The Go-Betweens - Oceans Apart
Posted by: Mike Hughes on 05 May 2005
In a week in which I have been underwhelmed by the new Bruce and overwhelmed by the Fall Peel sessions I have also been charmed by the new album from the above. It's the third of their comeback and, frankly, comes near to being a career best. The opening track and next to last rather let it down but what lies inbetween is prime Go-Betweens. Heartily recommended. I'm afraid I can't get past Born To A Family without thinking I'm listening to a song they must have lost 20 years ago.
Anyone else heard this? It had mixed reviews (3 to 5 stars). I'd say it was a 4+. Very, very good. Listen to Forster sing "but what could I do" and try to stop the smile spreading!
Mike
Posted on: 08 May 2005 by toad
Just a quick heads-up. The Go-Betweens are in session on Virgin Radio's Razorcuts show tonight, 8pm - 10pm.
Kev.
P.S. I've got the album on order, Mike.
Posted on: 10 May 2005 by Shauns
Mike, if you ever get the chance, you have to see them live. Robert Forster has a great sense of humour and has an amazing rapport with his audience. Grant Mclennon and Robert Forster did an acoustic tour around Australia a couple of years ago and it was fantastic. They played for about 3 hours with forster encouraging the encores (4 or 5!), so much so that Grant Mclennan was looking a little jaded and disinterested towards the end. Cattle and Cane gets me every time. Cheers, Shaun
Posted on: 11 May 2005 by ChrisG
Caught the GB's at Brighton on Monday, it must be the 3 or 4 time I've seen them live and this was easily the best. The new songs and those from the preceeding album worked especially well, great gig highly recommended. Catch them at The Empire Shepherds Bush this Saturday. They're also selling a live double CD of their 2004 Barbican show at the gigs.
It may be me but does anyone find the new CD very bright and digital sounding?
Chris
Posted on: 22 May 2005 by Mike Hughes
Shauns,
Apols. for delay in responding. Been busy being a Dad since the birth of my first born two weeks ago. Hard work being a middle aged parent!!!
Anyway, I actually saw the GBs back in 1984 at Leeds Warehouse and was amongst a party of students told to "fuck off" by Lindy Morrison. One of our number was smitten with her (well okay, all of us) and had asked her something which we didn't hear but for which we all got it in the neck!
Have seen them since and they never connect as well as they do on record but the current line-up certainly works very well.
If only I had time to listen to it again. The last fortnight has been a blur.
Mike
Posted on: 25 May 2005 by woodface
I actually took a chance on this one and it is excellent; I had never heard of these until I read the recent Mojo review. I will now look at there back catalogue and buy the rest of their output, any recomendations?
Posted on: 25 May 2005 by hungryhalibut
I really like Tallulah, their fifth album from the first time around. The song 'The House Jack Kerouac Built' is a particular fave.
Nigel
Posted on: 25 May 2005 by JasonRStone
wow - blown away - i just saw them live last week
great show - never knew them before and i'm an aussie to - tsk tsk
Mate from Brissie told me about them (The Go-Betweens are from Brissie too)
and and yeah great album - sounds better with an autograph on the front from Dave Byrne too
hehehe
cheers
Jase
Posted on: 25 May 2005 by toad
@ woodfacequote:
any recomendations?
For the newer stuff, try "Bright Yellow Bright Orange" (2003). I can't stop playing it at the moment.
kev
Posted on: 26 May 2005 by Brian OReilly
Inspired by the thread I've been re-listening to "Before Hollywood", for the last couple of weeks. I'd agree with Shaun, that "Cattle and Cane" is one of those classics that will always sound great, but I think it's unrepresentative of the album. It's not always fair to judge a 23yr old recording in contemporary terms, but it doesn't stand the test of time for me.
Having read the enthusiastic reviews of the later stuff I might check out the new one when I get the chance.
BOR
