Couples

The Long Blondes

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 6, 2008)
• Original Release Date: May 6, 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rough Trade Us
• ASIN: B0012P6Q7S
• Also Available in: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #123,335 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.co.uk

The Long Blondes have had a makeover. Which might seem par for the course considering their fiery, acclaimed debut album Someone to Drive You Home saw their sense of retro chic kept at least equivalent to their Sheffield Blondie shtick. But they emerge from the inter-album dry-ice expanse devoid of many of those rough edges that defined and made them so alluring in the first instance--more Jackie Onassis than Oxfam--friends and family stand agog at the transformation. They're certainly no less sassy, au contraire, but there is a new found seriousness all over Couples. Last time, beneath their second-generation Britpop wrapping and Elastica/Pulp impulses, snuck a sense of synthesised control evoking hometown forbearers Heaven 17. This time around that impression is flipped. The clean lines and neon minimalism of "Century" and "Round the Hairpin" are more Ladytron than typical Long Blondes and "Too Clever By Half", essentially a husky falsetto prevented from floating off into the ether by a slow, sultry bass-line, is so slick it could be mistaken for recent ultra-stylised Kylie. The brilliant, full-throttle Roxy Music glam rattling of "I'm Going to Hell" is a reasonable meeting-point between the two albums, but their tight command of the musical onslaught is now quite arresting. This new-found sophistication, coupled with Erol Alkan's tremendously vibrant production, ensures that Couples probably does come out as twice the album to its predecessor. --James Berry

Product Description

Familiar retro influences, like Pet Shop Boys, Blondie, and Pulp are recalled but not imitated, resulting in an original and relevant sophomore album. With their signature down-to-earth narratives forming intelligent and sharp observations about romance and life, one might get an impression of a group with their feet firmly on the ground. These lyrics, however, are set to a rich, synthy, electronic sound that suggest the moment New Order's eardrums first vibrated to house and disco in NYC, 1981. "The Long Blondes' Kate Jackson sings like she has amazing taste in lipstick, delivering smart, sex-as-a-weapon lyrics with a swaggering smirk that conveys both glam-charged confidence and femme-specific vulnerability" - Spin.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Long Blondes - Couples 7/10, August 10, 2008

By	Rudolph Klapper "www.klap4music.com" (Los Angeles / Orlando) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

When the Long Blondes released their debut album in 2006, the band initially seemed like just another of the dozen post-punk, artsy British outfit that the U.K. had pumped out since Franz Ferdinand, and a poorly named one, at that: no one in the band is blonde. The Long Blondes had an ace up their sleeve, however: firebrand lead singer Kate Jackson's vibrant personality, powerful voice, and satirical lyrics, all of which dominate Couples.

Lead single "Century" is about as New Wave as you can get in 2008, with Jackson sounding like Debbie Harry reborn and the music all Depeche Mode synths and bubbly bass lines. "Guilt" and "The Couples" continues the album's theme of tragic relationships, but unlike the weepy Cure-mimicking love songs common in the New Wave-revival scene, Jackson is merciless and acidic towards her ex's, defiantly proclaiming "guilt has nothing to do with it" to a dumped boyfriend.

Couples unfortunately slows down around the midway point, however, with songs like "Round the Hairpin" and "Too Clever By Half" meandering off into showy drum work and the kind of slow balladry that only stunts the album's momentum. Half of an album of excellent songs and Jackson's distinctive vocals, however, are more than most bands can offer today.

3.0 out of 5 stars It's ok., November 25, 2008

By	John T. Reynolds "fastluck" (East Mountains, NM) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Couples has some interesting lyrics. And the music is ok. But I listened carefully to the CD the first time I got it. Nothing really grabbed me. One time I said, "This is a pretty good song." The band really isn't all that great, and I don't see myself listening to this CD much in the future.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not bad but, June 9, 2008

By	Lovblad (Geneva, Switzerland) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

While i really liked the tougher sound of the first album, this is the Long Blondes getting more in touch with their 70's pop side (i.e. Blondie derived). I am not sure that it suits them that well. They had actually found their own sound and image and it is somewhat sad that they have to backtrack and go into more obvious influences...