The Auteurs: Classic or DUD

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The Subject Line says it all... Speak your mind!

― Simone, Sunday, 28 January 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

While I find the first two albums patchy, After Murder Park and How I Learned To Love The Bootboys are both classics. And not just because Haines is an excellent lyricist. None of that would matter a jot if he didn't have the TOONZ!

Now, Black Box Recorder on the other hand...

― Tim, Sunday, 28 January 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

Dud. Haines'smarter-than-you cynicism just grates after a while. Especially as it's coupled to the dreariest indie plod (no tune, no arrangement, no excitement). Facts of Life is great, but I've disliked all the rest of BBR that I've heard. Proably a jewel in a sea of crap.

― Dr. C, Sunday, 28 January 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

While I agree that "The Facts of Life" is an awfully disappointing album (overproduced, glossed-up, too "ironic", sounds and feels superior to its entire audience), I think "How I Learnt To Love The Bootboys" is a masterpiece. No exaggeration. Sounds incredibly *full* as well (just listen to "Some Changes" and quiver at the swaggering heaviness of the sound that fits so well with the cynicism of the lyrics). And ask for "Your Gang, Our Gang" ... phenomenal. It's the only album that's made me think again at the yearnings and longings I occasionally fall victim to when depressed over the flashiness and hype of today, it reminds me that wanting the past back is no way out. It destroys nostalgia. It lacerates, it condemns, it reminds us that the past is, ultimately, nothing to look forward to.

Oh, and "After Murder Park" is pretty fucking awesome as well. Buy both ASAP.

― Undersea Community, Monday, 29 January 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

*anality*

when I said "ask for 'Your Gang, Our Gang', I meant "as for 'Your Gang, Our Gang'".

*anality*

― Rap Fever, Monday, 29 January 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

Personality wise, Haines appears to be almostly entirely a DUD. A friend of mine who put on a BBR gig in Edinburgh reported that they were the least friendly bunch of arse she'd yet to meet, refusing to speak to her even while she was driving them to the venue. Is this relevant?

― alex thomson, Tuesday, 30 January 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

As far as Black Box Recorder tracks go, I think "Sex Life" is just as good as "Facts of Life". Like Momus when he's not insufferable (which is almost never). Think "Simply Irresistible" by Ginuwine, but with a touch of wan.

― Sterling Clover, Tuesday, 30 January 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

BBR - Friendly? I think so - after the 3rd of the 'NationalDisgrace' gigs @ Upstairs At Highbury Garage in 1999 the band came out front & chatted with the crowd & John Moore freely dished out Absinthe from his hipflask, while Luke & Sarah chatted. Since, I've bumped into Sarah after the 1999 Reading Festival Warm-up show @ Union Chapel & again she was very friendly. RE: the bad experience above...I guess even pop-luminaries have off days too...

― Dave, Thursday, 1 February 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

whats wrong with the facts of life? I thought it pretty much expanded on the first album in every way.

― nick greenfield, Saturday, 10 February 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

Agreed, 'The Facts of Life' expanded upon the theme and scope of 'England Made Me' but was let down at the final hurdle by lack of Production tweaks that someone *other than* Phil Vinall could have brought to the record. I think Haines' overly depends on Vinall re: BBR material - where someone new could have portrayed 'The Facts Of Life' in a better light.

― Dave, Monday, 12 February 2001 01:00 (twenty-three years ago) link

six years pass...

in a loveless marriage when i was 14

i'll see you on the other side

― Noodle Vague, Thursday, 4 October 2007 02:21 (sixteen years ago) link

after murder park is CLASSIC

― ciderpress, Thursday, 4 October 2007 06:03 (sixteen years ago) link

one year passes...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0434018465?tag=themindsconst-21&camp=2902&creative=19466&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0434018465&adid=007260SHE7YEQCBW6W7D&

Luke Haines - Bad Vibes: Britpop and my part in its downfall. just released this week.

don't know whether to read this now or save it for a holiday where I can greedily read it all in the space of 2 days.

― Hamildan, Wednesday, 14 January 2009 16:22 (fifteen years ago) link

fifteen years pass...

Really enjoyed this book, especially the constant disdain for ‘the cellist’ the label forced them to add to the band.

Bumping this because minutes ago I discovered that this much maligned cellist was also responsible for the first 12” release by jungle legend Bryan G (as Magus Project back in 1991) and it has blown my mind.

― Agnes, Agatha, Germaine and Jack (Willl), Tuesday, 2 April 2024 14:52 (four weeks ago) link

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