Customer Reviews

Unbreakable: The Fragile Remixes

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

 

 

Not a new album, just more remixes...but good ones, at that.

Dead or Alive has, of late, been resting on its laurels somewhat, putting out new albums that contain a few new songs and otherwise consisting mostly of remixes of older material. "Unbreakable" continues this trend, featuring remixes of songs featured on their 2000 "Fragile" album which, as previously stated, was a compilation of new and old material. Even the "old" songs on that album were made new, however, by extravagant remixes and, I believe, some new vocals added here and there. There are no new songs on "Unbreakable." If you have "Fragile," expect simply a collection of newly remixed versions of the tracks from that album.

Dead or Alive's recycling of old hits has, to some degree, worn thin, even with this avid fan, but one positive aspect of this is the fact that most of the old material is made to sound very new, and very different from the original song. While I could dry heave at the sight of yet ANOTHER remix of "You Spin Me Round," I have to say that Steve Coy never seems at a loss for ways to make this dead horse of a tune gallop again. While the original mix was clearly the best, it's amazing to hear yet another, completely unique sounding version on "Unbreakable." There was also one on "Fragile," and another few on "Nukleopatra," of course, plus various other albums and singles, new and old. Similar magic is worked with other old favorites on "Unbreakable," just as was done on "Fragile," though occasionally I like the "Unbreakable" version better. For instance, "Turn Around and Count 2 Ten" was somewhat lackluster on "Fragile," but it is much better on "Unbreakable." Perhaps my favorite remix is "Hit and Run Lover," the best new song from "Fragile," which is given a more high energy mix on "Unbreakable."

Indeed, there is a much more pervasive "high energy", techno and club feel to the remixes on "Unbreakable." This isn't a bad thing at all. While some artists have their pop songs remixed into lyricless oblivion, which I dislike, "Unbreakable"'s mixes are full-fledged songs, tunes easily recognizable despite the blitz of techno into which they have morphed.

"Unbreakable" is definitely worth the price for any DOA fan. The fact that they have not released a full-length LP of completely new material since 1995's "Nukleopatra" (and even some of that album was recycled from 1990's "Fan The Flame") is worrisome, perhaps a sign that they are running out of money to produce new material...? I hope not. Pete Burns is easily one of the most versatile singers in popular music, with the ability to sing rock, pop, dance and even punk (!) music, genres that DOA has continually mixed and matched throughout its career. Hopefully the next LP release from these guys will be a long-awaited, fully realized follow-up to "Nukleopatra." Until then, I'll dance to "Unbreakable."

Worth a listen, once, just to hear how bad things can get for a group that's in an unfavorable recording contract with a record label. Not only did Avex Records demand that DOA's last full length release, "Fragile", be composed of 50% previously released material, but they also issued this abomination on the world, much to the horror and displeasure of Dead Or Alive.

Indeed, look at the sneer on Pete's face on the insert sleeve, and take heed of his warning. Could you imagine being stuck on a rickety carnival ride for 50 non-stop minutes? This is the musical equivalent of it.

The tracks from "Fragile" are "re-imagined" here in a series of increasingly monstrous incarnations, welded together from leftover 2 Unlimited riffs that were already stale in 1996. Wickedly fast, you would break your neck dancing to these tracks, and quite possibly break your eardrums listening to them. The mastering on the "Fragile" release was murky, to say the least, but some of the moments here make it sound absolutely pristine--not that a crystal-clear transfer would make these songs sound any better (in this form). The brilliant original material on "Fragile" deserved better treatment. These tracks deserve the "erase" function.

Normally I take into consideration the fact that everybody who writes these reviews has their own unique opinion, but this is one case where I absolutely cannot understand the positive remarks that have been left here by some. How could anybody like this? Were we listening to the same album? Because the one I heard was literally unlistenable.

I love DOA just as much as as the next fan, but c'mon already, these 'remixes' of FRAGILE tracks are, sadly, lame, uninspired, and downright tacky. DOA needs to be allowed to release a brand-NEW studio album, not continually glut the saturated market with even more tired remixes and dated rehashes - and this coming from someone who owns ALL their stuff. Better to support Pete's new single, "JACK AND JILL PARTY" hoping for a new DOA album, or at the very least, maybe a SOLO album by Mr. Burns?

I totally agree with the previous reviews. I am a die-hard Dead or Alive fan and have been since way back in 1983, circa "Sophisticated Boom Boom". I bought that album way back then and was hooked.

Fast foward over twenty years and, as my fellow reviewer commented, this is indeed a prime example of what happens when a great band lose complete control over both their material and career. I really don't want to hear any more versions of "You spin me round" as NONE will ever, ever be as good as the original (i'm talking about the 7" and both 12" - "Murder" mix from 1984 & the "Performance" mix, from 1985).

This CD really is absolutely horrendous. Really, really utterly awful...and at this price? Oh please, is this really what has become of probably the one band who's music both excited and inspired me back when I was younger? Sure, there were other bands and singers but Dead or Alive would always come first for me. Of course, bands and music tastes move on - such is the natural order of things - but I never believed it could get this bad, not for Dead or Alive. But it has. Stock Aitken Waterman have often been criticised but let's not forget it's their fantastic production that made Dead or Alive what they were, a great pop dance act with brilliant songs with a real quality to them....try listening to them now, they still sound superb.

I don't know what Pete Burns wants these days. Does he want to make more records? or is he just happy to transform himself into the worlds first living, breathing plastic Ken doll? What I do know is that i'd rather go with the 2nd option if this awful CD is an example of Dead or Alive's future. Also, it annoys me that he just doesn't seem to give a hoot about his fans or his back catalogue. It does make you wonder why we bothered in the first place...oh hang on, I know why...it's because Dead or Alive made brilliant records! I implore you then to please ignore this and go for their earlier albums instead, then you'll know exactly what I mean, just listen to the great songs...then compare them to this.

For now, as someone who has bought probably every Dead or Alive record going, this is a total waste of great talents. Time to pack it in boys and leave us with the memories.

Dead or Alive will always be a fav' of mine. Pete Burns is certainly unconventional, yet intriguingly sexy all rolled into one, but this cd leaves something to be desired. The tracks are old and rather blah, not to mention the harsh quality of the music which sounds as if it's being played on some dirt cheap music box with the volume turned all the way up. And NO, I don't own some dirt cheap music box.

Nonetheless, I suppose this cd is a must have for all those die-hard DOA fans. Heck, I've added it to my collection. The price is a little high for something I don't listen to very often, but I do like that it's an import with Japanese writing on the jewel case sleeve.

Some of the reviews about this CD have not been good, but I don't agree. All right, the first time playing this remix CD, I was a little overwhelmed with the bombastic sounds of the remixes, but listening a few times more, I find it excellent. It's over the top, it's glam, it's kitsch, it's Pete and Steve at their best. "Lover come back to me", here in a 9 1/2 minute version, has never sounded this good. "I paralyze", already a jewel on the "Fragile" album, is taken to another level, and how much faster can "Just what I always wanted" get?? Agreed, "Isn't it a pity" sounded better in the original version, but the remix of "You spin me round" is better than the one on "Fragile". I would love for DOA to come out with all new stuff, but in the meantime, this will keep me moving!

This cd keeps you moving! The marriage of Peters voice to these layered house and techno beats will have anyone dancing and singing along to the music in no time. Its fresh and new sounds along with the remakes of there classic hits will have any Dead or Alive fan ecstatic... This is a must have for any Dead or Alive fan... Peter Burns and Steve Coy have outdone themselves once again! Cheers boys, Dance will never die..

This album of remixed 'Fragile' tracks has very few highlights for music fans with any dance music sensibilities... Remixed by Japanese DJ's, this is not really a Dead or Alive release, but a record company inspired collection of 'HyperTechno' style tracks.

There must be a market for this style of music over in Japan. Outdated by Western standards, it reminds me in places of very early Moby & 2Unlimited. The majority of the tracks lack rhythm and structure and is very cheaply produced. Highlights (if you could call them that), include 'Hit & Run Lover', 'Lover Come Back to Me', and 'You Spin Me Round'.

This album is a horror story for Dead or Alive (by Pete Burns own admission - they hate it!). In their glory days they once stood for something, and took it to their record company should they be deprived of freedom of expression. Now, they go further to prove with this release that they are simply ageing pop stars from the 80's, who are relying on their past glories to make a quick buck before retirement sets in.

Will Dead or Alive become the Village People or Boney M of the 80's? With this release, that time has arrived...

I am a die-hard Dead or Alive fan and have been since way back in 1983, circa "Sophisticated Boom Boom". I bought that album way back then and was hooked.

Fast foward over twenty years and this is a prime example of what happens when a great band lose complete control over both their material and career. I really don't want to hear any more versions of "You spin me round" as NONE will ever, ever be as good as the original (i'm talking about the 7" and both 12" - "Murder" mix from 1984 & the "Performance" mix, from 1985).

This CD really is absolutely horrendous. Really, really utterly awful...and at this price? Oh please, is this really what has become of probably the one band who's music both excited and inspired me back when I was younger? Sure, there were other bands and singers but Dead or Alive would always come first for me. Of course, bands and music tastes move on - such is the natural order of things - but I never believed it could get this bad, not for Dead or Alive. But it has. Stock Aitken Waterman have often been criticised but let's not forget it's their fantastic production that made Dead or Alive what they were, a great pop dance act with brilliant songs with a real quality to them....try listening to them now, they still sound superb.

I don't know what Pete Burns wants these days. Does he want to make more records? or is he just happy to transform himself into the worlds first living, breathing plastic Ken doll? What I do know is that i'd rather go with the 2nd option if this awful CD is an example of Dead or Alive's future. Also, it annoys me that he just doesn't seem to give a hoot about his fans or his back catalogue. It does make you wonder why we bothered in the first place...oh hang on, I know why...it's because Dead or Alive made brilliant records! I implore you then to please ignore this and go for their earlier albums instead, then you'll know exactly what I mean, just listen to the great songs...then compare them to this.

For now, as someone who has bought probably every Dead or Alive record going, this is a total waste of great talents. Time to pack it in boys and leave us with the memories.

This should have been thrown into the rubbish bin upon completion. Worst DOA record of all. I think most of the fans of the band would like to overlook this mess.