Turn On the Bright Lights

Interpol | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 8, 2002)
• Original Release Date: 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Matador Records
• ASIN: B00006BTCA
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (517 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #37,066 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #50 in Music > Indie Music > Alternative Rock > Indie & Lo Fi

Track Listings

1. Untitled

2. Obstacle 1

3. NYC

4. PDA

5. Say Hello To The Angels

6. Hands Away

7. Obstacle 2

8. Stella Was A Diver And She Was Always Down

9. Roland

10. The New

11. Leif Erikson

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Interpol create literate, atmospheric, moody, trashy post-punk music that recalls '80s faves the Psychedelic Furs. And this is definitely a good thing. While most young bands are content to rhyme "make it" with "fake it," Interpol pens melodramatic tales of tortured and tortuous urban relationships that are truly refreshing. Like their peers the Strokes, they're bright, sophisticated, and meticulous enough to build stirring soundscapes. Turn On the Bright Lights is a must for anyone who missed Echo & the Bunnymen, the Furs, and Joy Division the first time around. --Dominic Wills

Product Description

The stunning debut album that incorporates so many postpunk influences: Joy Division, Television, Morrissey, . Includes the bonus track "Specialist".

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 57 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Like Joy Division! April 5, 2003

By Christopher S. Thompson

Format:Audio CD

I bought this album because people told me it sounded just like Joy Division, who are my all-time favorite band. Well, somebody has to say this and it's going to be me- Interpol don't really sound much like Joy Division, and all the reviewers who say otherwise are just demonstrating that they've never really listened all that closely to either band. Yes, Interpol are a dark post-punk band, but the similarity really ends there. Interpol songs are not built around the bass line like Joy Division songs, they aren't nearly as manic-sounding, and the tone of Interpol's music tends to be moody and reflective whereas the tone of Joy Division is coldly futuristic and impersonal. However, Turn on the Bright Lights is a brilliant album in its own right, with some of the best songwriting I've heard in a long time, and songs that grow on you more and more till you hardly want to hear anything else. Of course Interpol have their influences like any band does, and one of those influences might be Joy Division. But they don't really need to be compared to anyone. They shine on their own.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Debut Album of the Year 2002? December 20, 2002

By g taylolr

Format:Audio CD

This debut is quite extraordinary (perhaps as impactful as U2 'Boy'). The songs are elegant and complex of craft, with bright, spacious quitars reminiscent of Frank Black of the Pixies. The bass and drum duo often propel the beat with a Gang of Four style funkiness, all underneath the often commented comparison to Ian Curtis (Joy Division)vocals. Tracks 'Obstacle 1', 'Stella' and 'The New' rank with the best of U2 in their day, while 'Untitled' and 'Hands Away' are on par with RadioHead circa 'Kid A'. The wonderful CD closer'Leif Erikson' could have been a lost track from Joy Division. If you liked the Pixies, Gang of Four, Smiths, Furs etc buy this CD. Album of the year? Maybe, not a bad track on it. A band to watch. (Saw them live in NYC and every bit as tight and shimmering as on CD)

50 of 58 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars NYC by way of Manchester, England - Great Record Indeed! September 12, 2002

By Cary S. Whitt

Format:Audio CD

Interpol has thrown in a fantastic debut this year, really catching this listner off-guard. I had already pegged The Doves or David Holmes as my favorites of the year, but then along comes this wonderful thing.

Like the Strokes did last year, Interpol has dug up some much needed gritty influence of the past. Where the Strokes was a lighter pop affair, Interpol has gone right into the alleys and seedy clubs of both Manchester England and NYC. The record takes on a lot from Joy Division, Talking Heads and even Television. But it's the spooky quality of Joy Division that's adds some drama and beauty to the dark landscape within. Interpol draws from the past but keeps things sounding new and fresh. Songs like Untitled and NYC are as impressive as any I've heard this year. Like the Manchester music of the late 70's and early 80's, Interpol trys in vein to break out of their grime-laden roots. The result is an honest and soulful exchange delivered with art-ful passion. Matador have once again expanded their library and stumbled upon some truely great rock-n-roll. Turn on your ears to this great disc!