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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Yes, it's the worst Clinic record, but still..., February 12, 2005
Taken on its merits, let's face it: this is easily a four star record. What many pundits (and even Clinic fans) have fixated on is the relative lack of change in their sound over the course of three albums (and several ep's). While I understand this view, to a certain degree, I think that using such a standard would also damn many other great bands that created an iconoclastic sound, then milked it for all it's worth. Think Ramones. Think AC/DC. Think U2, even! Sure, they've veered off their trademark sound over the course of their long career, but with one or two exceptions, those have been their least successful records, artistically and commercially (yes, "Pop," I'm talking to you). So, what I'm saying is, to say that Clinic are treading water is only fair inasmuch as the music fails to move or excite the listener.
On that score, I'll concede, this is Clinic's weakest record. But, as I am a huge fan of the first three (especially "Wrangler" and "Three EP's," both of which I consider essential), this is not to imply that I dislike this album - I think it's very good. And I agree with the others here who've said that there is growth to be found here - especially in the doo-wop fixtures of the great tune "Falstaff," and in some new sonic trickery here and there.
I won't pretend that wouldn't like Clinic to start to move their sound into some new areas, but again, in subtle ways, I think they are doing so, and I think that album is a tentative step in the right direction.
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2.0 out of 5 stars
Breezy and banal, February 9, 2008
2 1/2
Another set of loopy, eccentric pop becomes even more forgettable and disposable then previous outings. Worth a sampling for many of the fragmented ideas the band incorporates when playing off of different styles of music, but lacking a solid backbone to distinguish these ditties above lighthearted experimental fluff.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
but i'm a Clinic fan, June 8, 2006
Internal Wrangler has a sound for those who prefer the raw and garage, though some complain that it sounds rough and sloppy.
Walking With Thee, more polished and mainstream-like, a sound for those who prefer the clean(er) pop/rock energy, but some feel that it doesn't have the raw edge of Internal Wrangler.
Winchester Cathedral... some complain it's boring or lacking in the same energy. It doesn't have the same 'retro' style as the last couple albums. Instead, the album as a whole, has a more whimsical sound, sometimes eerie and sometimes dreamy. If I had to make a comparison, for those who have the last two albums think "Goodnight Georgie" and somewhat "For the Wars". More clarinet heavy than percussion.
The punk/garage sound lives in "W.D.Y.Y.B." and the instrumental "Vertical Take Off In Egypt". "The Magician" and "August" seem a bit like a manic and twisted carnival. "Home" and "Falstaff" have a sound like a weary-eyed crooner; slow, desperate, and melancholic. "Country Mile", "Circle of Fifths", and "Thank You For Living" are somewhat reminiscent of the last two, but heavier atmospheric-ly.
In my opinion all of the tracks are great, just different, more blue in some way. A new vision to make one wonder where they are going with the next album.
Songs to note: "Anne", "The Magician", "Falstaff", and "W.D.Y.Y.B."
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