Layourbattleaxedown [ENHANCED]

Concretes

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 26, 2005)
• Original Release Date: July 26, 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Astralwerks
• ASIN: B0009YNSD8
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #153,812 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  Music > Alternative Rock > Indie & Lo-Fi > Twee Pop

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Before the Concretes' "Say Something New" became a jingle for those acid-dipped Target commercials, it served as a mission statement for the eight-piece Swedish collective. In their case, saying something new meant taking something old - the Velvet Underground's stark production, the Supremes' lush harmonies, Mazzy Star's highly effective sleeping pills (plus whatever band first popularized the glockenspiel's glocking glockenspiels) - and inverting it with a fuzzy pop twist. Working backward, Layourbattleaxedown compiles most of the early recordings, rarities and b-sides leading up to and around the release of the Concretes' self-titled 2004 album. The melodies may not be as distinct as they are on the proper release but the mood is perfect, all haunting drones, drifting ballads and singer Victoria Bergsman's ice-melting voice. A particular triumph is the mariachi tinged opener, "Forces," followed closely the bewitching "Lady December." Best of all, though, is the cover version of the Rolling Stones disco classic "Miss You," possibly even more subversive and serene than Cat Power's minimalist take on "Satisfaction." --Aidin Vaziri

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Sweet Vocals, April 14, 2009

By	Moog "Moog" (SFO - CA) - See all my reviews

Sweet Vocals - song writing pretty strong and it makes for an interesting Sunday morning coffee and papers album to chill in the background with.

I like this album but it does disappear off the playlist pretty soon.
Just heard it again on Pandora and reminded me that its above average.

Once again - Love the vocals

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Fantastic CD by The Concretes, October 2, 2008

By	A. Trevino "labeano2002" (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This CD is fantastic - I would recommend it to anyone - in fact I do. The songs are catchy and you find yourself singing along after a while. Victoria Bergsman was a fantastic lead singer. I can't get enough of this CD. If you like this CD and you haven't listened to their self titled album - I highly suggest doing so.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I heart Victoria, September 9, 2005

By	alexander laurence (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

The Concretes have been one of the most successful Swedish bands in America in the past year or so. It has nothing to do with their live performances. They played about ten shows in America. It has everything to do with their song "Say Something New" being used in a commercial here. Since radio stations refuse to play new music on the radio, you are more likely to hear a new band on a commercial than on MTV or the radio. I saw The Concretes play live in NYC last year. They are a large ensemble. They are very talented. Their singer, Victoria Bergsman, is very shy. I saw them play twice. At the first show she wore a wig, like Stina Nordenstam, and a white dress. The second she was dressed normal. I tried to take a picture and someone from their entourage said "no pictures" even though everyone around me was taking pictures with their cellphones. This was at their KEXP performance. Most of this album reminds me of that performance. Only four or five of them played. It was mostly the duo Victoria and Maria. One of the songs they played was "The Warrior." Another was "Under Your Leaves." These songs are very acoustic and quiet. It's like the bare bones of The Concretes. These songs have none of the production and big Motown sound of their previous record. Their cover of "Miss You" seems misguided. Maybe songs by the Velvet Underground or Mazzy Star seem more appropriate. The Concretes have been around for a long time. This record is a good companion piece to their first record, which still sounds great after a year has passed. The Concretes are due for a really great follow-up record in 2006. Hopefully we can see them play over her more often. Quit hiding.