4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent CD reissue of classic 1st album!, June 10, 2005
This review is from: Promise (Audio CD)
Unfairly lumped into the Goth craze of the early 80's, this tuneful duo really rocks with this, the first of many great releases. Kind of hard to nail down references, although U2-like guitar is predominant."Aquatic" was a term used to describe this shimmering guitar sound back in the early 80's. The vocals remind me a bit of Gavin Friday of the Virgin Prunes, another band that started out in the early 80's that also has a U-2 reference <U2's Guitarist Edge's brother was in the band>. Strong tunes throughout, a classic of it's time that still sounds great today. What really clinches this deal is the bonus cd, loaded with rare 12" mixes, unreleased cuts, and b-sides to some REALLY rare vinyl singles <this LP came out before cd's>. The "Shaving My Neck" e.p., their extremely rare first single is here, as is,IMHO, their best ever song, the b-side to the "Bruises" single, "Punch Drunk". This song just flat out rocks, and I'm glad to finally have it, along with this entire collection, on cd at last. Eighties rock fans and, well, yes, Goth fans alike should seek this cd out before it slips away. I've found that re-releases like this are labors of love influenced by dedicated fans that surely won't make anyone rich, they are put out because they are too important to be forgotten, and they are good! I'm sure that not a lot of copies are pressed, hence my statement about picking it up quick. Plus, check out the low price - it's a great deal compared to the sludge that's getting cranked out now at $18.99 a pop.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
A Fearless Debut, June 26, 2011
This review is from: Promise (Audio CD)
Ah, the cackling, caterwauling histrionics of the Aston twins. A strictly take-it-or-leave-it affair, the music of Gene Loves Jezebel is just as likely to alienate as it is to enamor (especially the early records). 1983's Promise, the Welshmens' bizarre, goth-tinged debut, is a wicked indulgence, careening brilliantly between undisguised madness and accidental genius.
GLJ achieved absolute perfection on their second album, Immigrant, but Promise is an essential and fascinating part of their story. This excellent re-issue package contains a bonus disc of wonderful artifacts like the Jezzy's long-lost (til now) single "Shaving My Neck".
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