TORMATO

It's funny, but for all the criticisms people make, I find this one to be one of my favourites. One song in particular that gets ROASTED is Circus - we all know why (candy floss crap), but otherwise it's a great little piece of composition and singing. And I wonder how many people have made the same connection that I have between SH guitar here and on TFTO? That fiery, subliminal melody stuff is all over both albums. Another criticism I've heard is the lyrical content. The only difference between this and previous albums is that the subject matter for the most part is comprehensible, as opposed to Anderson's usual cut and paste (and we like that too) method of writing. Sure, there're UFOs arriving, cosmic circuses turning up, whale issues and attacks on the music business to release their grip, but hey, why not. If anyone can tell me what the hell CTTE is all about, I'd be happy to sit down and listen. Elsewhere, CSquire's bass playing is exemplary throughout, and really showcases not only his transendental phrasing, but also an amazing technical range both from a groove pov and the counterpoint stuff he's known for. Release Release has him playing 6/4 under a 4/4 SHowe riff, and it works perfectly, pure genius. There's been talk of poor production, and while it might be said that the sound isn't as 'widescreen' as other albums, the individual elements all come through very clearly on the Rhino reissue. It has a demo feel to it somehow, but that doesn't dilute the music especially. If anything, it gives it a bit more immediacy.