Very disappointed that 'Church of Your Heart' is out. Yes, it was an odd choice for a single, but I genuinely like the song. As for the two eliminations from Don't Bore Us, I think I've rated them too harshly. The period from 94-95 is my favourite (Marie looked incredible, there was an emphasis on guitars, the tour was spectacular). Compared to their previous hits, 'June' and 'She Doesn't' don't hold up quite as well. But compared to a lot of stuff that came after, they are masterpieces. I mean, why is 'Real Sugar' still in there?
The ROXETTE Rate - WINNER!
- Thread starter Hudvar
- Start date
Church of Your Heart was omitted from both Roxette Greatest Hits that I own so I wasn't familiar with it. I remember thinking it was pleasant but I now can't remember a thing about it which perhaps says it all.
I gave this about 6.5, I think, which is criminally low for what was still imperial-phase Roxette and shows how little I like it, in comparison to everything else (they released as singles) between 1989 and 1993.
The chorus is annoying and a bit....clunky.
The chorus is annoying and a bit....clunky.
My theory was always that the record company tried to artificially make it a hit. 'Church' was only on the CD version of Joyride, but not on the vinyl record. I'm sure they were hoping that a lot of people who hadn't purchased the CD would buy it.
I had no idea about this, but that would make some sense...a bit like Leave Me Alone on Bad.
As a result of this rate I have decided to treat myself to the expanded reissues of Look Sharp! and Joyride on payday. Their imperial phase music is so good.
A bit more trivia while we wait for the next elimination: 'June Afternoon' was mentioned as a new song in the Crash Boom Bang tour program, along with 'T-t-take It' (which ended up on Per's solo album) and 'Myth' (a rocky demo by Marie that wasn't released until The RoxBox came out 10 years later).
If Joyride doesn't make the final 3, there will be trouble.
I promise you won't regret it. And, to be honest, I would throw in Tourism as well. While I understand that some people don't enjoy the combination of studio tracks and live versions, the segues between the songs work very well and the acoustic live version of 'Things Will Never Be the Same' is outstanding. In many ways, Tourism is a coda to Joyride, including songs that were recorded during the same sessions but didn't make the album (such as the excellent 'Queen of Rain' and 'Come Back' which was the B-side to the 'Joyride' single). And, finally, 'The Rain' is one of their best songs from that period.
If you don't like the album, just send me the bill.
I will see how I get on with Look Sharp! and Joyride first, I'm really not a fan of live tracks unfortunately! How many studio songs are on it? And is their debut worth a listen to a big fan of 80s pop?
Fair enough. 4 out of 16 tracks are concert recordings. 1 track was recorded in a night club, but you couldn't tell if you don't read the liner notes. Oh yeah, and one is from a session in a hotel room...
The debut is very mid-80s. Lots of synths, strong melodies, but the production is a bit tamer compared to the two biggies.
Oh so most of it is studio recordings? Maybe I will investigate!
The debut sounds right up my street!
Sheer coincidence: I've just been reading through the entire Sandra thread and should tell you that Per's goal at the time was to record a synth-driven album inspired by the sound of 'Maria Magdalena'. Unfortunately, the rest of the team hated the idea...
So who won? You can't beat some imperial phase Sandra!
Seconded. I wanted to crowbar it into this rate, but it was never considered as a single. Never is a Long Time is also heartbreakingly beautiful.
A little less Europop and a little more Scandi melancholy, I would say.
This.
*playing Sandra's 18 Greatest Hits, thanks*