New SFA as break-up album

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This is just a general 'What do you think of Rings Around The World' thread really. As you might have noticed, I really love this album but I've been interested (and almost swayed) by the criticisms of it by various reviewers and a few comments on ILM. So, greatest pop/rock album of 2001 or psychedelic borefest?

In particular, does anybody else think of this as a break-up album? Most articles about it keep talking about the 'state-of-the-nation' lyrics, but nearly all the big choruses (Sidewalk Serfer Girl, Receptacle For The Respectable, Shoot Doris Day, No Sympathy, Presidential Suite, oh, all of them) seem more concerned with a particular person rather than the whole world.

― John Davey, Thursday, 26 July 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

I panicked for a moment 'cos I thought you meant a 'band brake-up' album!

Phew...

More Furries LPs please, God.

― Nick Southall, Thursday, 26 July 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

I can't really stand the Super Furries. They rub me the wrong way in so many ways.

― Melissa W, Thursday, 26 July 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

I think if someone gave me this album I might break up with them. Does that count?

― Nick, Thursday, 26 July 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Is that 'cos they're not po-faced miserablists, Melissa?

― Nick Southall, Thursday, 26 July 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Funny, it looked to me like Mel said she just didn't like them. Then why did you reply by saying something you knew she wouldn't like about her favorite band? That's not really necessary.

― Josh (ILM Moderator), Thursday, 26 July 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

I suppose not. But it's hardly unprecedented is it?

And I didn't mention anyone in particular either.

― Nick Southall, Thursday, 26 July 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Usually I delete posts that contain personal attacks, but you are making a convincing case for my deleting posts from people determined to demonstrate that they are total cunts. I'd really rather not though. Please attempt to be more civil.

― Josh (ILM Moderator), Thursday, 26 July 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Josh, I thought it was quite funny. It sounds pretty good to me. "It's Not The End Of The World" is good but I've not really listened to the others much. Downloaded it a couple of weeks ago so I haven't got enough money invested in it to feel that I have to listen to it properly.

― Greg, Friday, 27 July 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

Firstly, with regard to the above, I refer you to what I've just written in the "how do you use ILM" thread.

Secondly: I try and try with SFA but can't really get them. Six albums on my shelf, only one of which (the first one "Fuzzy Logic") got played with any regularity. Suspect from preliminary listens to the current one that this is another manifestation of creative dry- up, i.e. when you run out of ideas, add - big production, string sectione, theremins, et al (see also Mercury Rev, Flaming Lips, Delgados). Thought for ages that "Juxtapose With U" was actually the Lighthouse Family - which, contributors, IS NOT NECESSARILY A BAD THING (they were the '90s equivalent of Level 42 - more in tune with the decade than they're given credit for. Am I right, Mark?) - but really it's Gruff Rhys' gruff voice - one of these voices (like Cerys Matthews or Clare Grogan) which just stand in your way of appreciating the music, no matter how strong it actually might be.

― Marcello Carlin, Friday, 27 July 2001 00:00 (twenty-four years ago)

seven years pass...

Wow just reading old SFA threads because I'm currently in a bit of an obsessive phase with them, re-listening to all of their albums, b-sides, etc. Anyway Nick makes a harmless joke above and seems to really upset the moderator- weird, I wonder if Josh was just having a bad day or what...

Damn, I really should go to bed soon...

― ColinO, Saturday, 25 April 2009 13:28 (seventeen years ago)

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