Turn On The Bright Lights

Interpol | Format: MP3 Download

Product Details

• Original Release Date: October 8, 2002
• Label: Matador
• Copyright: 2002 Matador Records Ltd
• Total Length: 48:54
• Genres: Alternative Rock/Indie & Lo-Fi, Alternative Rock/New Wave & Post-Punk
• ASIN: B000S553TK
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (504 customer reviews)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

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

By 

Christopher S. Thompson (Portland, Me USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Turn on the Bright Lights (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.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

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

By 

g taylolr (Connecticut USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Turn on the Bright Lights (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)

47 of 55 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 "Tune Junkie" (Columbus,Ohio USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Turn on the Bright Lights (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!