Customer Reviews

Spirit Light Speed

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

If I could give this 10 stars I would. Being a die-hard Cult fan for 16 years, I was not sure what to expect from this attempt at going solo, however I was greatly surprised. I really thought something would have been lost without Billy, but instead Ian's incredible talent for making you feel through his music still holds intact and is even stronger. It really exhibits some Zen, gives a serene feeling through his electronica influences, and songs like Wild Like a Horse pulls at the heart and soul. His beautiful voice has not changed except for the added wisdom of the years. I can can listen to this over and over again. A must for Ian Astbury fans.

The name on the spine of this disc says "Ian Astbury", not The Cult. So why is it that most of the complaints I hear about this CD is that it doesn't sound like Sonic Temple, or Love. The reason for a member of a band to record a solo project is to do something different. That is exactly what Ian has done here. The CD has a great range of songs on it. Even a remix of a Cult song. Even if you hear a slight nod here or there to his other band every once in a while, this is a stand alone solo project. And as solo projects go, this one is excellent. Several songs just jump out at you and make you sing it all day. Tunes like "Tonight", and "High Time Amplifier" just follow you. I myself am a hugh Cult fan, so I doubt that I could find anything to complain about, Ian's voice is just that good, but whether you like his voice that much or not, you'll love the music on this disc.

I picked this CD up anticipating a good appetizer for the forthcoming new Cult album, to my suprise this album is a classic. I buy and listen to a lot of rock and this album is probably the best new rock album of 2000. The only reason it does not get 5 stars is the lack of guitar (or is it a lack of Billy?), nevertheless if you like The Cult you must purchase this CD, the songs are very good and Ian's voice sounds as good, if not better, than it did 15 years ago. The stand out numbers are "Back on Earth" "High Time Amplifier" and "Tyger". There are only seven new songs in which Ian sings, "The witch" is a Cult remake, and "Shambala" is a cool little instrumental. I was very impressed with this album and I can not wait to hear The Cults new one, go pickup "Gone in 60 seconds" with "Painted on my heart" and your Cult fix will be somewhat soothed until later this year, ROCK ON!

Ian is a great artist. This isn't the Cult, but it's not supposed to be. Alot of textures in this recording. Cool lyrics. All of the songs are solid.

Astbury, the lead singer of The Cult shows another side of his talents on his solo debut. Trippy breakbeats and melodies in every song and Ian only makes it better with the vocals and lyrics. My first experience with The Cult was their hard rock record "Electric". After being blown away by it I found the predecessor "Love" which is more like new wave and 80s rock but a great and overlooked album. The Cult pretty much did different things on every album and thats a good thing because they never sounded bad doing it. Spirit Light Speed is a very cool experimental/electronic album and the songs are filled with the energy and emotion of many Cult songs. A great edtion to the Cult fans collection, unless you're expecting to hear The Cult when you buy it. Yeah it would have been cool if Billy Duffy did some guitar on here, but it wouldnt really be a solo record would it? I admit I hope to hear an "Awwwwww YEAAAH!" or an "Owwww" from Ian though. Rock on & Peace.

If you love the voice then buy the cd. The music has changed slightly from where the Cult left off but it comes to no surprise to anyone following their career. You heard glimpses of what was to follow on their self titled masterpiece in 95.

This cd is also a little behind the times but all in all a very good listen. The trance/techno sound has been done before and sounds a little dated.

I also thought the mix on this cd was a little poor. There are moments when the sound becomes fuzzy, especially at high volumes.

Strong Moments: Metaphysical Pistol is a great jam. Very slow but very, very cool. Witch Remake. Not really that different but still just a great song in both forms. Shambala: Trippy(Primal Scream) porno music.

The only low point that I found was Devils Mouth. Really just not that great a track.

If your a fan of The Cult then buy this cd. If you like Ian's voice, then buy this cd. If you love Radiohead then you may want to skip this. Ian's not trying to break new ground, he's just playing what he wanted.

There are no songs like She Sells Sanctuary or Fire Woman here but all the the songs are fairly solid. This is a decent solo effort for Ian but I can't wait for the new Cult album. All in all if you are a Cult fan this is a decent purchase.

Being a huge fan of The Cult, I didn't waste any time running out and buying this cd. I knew from press releases that this was not going to be anything like the past Cult releases but I was not sure what to expect. I am impressed to say the least.

First and foremost it's not a huge departure from where The Cult left off in 95. There is a little less guitar which is not surprising considering no Billy Duffy. But the most impressive part is that most of the songs are fully Ian's which shows some tremendous writing strength. It will be great to see where this goes with the release of the new Cult CD.

There is only one song that I feel is a true throw-away on this cd and that is Tyger. It's not a bad song but if it were gone it would not be missed.

The better songs on the cd are the slower track's and Metaphysical Pistol is a highlight. The two opening track's are the most upbeat and High Time Amplifier is by far the most radio friendly on the cd. The Witch is covered here and does not surpass The Cult original but it is by no means a bad. In fact it is nice to hear a little of the old Cult with a 90's twist.

This cd is much more electronic than most of what The Cult did and even Ian's last outing with the Holy Barbarians. If you are looking for a more rock oriented listen this is not the cd for you. There are moments, but not many. It's over is the most Cult sounding on the entire cd, barring The Witch. Garret is back and he is just great.

There seems to be a great deal of emotion on this cd, something you don't hear to often. Ian's voice is, as always, wonderful and very powerful. My only complaint with the cd is that after a two year wait since completion why the so-so mixing. Ian get's drowned out a few times. Chris Goss is at the dials but I don't hear much Masters of Reality in this cd. It's like they were both trying a different direction.

All in all it is great to hear from Ian again. It does make me yearn for the new Cult cd but it's only a few short months away.

Being a huge fan of The Cult, I didn't waste any time running out and buying this cd. I knew from press releases that this was not going to be anything like the past Cult releases but I was not sure what to expect. I am impressed to say the least.

First and foremost it's not a huge departure from where The Cult left off in 95. There is a little less guitar which is not surprising considering no Billy Duffy. But the most impressive part is that most of the songs are fully Ian's which shows some tremendous writing strength. It will be great to see where this goes with the release of the new Cult CD.

There is only one song that I feel is a true throw-away on this cd and that is Tyger. It's not a bad song but if it were gone it would not be missed.

The better songs on the cd are the slower track's and Metaphysical Pistol is a highlight. The two opening track's are the most upbeat and High Time Amplifier is by far the most radio friendly on the cd. The Witch is covered here and does not surpass The Cult original but it is by no means a bad. In fact it is nice to hear a little of the old Cult with a 90's twist.

This cd is much more electronic than most of what The Cult did and even Ian's last outing with the Holy Barbarians. If you are looking for a more rock oriented listen this is not the cd for you. There are moments, but not many. It's over is the most Cult sounding on the entire cd, barring The Witch. Garret is back and he is just great.

There seems to be a great deal of emotion on this cd, something you don't hear to often. Ian's voice is, as always, wonderful and very powerful. My only complaint with the cd is that after a two year wait since completion why the so-so mixing. Ian get's drowned out a few times. Chris Goss is at the dials but I don't hear much Masters of Reality in this cd. It's like they were both trying a different direction.

All in all it is great to hear from Ian again. It does make me yearn for the new Cult cd but it's only a few short months away.

It seems like it's taken forever to get this album out, but the wait was worth it. No, it's not the Cult, but Cult fans will definately appreciate it. The sounds of this album remind me a bit of the Cult's 1994 self-titled album, but also a bit of EMF, for those of you that may have actually heard their second album. This really isn't a fair comparison, however, Astbury's songs are deeper and much more musical. "Back on Earth" is an excellent beginning and gives ease to the listener who might worry that they wasted their money, and the rest of the album is no dissapointment. Now, if only I can wait long enough for the Cult's new studio album in October!