Customer Reviews

Stick Around for Joy

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A fitting crescendo for what would be The Sugarcubes' final encore, Stick Around For Joy is a celebration of sound, spirit and champagne-poppin' fun. It would also pre-empt Björk's "debut" to world mega-stardom. Unlike its wildly alternative predecessors, Joy is a delightful romp into more mainstream pop. Indeed, the album's biggest single, "Hit", was made to be just that with a chorus as catchy as anything Madonna or Britney Spears ever threw together on the assembly line. However, even with such airy upbeat tracks as "Hit", "Vitamin" and "Walkabout", Joy definitely does not lack the darker edge or musical complexity present in all The Sugarcubes' work. The opening track "Gold" conveys the determined lust and greed one has toward fortune, even to the point where Einar (you know you love him) insanely growls, "Dig bloody fingers / Dig!"

Overall, Stick Around For Joy is a very good album and quite underrated in its entertainment value to fans of modern pop. The production is almost impeccable (and at times even a bit overproduced), thanks to veteran artist/producer Paul Fox, who's other credits include everyone from XTC to Grant Lee Buffalo. Major props to Sigtryggur Balsuresson (just call him "Sig") as well, for laying down the unbelievable percussion that accentuates the entire album (literally some of the best drumming ever on a pop record). Björk's vocals are in top form here (witness her belt out the third chorus of "Gold") and her delivery keeps fresh even upon a hundred listens. Unfortunately, the "Einar Factor" is strong on this album, almost as if he knew this would be his last time to spout as many annoying non sequiturs as inhumanly possible. However, as any fan of The Sugarcubes (or Björk, for that matter) knows, Einar is either to be loved or to be tolerated. I have always opted for the latter.

The music on the last Sugarcubes release with brand new songs did not change its essence, with the B-52's like irony and retro-fashion style and attitude, featuring Einar's ¨raps¨ and Björk's powerful, impressive vocals, but in some ways they came with an updated unique sound, with more fun and appearent ¨joy¨ that in his classic debut album, ¨Life's Too Good¨, but the cuts on it remain under their best sounds with stronger drum beats and indie-rock-dancehall smash cuts like the passionate ¨Hit¨ and ¨Leash Called Love¨, besides ¨Gold¨ and the should-have-been-commercially-released-cute-cut ¨Walkabout¨.
Highly recommended: necessary.

I love this album. I think it's the epitome (epitomy) of Bjork and The Sugarcubes at their zenith. That's all I can say. Stick around for the joy.

This album kicks, with wide-ranging compositions, tight performances, steel-driving percussion, blood-pumping syncopation, rollercoaster vocals, and a good dose of fun. Post-punk at its best. We-were-here-first Sugarcubes purists will of course claim it doesn't measure up to Life's Too Good, but you see that same attitude with every edgy band -- as with every album after Murmur, the REM amen-corner prophesied the apocalypse. Don't buy the hype. If you're not interested in being uber-cool, and you just want great music, this record is one of the best. Buy it, listen, and enjoy. If you're not a critic, and not interested in fan-club honors, give it a listen. Those Icelanders, they do satisfy.

With brilliant and classic songs like Hit, Leash Called Love, Walkabout, and...well, every song, you couldn't ask for more! This last album is a classic bit of the Sugarcubes' genius, that will leave you yearning more of their music! Buy it, no matter how some misjudge it by comparing it to their other albums! Satisfaction is an obvious guarantee.;)

I know that many people are not big fans of The Sugarcubes, and for this I am glad. They are not a really publicized or mainstream group. And of the few people out there who ARE Sugarcubes fans, there are few who actually appreciate this album. Many find that it's too much pop and not enough rock or that it's a departure from the Cubes' formula. I don't care about any of that. All I know is that this is the best album from one of the best 80's groups. It's the sound of the era and it is the pride of Iceland.

This album is so misunderstood. It's all about fun. "Leash Called Love" is a great pop song. Along with the single "Hit" and "Gold". The band does not sound as excited as on their debut but i dare you to put "Vitamin" on without smiling. And "Chihuahua" though a throwaway ending has Bjork sounding extra cute. It's not essential but it's not the disappointing Here Today Tomorrow Next Week.

This is like flashback to the first album with some ingredients of the second. It is really joyful, and refreshing, and a lot easier to get than the second album (here today, tomorrow next week!). It has very emotional songs about sex, warmth feelings, and love. It is full of musical textures and exciting melodies, like the first album (Life is is too good).Einar is gentler with his voice; he does not scream as much as in the second album and Bjork sings marvelously and makes other beautiful sounds that make you feel relaxed but full of energy at the same time!!! If you bought the previous one you have to buy this.

This is a happy, fun CD that'll probably put you in a good mood, but unfortunately it lacks the unique spark of Life's Too Good and falls a little too far into shallow pop at times. While songs like "Leash Called Love" display Björk's fantastically funky vocals and tunes such as "Hetero Scum" and "I'm Hungry" are rather endearing, it seems much talent has not been used. Einar's sexy voice is used almost solely to be the "weird guy in the background". Wish he could sing a little more like he did in "Blue-Eyed Pop". This CD is definitely worth buying but not a particularly serious or memorable effort, save for a few songs. Use it sparingly.

This album, while not ground-shaking by itself, is truly addictive and entertaining (and that music is about, isn't it?). Hit is very good, but Walkabout is truly a surge of Icelandic bliss. If you doubt, well, try it on one of those gloooomy day, and then we'll talk again...