Customer Reviews

Wings to Fly

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

 

 

5 stars? I really would've only given the cd 4.5 (or maybe 4.25) if I could've, but it is definitely better than a mere 4. First of all, the first seven songs are "new" (though Plankeye fans will know that two of the seven songs are simply remixes of "Goodbye" and "Bicycle"), and each of the following twelve songs is taken from one of Plankeye's first five releases. Let me first tackle the issue of the "Bicycle" remix. Now personally, I absolutely love the original "Bicycle" from "Commonwealth." And I was weary at first that Eric and Louis would tackle the song without Scott's vocals (which make the song what it is, I believe). And at first I hated the new mix, skipping it every time. But . . . and there always is a but, I must admit that is has grown immeasurably on me. I still like the original better, but now thoroughly enjoy the new mix as well. As for the remix of "Goodbye" . . . stick with the original (Track 19) - it is a million times better. But looking at the cd as a whole, the new songs are great ("Captain" especially). For those who liked "Relocation," some of the new songs mirror its tendencies. Likewise with those who enjoyed "Strange Exchange" more. But all in all, this is truly a must have cd for any Plankeye fan, if not for the new version of "Bicycle," than for the five new songs themselves. And finally, for anyone not familiar with Plankeye, this is the perfect avenue for trying them out (before commiting to one of their previous albums over another). From "Scared" and "Open House" to "Chemicals and Sleep," there is a full spattering of songs both post-Scott era and during his run - all of them good. Thanks and happy listening.

I'm no great hand at music variety but I thought this CD was really great. It had a good variety (although a little slow in the first set of songs) but really picked up towards the end. If your interested in this I suggest giving it a listening review with the songs 'Break My Fall' and 'How Much I Don't Know'. Also, if it matters to you, the lyrics are Chirst centered.

I knew that this CD was being released, but I hadn't realized it was their last till after I bought it. With that said, now I look back and see that it does indeed cover their career from 3-chord pop/punk band to a more sentimental sound, not unlike some mid-Radiohead.

The first song is my favorite of the new ones, "Scared of Me". I just love the lyrics as well as the vocals. Don't get me wrong, I'm definately a fan of the earlier Siletta punkish vocals, but I think Eric Balmer really comes into his own with this stuff. Honestly, I think they should have probably dropped the Plankeye name when Siletta and Ferry left. It's a shame that the two replacements (can't remember their names) only did one full album, "Strange Exchange"...although I'm not sure if they played on "Relocation" and just didn't get band credit.

But who cares? It's a great album. I'm not too fond of the new versions, but they have their place. It's fun to re-record old favorites.