exposure stateside is a wicked blessing.this will guarantee his not having to sell out and give in to the whims of corporate music.he wont have to give up talent for flash.however,money makes the world turn.i am constantly playing all works by midge to my friends/co workers and they all ask''who is that?''.and it will be midge killing it on vienna.i then took some friends to his answers to nothing tour and again they were blown away.if midge should ever happen to tour this album,he will most certainly open many eyes/ears!on this cd,my favorite tracks are ''alone'' ''let me go'' ''somebody'' ''beneathe a speilberg sky'' ''you move me'' ''monster''......thats alot of faves i know.ofcourse some tracks arent as strong as the rest but midges worst is 99% of everyone elses best!on every song,he doesnt allow himself to be confined within a standard tempo,timing,or such typical song structures.and the last word on every sentence doesnt rhyme.(im sure i spelled that wrong!)anyway,its so rare to find songs arranged differently.(seal is another artist i can compare to midge).on alone,his melody is sentimental yet not sappy.his vocals on this is simply incredible.on his more emotive songs,''somebody'',and''let me go'',he exposes his soul and doesnt leave anything in the studio.then he picks you up and shows you all is ok with the up tempo songs ''you move me'' and the instrumental ode to kashmir ''monster''.i didnt think hed make a cd as good as ''answers'',but he proved me wrong.i will continue to convert as many people as i can,because midge is an artist that the industry needs.i am looking forward to his next cd and preying like never before for midge to tour this cd.i read on his website he had an event on his home soil,well midge,if you ever get to read this,you have a home here too.

A definite must have CD. It is really surprising that Move Me has not been advertised more (if it ever has!). This album came out in complete discretion despite the fact that it features very powerful and emotional songs that could make it in the charts with a little commercial push. The best tracks are Alone, Somebody, Beneath a Spielberg Sky,Let me go and a fully-energized instrumental called monster. All of these songs are strong lyrically and musically speaking. The production is very modern, using current technology, samples, etc. as well as good-sounding acoustic and electric guitars. I was told Midge used to be considered as a pioneer, I can tell you that he has not lost a hint of that skill with this album. It's a grower!! The more I listen to it, the more I discover things within the music and production. But why don't we hear those songs on radio? The last time I had such an impression of power, emotion, innovation and stability was when I discovered 'Songs of Faith and Devotion' by Depeche Mode. And I am not saying they sound alike ... They're both just as good ! Hot recommendation!!!

talk/type about endless amounts of pure talent.midge has it/can do it all.writes his own songs,plays the instruments on his songs,produces his own songs,AND DOESNT NEED THE USE OF STUDIO GIMMICKTRY/LIPSYNCING MACHINES.actually,midge is better live than recorded.his live shows are top rate(although ive only been lucky enough to witness his''ANSWERS''tour).i have all of midges live performances,including his ultravox years.it was during these ground breaking years midge began to really shine.he single handedly breathed life into a decade full of 1 hit wonders.there are very few who can match midge vocally(steve perry,lou graham are a couple that have his vocal power).and in my opinion,his skill on the ax is underrated.his song writing is very deep and emotional.you wont find any catch phrases/cliches.and the arrangements are refreshingly original.no follow the lemmings here.his skillfull way of using different sounds on percussion is what i think sets him apart.100000(much less 1000)word maximum is far from enough words to adequately complement mr.ure.and i dont foresee the pre teen driven muSICK industry wisening up to what real talent is.i am however greatfull i found out before i was caught up/hynotized in the MTV mind numbing machine.