Customer Reviews

...undone

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

 

 

Even though it was on A&M when it first came out, this record got a lot of attention at the college radio station I was working at in the mid-80s. The track we played the most, and the one that made the biggest impression at the time was "The White Space." It was cool edgy accessible darkness, like the entire album. "Ephemeral" was a bit lighter and got things of to a good start. The two tracks in between were also solid. Now that I listen to it again after all these years, a couple songs sound a little dated, but overall, it has stood the test of time well. The surprise for me was the last track "Dream Days." I had forgotten all about this one and I shouldn't have because it packs a wallop. One of those brooding monotone post punk tunes - most great 80s college radio albums had at least one song like it. Nice that this was finally reissued. If you are new to these guys, I would start with Mania CD, but you really can't go wrong with this one either, especially of you are branching out from other more well known "new wave" or "alternative" college radio artists of the same era, like Echo & The Bunnymen, Cure, etc.

Other than to say that I bought the record after seeing the band at the I-Beam on Haight St. It's hard to expect people to accept judgment on works that are not a part of trash culture (I love the "tinted window" motif; it is so damn true), or based upon the fact that I've been seeing bands for well over fifty years, and there are few times when one just knows. This is one of those times. This work is a treasure of great intentions well-realized: "Fair is fair when you're leading the flock/ but talk is talk, and that's no replacement, no that's no design/ for manicured living/ no that's no design to wear on my nose" Ephemeral (This Is No Heaven). For what it's worth, I'm a graduate student in literary theory, and this is trope at its best. I'm sure Proust would agree. Twister ("I'm caught in a twister/ got cats in the bag / it's not the same as when you're asleep / peaceful as the hours to ride"), Undone, Come Back To The Living, Better On The Hard Side are just amazingly poetic songs with creative use of strings and keyboards, yet rock as much as any works of their time. They really rocked the I-Beam that night; it was no poetry reading. This is truly a landmark work, and all the Michael Jacksons and Lady Gag Gags can not in any way diminish its worth. Few will understand, but for those who do the experience is a moving one, indeed.

This is an incredible CD -- every track is strong. It's solidly anchored the vein of much of the alternative music of that era -- jangly and pop-ish at times yet strangely dark and brooding elsewhere. I had this on vinyl for many years and actually paid someone to do a transfer to CD, so I'm glad this has been given a proper release.

Some may disagree with me, but I much prefer "Undone" to "Mania." The latter has some weak tracks with truly insipid lyrics ("Melody" and "Part of Me Now" come to mind) while all of "Undone" is strong in both the playing and the lyrics.

If you're a fan of more well known '80s bands like Echo and the Bunnymen, the Cure, the Smiths, New Order, etc. consider taking a chance on the Lucy Show. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

I bought this on cassette when it first came out, then on LP when I wanted a more powerful recording.

Since I've already transferred one on my LP's to CD, it will be interesting to see if the CD release is as strong as my own transfer sound level, (mine's off the charts!)

There are very few groups that have such a strong first recording.

The only disappointment I have had over this album is the overly critical review thrown at this album by the reviewer [...].

I bought this album at the time because the album cover was a bit dark and brooding.

I suppose if jangling brit-pop isn't your forte, then you'll probably dislike this album as much as the reviewer at AllMusic.

i'm not sure how this band and this album especially were so over looked. every song is strong and as a whole it's fantastic. would recommend this to any fan of 80's alternative music. i'm not going to try and compare them to any other bands, there's no need. in my book this a seminal album of the 80's. miss it at your own loss.

I heard the first song off this album on KEXP in Seattle several weeks ago. I couldn't believe I'd never heard of them before, but I'm glad that I have now. The album overall is a good listen, with my two favorite songs being Ephemeral and Remembrances. The CD sounds great, like it was mastered not long ago. Since there are no dates listed on the album I cannot tell when things actually took place, like the original recording and when this particular release was done. If you like 80's new wave & the darker side of synth rock then you'll probably enjoy this album.

This group is bursting with talent and had a record contract. I have both their albums and saw them in concert in Wash/DC years ago. They where great and sounded just like the album! Sometime talent and a certain style isn't enought.