Customer Reviews

Through the Barricades

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

 

 

Most people would remember Spandau's "True" as being definitive of the group, but I appreciate their ambition, as contained in Through the Barricades. Right from the opening introduction one gets the sense that the group is out to accomplish something different other than simply making a pop album. I won't want to single out any song for praise; not because they are lousy, but rather because they ought to be listened as a single "entity" with a thematic concern. Politically tinged perhaps, but the 80s could always spring such surprises.

What a shame that this fantastic album never got the attention it deserved -- especially in the U.S. The album is especially noteworthy for the longer (and much better) versions of How Many Lies and Through the Barricades, both of which were issued in their single formats on The Best of Spandau Ballet. The ballad Swept is easily as gorgeous as anything from the True album, and Snakes and Lovers is absolutely infectious.

This was a great comeback cd for the guys although it never really caught on in North America. Which is sad because the songs were ahead of its time.

One of my favorite experiences of Europe actually was one of my first experiences of Europe. I landed in Rome, and the airline happened to lose my bag (dogh!). So, all alone, I flag a cab to take me to my waiting family at their hotel. I hop in, tell him where I need to go, and we're off. Just the cabby, me, and this band singing Man in Chains. Zipping down narrow streets with this song blasting was an incredible experience I'll never forget. At the time, I didn't know the band singing, and all I could do was search for the song name when I got home.

The entire album is great. Typical 80's pop that will really make you want to move your feet ... or hop in a cab in Rome and drive like a maniac.