Go Betweens - Ocean Rain

I think there's something a little off-putting about the last three Go-Betweens records though.. I can't put my finger on it. Like I can't relax when I listen to them.

vs

http://www.go-betweens.org.uk/gb/pics/gboacover.jpg

This is by far the best of their reunion albums, and not because the songs are better: it's the production. The DIY self-production of their last two records never suited the Go-Betweens; their songs deserve the Cinemascope treatment (which is why, as far as their earlier records goes, I prefer Tallulah and 16 Lovers Lane). The reverbed guitar and vocals, clarinet solos, drum machines all give Forster's ruminative autobiographical narratives and McLennan's romantic gush the sweep they deserve. Favorites: "Darlinghurst Nights," "The Statue," "Here Comes The City."

Robert's songs more tuneful in their maturity, Grant's more atmospheric, they punch 'em all up to make a stronger impression than on their comeback album, thus proving that it was one. Settled down in real life, Robert recaptures his peripatetic past with a clear conscience and a sharp eye; still questing, Grant couches his romanticism in instrumental subtleties that soften his detachment. Robert so fond, Grant so elusive, both so beguiling, they're deeply civilized for the leaders of a working rock band. And for just that reason they can follow the calling until that distant day when strumming itself is too much for them. Grade: A

Does this record correct the shortcomings of their earlier LPs?

how can wonderful songs be deteriorated by a do-it-yourself production? that's a complete mystery to me.

which shortcomings are you talking about, pinefox?

and what is that other cover posted by jtn upthread? sorry for my ignorance. and how can somebody be otm who juxtaposes two covers?

btw here comes the city is about mainhattan.

Which they are, and have been for ever. Their problem was never lack of good songs.

That said, "Darlinghurst Nights" is one of the best things Robert has done. Especially poignant if you were hanging around Darlinghurst in the early eighties as I was. "Gut-rot cappuccino, gut-rot spaghetti", I even know what crappy restaurant he's talking about.

Anyway, it's so clearly the best song on that record.

Go Betweens cover Echo & the Bunnymen.

good news about the remaster. i can buy it now.
Was it really remastered? I don't play this one as much because of the distortion. Love the songs, though.

the mastering is too loud, it's true, but that just kind of makes me love it even more. this might be my favorite album of the decade.

It's pretty incredible. It shouldn't have ended the band's story like that but what a way to end.

I'm embarrassed I got the album wrong!

As for the mastering, I've come to love it like I do the final mix of Give Me Enough Rope; and, yeah, this may be the only album released in the last three years that I never tire of. Listening to that solo comp recently released makes me pine for McLennan even more.

Well, you've all convinced me to listen to it more.
But I'm still curious about TRG's claim that a new master has "quietly" been released. Does anyone have it and if so, do they hear a difference?

I pulled this album out again earlier this week and it's still great. The mastering never really bothered me too much except for the middle section of "Finding You" ("then the lightning finds us...") which sounds like it's compressed to hell and back when it should have been a build from the previous chorus. It doesn't stop that from being my favorite McLennan song though.

The mastering never really bothered me too much except for the middle section of "Finding You" ("then the lightning finds us...") which sounds like it's compressed to hell and back when it should have been a build from the previous chorus. It doesn't stop that from being my favorite McLennan song though.

Wow, you've nailed it. I thought the same thing. It's really the worst-mixed song, isn't it? This would seem to be more of a problem with McLennan's songs because they're big and bright, but "The Statue" and "No Reason To Cry" sound fine.

I just wish Go Betweens would cover Echo & the Bunnymen's "Ocean Rain". Please wake me up when this happens. For the serious. Thanks. :)

So has an improved master really surfaced? I'm considerin using "Finding You" for a wedding slide show.

Supposedly. I keep forgetting to order another copy.

have really been enjoying bootlegs of Forster's Evangelist tour ...

some of which you can find over yonder: http://misha4music.blogspot.com ....