COUNTRY LIFE

And this, this might be their most exciting show of all, when it comes to certain levels. The ELO style washes and kicking feedback-laden crash of the echoing introductory 'The Thrill of it All' might effectively function as the group's quintessential piece. The drift in mood from softer brass flowing to overdriven electric and violin mayhem every half minute or so is a truly spoken thrill if there ever was one. But this is the stage of the band that will show me a truly grand idea, then be happy enough running it to the ground.

It's Country Life, which is considered to be the final album in the band's four 'essential' peak releases. This one kicks up the diversity a few notches. 'Three and Nine' is some tastefully glammy pop, and Ferry's at his (have to use this word at least once in all these reviews) decadent best. The sleazy saxophone solo is tops, as well. 'All I Want Is You' is more of a lost 1960's gem, which is partly why it disappoints me. Couldn't they have given that riff a more engaging hook to it? And the singing is lazy. What point am I trying to make here? Well, this is a disjointed, convoluted album of highs and lows. It has that trademark personality, but it's lacking in the songwriting department. We're pleasantly 'going through the motions' he says without words.

Give me clarity or give me death! The piano accompaniment isn't even necessary anymore. Hell, on 'Out of the Blue', the bass guitar plays a more prominent role. I don't know about you, but I like my piano glam more piano-y, ya dig? I understand their desires to dabble in funky-chunky. I like that brand of ice cream. What the layman will notice when transferring from Stranded to Country Life is the lack of originality setting in(oh, and how the mood is butchered). They done changed the underground world with their shenanigans, now it's time to pittle out into obscurity. It's the absolute peak of pittled obscurity, by the way.

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