That Mercury Rev avoided a messy, chemically-assisted burnout in the middle of the 1990s ... more
is remarkable; that they should return in 1998 with an album as fine as Deserter's Songs is almost unfeasible. But working by the old adage that "what does not kill us makes us stronger", Deserter's Songs is an album of unparalleled scope. Drawing on the legacy of America's pioneers and the nascent scenes of folk-rock and psychedelia, Mercury Rev have formed a living, breathing piece of heritage. "Holes" is dizzied in America's vast scope, and warmed by woodwind instruments, mellotrons and a Wurlitzer organ. It sounds like a beautiful climax, but it's only the first song, and there's better to come, what with the weathered "Goddess On A Hiway" and "Opus 40". Deserter's Songs is one of the essential American albums at the end of the 1990s. It's hard to see that they--or anyone--can top it. --Louis Pattison
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That Mercury Rev avoided a messy, chemically-assisted burnout in the middle of the 1990s ... more
is remarkable; that they should return in 1998 with an album as fine asDeserter's Songsis almost unfeasible. But working by the old adage that "what does not kill us makes us stronger",Deserter's Songsis an album of unparalleled scope. Drawing on the legacy of America's pioneers and the nascent scenes of folk-rock and psychedelia, Mercury Rev have formed a living, breathing piece of heritage. "Holes" is dizzied in America's vast scope, and warmed by woodwind instruments, mellotrons and a Wurlitzer organ. It sounds like a beautiful climax, but it's only the first song, and there's better to come, what with the weathered "Goddess On A Hiway" and "Opus 40".Deserter's Songsis one of the essential American albums at the end of the 1990s. It's hard to see that they--or anyone--can top it. --Louis Pattison
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Advantages: The Only Desert Island Disc You'll Ever Need. Disadvantages: Blast, There's A White Liner In The Distance.
And right out of the blue came MercuryRev. Nearly men, who had crafted several flawed albums, until the magical opus that is 'DesertersSongs' reared its head. Add this album to their unforgettable intimate live performances and MercuryRev rightfully hold pride of place on the a-list of innovative artists.
I've always liked 'Boces', one of MercuryRev's previous albums, because it was it was full of brilliant half ideas. What it lacked in focus, it made up in energy. Songs like 'Something For Joey' will always hold a special place in my heart. 'DesertersSongs' is a different proposition altogether, however. Where MercuryRev once fumbled (with some success) in the dark, they now provide the bright lights for an art form in serious need of reinvention.
'Holes' kicks off proceedings in reflective mode. Lacking a distinct beat ...
Advantages: Psychedelic and beautiful songs Disadvantages: Dodgy Sax Solos
To be perfectly honest, I didn't have a clue who MercuryRev were until 'Deserters' Songs' was released. Even then it took about Four months of the NME waxing lyrical about them to convince me to buy the CD. I never usually trust the NME, but as I chanced to see the inspiring 'Goddess On A Hiway' on Irish TV station TV3 one morning, I was blown away (no not literally!) by it and knew it had to be my next purchase. Today, almost 2 years later, it still gets regular spins on my CD player.
MercuryRev are not the most high profile of bands. They rarely get radio air-play or their videos on MTV. Therefore you should be pretty assured that they must be pretty good and they just get on with making great music. And that's what they do. Their earlier work I have only sampled by way of Napster and it sounds a bit dodgy to me (besides Coney ...
Advantages: A great tribute. Stellar line-up. Benefits a worthy cause. Disadvantages: Some of the fashons are now very dated!
to the immense task of emulating Freddie Mercury and his voice was reedy and thin.
Also rather strangely Zucchero (who??) were included performing Las Palabras Del Amor (what? - maybe a more dedicated Queen fan could point out where this song came from - is it anything to do with Barcelona?)
Spinal Tap's performance was also left out, along with Def Leppard. I would much rather have seen the mighty Tap than Paul Young or Zucchini any day! On DVD, surely some of the second disc could have shown the remaining footage of the concert, rather than be filled up with extras.
--- Despite all these shortcomings, is it still worth buying? --
Definitely. The two disk set spans the length of Queen's career - from the seventies to the nineties. It is a rare showcase of musical talent and it is very well produced.
Parts are also very ...
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