Customer Reviews

Sometimes: Tribute to Erasure

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

 

 

Wow! Over the past few years, I have noticed the increasing popularity in "Tribute" albums for cult classic artists. Example:Depeche Mode, The Cure, Duran Duran etc. The one profound similarity in all of these, is how really BAD they are! This new installment for regergitated trash proves the point that, perfection should not be tampered with. Not only are half of the vocalists on it sound like drunken karaoke singers, but who ever mastered the CD forgot to mix each track down on some what the same level, leaving you adjusting your volume control for each song... That's CHEAP! Oh well, I'm still holding on for a new album which I hope is in the works. Erasure is truly one of the greatest bands of all time. Lets keep any cover songs in the bars for all local bands to do what they must with them, not on my CD player.

I really wished there was at least one band on this album who spoke English as a first language, but there wasn't. This made for some really bad vocals. The vocalists emphasize the wrong syllables in words, sing really off key and off beat to the music, and get lyrics totally wrong. You would think anyone wishing to cover a song, especially with the added challenge of it being in a foreign language, would look at sheet music to get the notes and lyrics right. I would give it no stars if not for the presence of Equatronic. I like their other stuff, and they do a pretty decent cover of "Siren Song." It's a shame that it's not one of my favorite Erasure songs. Don't waste your money on this CD unless you want to hear your favotite songs painfully mutilated.

I am from these kind of people who buys every single thing from Erasure, without even look a little further. But when I heard this "tribute", I didn't know what to think. I was expecting a really amazing thing, and what I found was a bunch of unknown bands trying to emulate what I think is the best band ever formed. I agree with those who expected a really different tribute, one made by the best of the best, paying tribute to those 2 guys who really made (and are still making) history. I really don't recommend this CD, I don't want anybody get as disappointed as I got.

I really, really wanted to like this album. I think any tribute is great and that remaking a band's song is one of the highest compliments you can give them. Unfortunately, this CD sounds like it was recorded at a talent show that was a little light on . . . talent. Out of the 10 relatively unknown bands here who take a stab at one of Erasure's hits, only 2 show any real promise and at least half the bands flop completely. The standout track is Equatronic's take on Siren Song, which is actually far too similar to the original version. A good cover, in my opinion, is one in which the band puts their own twist making a good, but different version (such as the Pet Shop Boys did with U2's 'Where the Streets Have No Name'). The other band that shows promise is Con-Cept with their take on Breath of Life (that's BREATH of Life, not BREATHE of Life as they seem to think it's called). Despite that error (I don't know if it was...they might have just been trying to be different), I think that musically and vocally they're in good shape.

While it's interesting to hear these new bands, I would really like to see a proper Erasure tribute with more established artists covering their songs. How about New Order (or Electronic) doing "Fingers and Thumbs", or the Pet Shop Boys with "A Little Respect", or Depeche Mode with...with...hmm, that's a tough one. I hear Sarah McLachlan's a fan, so what's the holdup?

Dissapointing,I understand that this is a "tribute" album,and you shouldn't compare it to the real Erasure,but if most of the artist's didn't try too much to sound like Andy Bell,then it would be better!

Erasure is my personal favorite synth-pop group from the '80s. I have been following them for several years now. Their music is incredibly catchy and there is such an innocent quality to the songs that I rarely hear in music today. I bought "Sometimes: A Tribute to Erasure" used a couple of years ago. I will be one of the few people here to admit to liking this cd. Yeah, no one can or should cover Erasure songs however I can't help but enjoy this cd. Of course this cd is released on one of Cleopatra Record's smaller labels Hypnotic (which specializes in techno music). I can't really blame diehard Erasure fans for loathing this tribute album. I can understand why because of the slick production and cheesy trance beats. I personally like this for no other reason than that I just do. It was real interesting to hear Element cover "A Little Respect". Their version was slower paced. I loved New Slips' version of "She Won't Be Home". It may not be as good as the original version (as well as Element's "A Little Respect") but I still enjoyed it. "Sometimes" is definitely one of the cheesiest tribute albums I have ever listened to but I still like it regardless of what other people think of the cd

This album [stinks]. I beg you not to waste your money. The old saying "its the thought that counts" applies to this one. Im sure that if the singers COULD think(and sing), it wouldve been much better. the song selection was wonderful, i will admit, but the mixing and voiceover on the tracks was terrible.

Poor vocals and amature production make this record not only a waste of money but a waste of plastic (and whatever else a cd is made from.) I have been a fan of Erasure even through their past few uneven (and frankly bad)albums. But this is no tribute worthly of them. Many of the vocalists sound like they are gasping for breath and the synth arrangements are swimming in so much reverb that your speakers will buzz.

This is a fairly good collection of covers of classic Erasure tunes done by mostly unknown synthpop artists. Bands like Erasure and Depeche Mode (and PSB, NO, etc) have influenced a whole generation of new synthpop bands. Just cuz they're not on VH1 or MTV doesn't mean they aren't talented, just that the scene went underground. (And let me also just say that some of these bands are BETTER than Erasure (whom I love very much)). Check out Brave New World, Iris, KieTheVez or The Echoing Green if you want similar artists.

Now that being said, I still think that this comp could have been better. Some of the artists indeed don't sound like much effort was put forth. But nonetheless, it's good to introduce Erasure fans to new artists.

As for other mainstream artists doing covers of Erasure- give me a break! Sara McLaughlin (sp?) couldn't pull it off. No way no how. Tributes are just that- a tribute to someone who means something to you.

Tribute albums rarely get my attention, but Erasure's music is so unique that I took a gamble and purchased this CD. Much to my surprise, the new and updated versions of this song are a great tribute and often flattering to the songwriting of Erasure. Fun, upbeat and well done. Not perfect, but a very good addition to any Erasure fan's collection. Give it a listen! Viva Erasure!