Didn't we do this before? I don't remember for sure, but I thought I remembered voting for "Soviet". If I'd have seen this one I'd have voted for "Soviet" again, ahead of "Idiot Country" (which also placed low here b/c of the "rap" I assume?), b/c "Soviet" remains a mix tape staple of mine. This album was such a gateway album for me to bands I ended up loving a ton, and for that alone I still rate it very highly.
― la saucisse est une femme? (Euler), Friday, 24 July 2009 15:58 (fourteen years ago) link
I rate this album highly because it's fucking awesome.
― Lisa Simpson = a fictional bitch (HI DERE), Friday, 24 July 2009 16:00 (fourteen years ago) link
prob. top 20 for me all time
― la saucisse est une femme? (Euler), Friday, 24 July 2009 16:00 (fourteen years ago) link
i like Disappointed more than anything on this
― unban dictionary (blueski), Friday, 24 July 2009 16:04 (fourteen years ago) link
It is one of the great "lost" tracks.
― Spencer Chow, Friday, 24 July 2009 19:36 (fourteen years ago) link
'Idiot Country' is by no means the runt on here, it's got terrific guitar.
― Ismael Klata, Friday, 24 July 2009 20:16 (fourteen years ago) link
Yep: this is just a fantastic album all the way through. And yeh, it sounds of its time ... but that was a time I loved musically, so hey.
― grimly fiendish, Friday, 24 July 2009 23:35 (fourteen years ago) link
"I don't know if we could get lost in a city this size if we wanted to."
This song is so great. What a title! And for a four minute song it's concise, with several different sections that don't repeat (note esp. the guitar part at just over two minutes in, & the closing part).
― Euler, Tuesday, 14 September 2010 14:58 (thirteen years ago) link
For such a simple chordal structure it's got so many unexpected production touches: chimes, choral synths, the flamenco guitar, and – the icing – that oboe part.
― Gucci Mane hermeneuticist (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 14 September 2010 15:07 (thirteen years ago) link
Album is ultramegaclassic.
― cee-oh-tee-tee, Tuesday, 14 September 2010 15:19 (thirteen years ago) link
It's been weird and reassuring to realize that I wasn't the only person who thought "Some Distant Memory" was classic.
― Gucci Mane hermeneuticist (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 14 September 2010 15:29 (thirteen years ago) link
It's a total classic! People who don't like that song don't really like this album IMO.
― and by "Heavens!" i mean WATERFALLS OF BIDDY (HI DERE), Tuesday, 14 September 2010 15:31 (thirteen years ago) link
um, I don't really like this album.
I got it on day one, and went : "mmmmmmmm....."
(The singles, particularly the "Feel every beat" remixes, oh yes!)
― Mark G, Tuesday, 14 September 2010 15:32 (thirteen years ago) link
It's so easy –why won't you leave this?Just because I've grown afraid of youI wish we were at the beginningIt would be so good to be with you
― Gucci Mane hermeneuticist (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 14 September 2010 15:33 (thirteen years ago) link
If we were redoing the poll I'd vote for "Some Distant Memory". I could stand to hear a 20 minute remix of it, elongating each of the gorgeous sections. The guitar section alone is like a lost beach classic.
― Euler, Tuesday, 14 September 2010 15:33 (thirteen years ago) link
Search "Free Will" on the "Message" 12".
― cee-oh-tee-tee, Tuesday, 14 September 2010 15:54 (thirteen years ago) link
ahhh - this is why I feel so at home on ILM. Shame I missed this poll, 'Some Distant Memory' and partic that oboe section is one of my favorite pieces of music in the world.
― licorice oratorio (baaderonixx), Friday, 17 September 2010 08:32 (thirteen years ago) link
Oh man, glad I'm not the only one who loves that oboe part. Just perfect, isn't it.
― Ned Raggett, Friday, 17 September 2010 15:51 (thirteen years ago) link
I can never remember "Try All You Want" by name
― juggalo iglesias (HI DERE), Friday, 17 September 2010 15:54 (thirteen years ago) link
In my Roxy interview with Scott Woods, I cited that oboe part as my favorite ever.
― Gucci Mane hermeneuticist (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Friday, 17 September 2010 16:06 (thirteen years ago) link
Can I mention the B-sides, all of which are wonderful in their own way? "Second To None" and its huge orchestral synth chords, and "Free Will" and its acid house nonsense -- a distant cousin to the Pet Shop Boys' "Don Juan"?
― Rich Lolwry (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Sunday, 23 January 2011 02:32 (thirteen years ago) link
Can anyone work out what the vocal sample in Free Will says? "Bring the light - something?"
― orange and teal.css (I am using your worlds), Sunday, 23 January 2011 02:52 (thirteen years ago) link
I thought it said "Real life is empty," which explains why it's buried.
― Rich Lolwry (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Sunday, 23 January 2011 03:17 (thirteen years ago) link
This is one of those days when "Idiot Country" is the greatest song in the world. Things to note today: the pause, whoosh & restart at 3:19, and the slightly higher key for the main key riff immediately thereafter. This song is loaded with little details like that.
― Euler, Saturday, 14 April 2012 14:35 (twelve years ago) link
man "Tighten Up" was robbed. classic Marr guitar on that one.
― Hoo Nu Cookies (crüt), Saturday, 14 April 2012 14:40 (twelve years ago) link
This song is loaded with little details like that.
Also: the whistling and that orchestral synth part
― Exile in lolville (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Saturday, 14 April 2012 14:51 (twelve years ago) link
An expanded 2 disc edition of Sumner and Marr's 1991 debut as Electronic.'Electronic' sounds a little more like New Order than the Smiths. The three singles from the album remain the highlights: "Get the Message," "Feel Every Beat" and "Getting Away with It" featuring Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys.The project has been described as a joyous venn diagram of Sumner and Marr’s influences. Although ostensibly coming from different disciplines, the experimental dance pop of New Order and the full-bodied jangle of The Smiths, their common interests were many: dance music, a good tune and pushing musical boundaries.The release includes 8 previously unreleased tracks including alternate versions, edits & instrumentals.TracklistingCD 1 1. Idiot Country (2012 - Remaster) 2. Reality (2012 - Remaster) 3. Tighten Up (2012 - Remaster) 4. The Patience Of A Saint (2012 - Remaster) 5. Getting Away With It (2012 - Remaster) 6. Gangster (2012 - Remaster) 7. Soviet (2012 - Remaster) 8. Get The Message (2012 - Remaster) 9. Try All You Want (2012 - Remaster)10. Some Distant Memory (2012 - Remaster)11. Feel Every Beat (2012 - Remaster)CD 2 1. Disappointed (Stephen Hague 7” Inch Version) (2012 remaster) 2. Second To None (Edit) Previously unreleased 3. Lean To The Inside (Edit) Previously unreleased 4. Twisted Tenderness (Guitar / Vocal Mix) Previously unreleased 5. Idiot Country Two (12” Version) 6. Free Will (Edit) Previously unreleased 7. Until The End Of Time (Edit) Previously unreleased 8. Feel Every Beat (Edit) Previously unreleased 9. Getting Away With It (Instrumental) (2012 remaster) 10. Turning Point (Edit) (2012 remaster)11. Visit Me (Edit) Previously unreleased12. Twisted Tenderness (Instrumental) Previously unreleased
'Electronic' sounds a little more like New Order than the Smiths. The three singles from the album remain the highlights: "Get the Message," "Feel Every Beat" and "Getting Away with It" featuring Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys.
The project has been described as a joyous venn diagram of Sumner and Marr’s influences. Although ostensibly coming from different disciplines, the experimental dance pop of New Order and the full-bodied jangle of The Smiths, their common interests were many: dance music, a good tune and pushing musical boundaries.
The release includes 8 previously unreleased tracks including alternate versions, edits & instrumentals.
Tracklisting
CD 1 1. Idiot Country (2012 - Remaster) 2. Reality (2012 - Remaster) 3. Tighten Up (2012 - Remaster) 4. The Patience Of A Saint (2012 - Remaster) 5. Getting Away With It (2012 - Remaster) 6. Gangster (2012 - Remaster) 7. Soviet (2012 - Remaster) 8. Get The Message (2012 - Remaster) 9. Try All You Want (2012 - Remaster)10. Some Distant Memory (2012 - Remaster)11. Feel Every Beat (2012 - Remaster)
CD 2 1. Disappointed (Stephen Hague 7” Inch Version) (2012 remaster) 2. Second To None (Edit) Previously unreleased 3. Lean To The Inside (Edit) Previously unreleased 4. Twisted Tenderness (Guitar / Vocal Mix) Previously unreleased 5. Idiot Country Two (12” Version) 6. Free Will (Edit) Previously unreleased 7. Until The End Of Time (Edit) Previously unreleased 8. Feel Every Beat (Edit) Previously unreleased 9. Getting Away With It (Instrumental) (2012 remaster) 10. Turning Point (Edit) (2012 remaster)11. Visit Me (Edit) Previously unreleased12. Twisted Tenderness (Instrumental) Previously unreleased
― Mark G, Friday, 11 January 2013 09:21 (eleven years ago) link
Release date: 11/03/13
Hmmm tempting - although I would have hoped to have a super extended version of Some Distant memory amongst the bonus tracks.
― licorice oratorio (baaderonixx), Friday, 11 January 2013 10:11 (eleven years ago) link
their B-sides are fantastic. "Second to None" is this quiet melancholic thing. "Lean to the Inside" is the ultimate TV theme.
― the little prince of inane false binary hype (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 21 January 2013 02:19 (eleven years ago) link
I think this says it all:
http://www.feeleverybeat.co.uk/albums/melodymaker25may1991.jpg
― the little prince of inane false binary hype (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 21 January 2013 02:34 (eleven years ago) link
i note there's already an expanded edition on Spotify http://open.spotify.com/album/1BUrw4Xa1r4eQI6D6kz7zr
but it's a bit different
― piscesx, Monday, 21 January 2013 11:10 (eleven years ago) link
I love that review, Alfred, and quite interesting today to note his frame of references. I don't think I read it at the time (iirc my music press debut was a couple of weeks later) but I do remember Lester was still on the same riff when he reviewed Slowdive's debut later in the year. Something like: 'if anyone was going to make a better album this year than Electronic, it would be Electronic themselves ... but I secretly hoped Slowdive might somehow surprise us all'
― Ismael Klata, Monday, 21 January 2013 11:22 (eleven years ago) link
Funny how attitudes to age in pop have changed. "By rights they should be washed up, trading on former glories, a miserably uninspired pair of codgers way past their prime." Sumner was 35, Marr 27.
― Deafening silence (DL), Monday, 21 January 2013 12:37 (eleven years ago) link
haha what a review
― licorice oratorio (baaderonixx), Monday, 21 January 2013 12:48 (eleven years ago) link
We're aware of this, right?
http://pitchfork.com/news/50126-johnny-marr-and-new-orders-bernard-sumners-project-electronic-to-reissue-debut/
― the little prince of inane false binary hype (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Friday, 5 April 2013 01:26 (eleven years ago) link
I love how they unwittingly made it difficult to google for downloads by naming themselves Electronic. Marr must have taken notes from fellow seer Matt Johnson.
― Josh in Chicago, Friday, 5 April 2013 02:35 (eleven years ago) link
Ha. Once I saw some dudes at the airport who were clearly in some kind of band. I asked what the name was and guy told me, in heavy French accent, "Rock and Roll"
― What About The Half That's Never Been POLLed (James Redd and the Blecchs), Friday, 5 April 2013 14:10 (eleven years ago) link
Great news on the reissue. I have the original CD which I suspect was mastered from vinyl, and was looking into ordering the previous remastered version with the black cover from the uk. Glad I waited.
― Spencer Chow, Friday, 5 April 2013 17:30 (eleven years ago) link
I have absolutely no words...
http://drownedinsound.com/releases/17564/reviews/4146274
― The Jupiter 8 (Turrican), Monday, 8 April 2013 11:48 (eleven years ago) link
the irony of accusing the re-issue of being "lazily tossed-off" is delicious.
― Neil S, Monday, 8 April 2013 11:51 (eleven years ago) link
Haha.
The second disc is pretty bad though. Alternate versions of songs that came out almost a decade later?
― Spencer Chow, Monday, 8 April 2013 12:20 (eleven years ago) link
On the other hand I wanted remastered opy of Second to None.
― the little prince of inane false binary hype (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 8 April 2013 12:21 (eleven years ago) link
I initially thought the Twisted Tenderness demos might have been recorded at the time of the 1st lp and then finished 10 years later
― licorice oratorio (baaderonixx), Monday, 8 April 2013 13:59 (eleven years ago) link
If you want to goI just can't say no
― the little prince of inane false binary hype (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 22 April 2013 00:51 (eleven years ago) link
Reviving because it's been, you know, a year since the last time.
― Bryan Fairy (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Friday, 14 March 2014 01:38 (ten years ago) link
Bought this on vinyl a couple months ago. It's still one of my favorite albums. Kind if wish they had release it in the US on vinyl so I could have Getting Away With It on there as well.
― brotherlovesdub, Friday, 14 March 2014 02:02 (ten years ago) link
Phone posting leads to some shady errors.
― brotherlovesdub, Friday, 14 March 2014 02:03 (ten years ago) link
I hope the new stuff from New Order incorporates the sweet synth basslines on display in Try All You Want and Some Distant Memory.
― brotherlovesdub, Friday, 14 March 2014 02:21 (ten years ago) link
better to live than to know
― Bryan Fairy (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Friday, 14 March 2014 02:23 (ten years ago) link
World in Motion needs no forgiving.
― gyac, Saturday, 28 May 2022 05:20 (two years ago) link
That’s a truly baffling number of votes for ‘Gangster’!
― piscesx, Saturday, 28 May 2022 12:28 (two years ago) link
it's an open act of defiance!
― Malevolent Arugula (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Saturday, 28 May 2022 12:29 (two years ago) link
Gangster rules, as does the rest of this album
― castanuts (DJP), Saturday, 28 May 2022 13:11 (two years ago) link
bloody hell, i hate this bands name.makes ilm, google etc impossible to dig around for more info.anyways, have had the orig cd for years, and never really got into it as it sounds so weak and limp.then the other day i spotted a version in a local charity shop with a different cover.got home and did the usual discogs check up.had no idea re the 1993 remaster, and decided to spend the wallet busting 50p.yeah, not to get all SHF, but this is a lot better than the original cd version.it's not just louder, but better definition, seperation and cleaner/crisper.enjoying it so so much more.i guess someone realised quite soon after the original release that the cd edition just didn't sound that good, hence the very quick 'remaster'.
― mark e, Wednesday, 14 June 2023 18:24 (one year ago) link
Look at me, I always get the blameBut I can't even learn to spell my name
― the dreaded dependent claus (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 31 July 2023 20:41 (ten months ago) link
I’d like to readI’d like to writeBut where I live I learned to fightSo don’t you ever say that we’re the same
― the new drip king (DJP), Tuesday, 1 August 2023 00:55 (ten months ago) link
otm
― the dreaded dependent claus (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 1 August 2023 01:01 (ten months ago) link
https://www.slicingupeyeballs.com/2023/08/13/electronic-get-the-message-best-of-reissue/
― 龜, Monday, 14 August 2023 13:50 (ten months ago) link
Neil: "Bernard and Johnny Marr were almost outraged by the way we work. The way we work is we have a programmer who does all the typewriter tapping and he does everything himself and we hardly do anything ourselves. We kind of sit there reading piles of magazines telling people what to do or, indeed, sleeping while they're doing it. And Bernard thinks this is terribly funny and shocking. He can't get over the fact that Chris goes to sleep in the studio. When we did 'Patience Of A Saint', it was quite embarrassing trying to write with them. Chris had this chord change and then Johnny Marr put a bass line on it and I wrote a tune. It took about 10 or 15 minutes. And then it was time to go to The Hacienda..."
― hat trick of trashiness (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Sunday, 17 September 2023 15:21 (eight months ago) link