Once Around the World [Import]

It Bites | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 19, 2006)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Msi
• ASIN: B000007U5Y
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #349,400 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Unavailable in the U.S.! 1987 sophomore release from this British Art-Rock/Prog-Pop quartet fronted by Francis Dunnery. Unlike the U.S. version, which was released only as a vinyl EP, is the original album in it's entirety (including the bonus track 'Hunting The Whale'). Harder than their debut, this album showed a far more imaginative band creating a unique sound as they combined elements of Hard Rock, Prog and Pop. Includes 'Kiss Like Judas', 'The Old Man And The Angel', 'Yellow Christian' and more. Virgin.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Is this the best album of the 80's?, July 12, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Once Around the World (Audio CD)

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.... Okay, I'm a huge fan of this release - it has over the years become a pivotal point in my collection. Anyone familiar with Francis Dunnery's later solo work would find little here to interest them lyrically, but the music strength was always the trump played by this band. What was most unexpected when this album turned up back in 1988 was the depth of musicianship that was merely hinted at on their earlier release "Big Lad In The Windmill": cue the arrival of extended and complex song structures and a healthy dose of instrumental masturbation from all concerned. They were too clever by three-quarters and it shows. Nobody knew what to make of them; too pop for the rock fans, too indulgent (and long) for rock radio to comfortably swallow. The highlight of this release is unquestionably the 14 minute title track - quite how they managed to get the whole thing hanging together at all, never mind as well as this, still baffles me ten years later. Although doomed to extinction with the departure of frontman Dunnery shortly after the release of the subsequent album, It Bites are still fondly remembered by those who saw past the early radio-friendly sheen and this album stands as testimony for what they achieved. If you're gonna dabble with their back catalogue, this is the one to own - a minor classic.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A work of pure and unadulterated genius, May 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Once Around the World (Audio CD)

Few and far between are those of us who 'got it'.

This band were so far out of any potential pigeonhole, it was almost as if a new genre had been defined. The trouble with being too clever by three quarters is that you only seel records to people who really like to LISTEN to music.

These days Francis Dunnery is giving astrology readings, and writing occasional solo albums at his home in Vermont. From Egremont to Vermont...

The other band members recently reformed as Unicorn Jones. Dunnery can be found on the Internet if you search for "Francis Dunnery".

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars YOU ONLY WISH YOU HAD THIS MUCH TALENT!!!, May 15, 2006

By 

Dina S. Russell "Actually I'M Scott R...musician" (Keizer. OR) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Once Around the World (Audio CD)

I suspect anyone who listens to all of their material (only 3+ studio efforts) won't like every song - but I guarantee THOSE peolple that have done so DO have some of the songs stuck in their heads for surprising long periods! Screaming on... and Underneath your... were 2 of many for me. DO NOT OVERLOOK their 15 min. opus "Once around..." Francis Dunnery is an excellent vocalist and guitarist with fantastic support and collaboration from the others. I COMMAND YOU TO INVESTIGATE THIS MUSIC!!!