How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Good
Value for Money
Advantages:
Brilliant diverse music
Disadvantages:
Could dissapoint some fans
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
How much does Catatonia owe to the Chris Carter? If it wasn’t for him would Catatonia be a lesser-known band, trying hard to get a look in the Top 40? Without a doubt their career rocketed with the release of Mulder & Scully and was strengthened by the award winning Road Rage (Best Single, Q Magazine). Now, after the storming International Velvet, comes Equally Cursed & Blessed, a more relaxed album by far.
DEAD FROM THE WAIST DOWN
The first single from the album and one of the best sounding songs to be heard in a long, long time. Its a beautiful little song, with some very nice sounding strings in the background, its a perfect lazy day Summer song and Cerys' voice sounds amazing.
LONDINIUM
The second single which sees Catatonia returning to a more upbeat style. A black comedic stab at the capital of the UK ('London never sleeps, it just sucks'). Cerys puts her trademark, gravely voice to work. You can look at this as being this albums Road Rage, although not as good.
POST SCRIPT
Although another heavy song this is a weak one from the album that doesn’t really do anything for my ears. However one of its strengths are the lyrics ('I don’t get off on communal changing').
SHE'S A MILLIONAIRE
A quirky and successful song that was being debated as the third single. Again the lyrics are masterfully thought out. It also features a nice little solo recorder playing by Cerys
STORM THE PALACE
Without doubt this song harks back to the earlier rock days of Catatonia and also gets their mocking views across of the Royal's. Its a very loud and fastbeat song that will please all Catatonia fans.
This one is a funny one. Their third single (debuting at a low 34) can only be described as 'pop' sounding, however this being Catatonia and Cerys being Cerys it sounds damn good. The longest song on the album and the most catchiest by far. Its a song that doesn’t take itself seriously and when you first listen to it you'll think of it as a bit out of place but you'll love it.
BULMIC BEATS
A song that is beautifully sung by Cerys, showing her softer side, and singing about her days of Bulimia. The music is also soft and it’s pretty slow paced.
VALERIAN
Another dreamy song, this one about Cerys and Mark Roberts relationship that has since broken up. To me, this is one of the best songs on the album.
SHOOT THE MESSENGER
After Bulmic Beats and Valerian, Shoot the Messenger is a far more gritty song and Cerys snarls her way through it. The song does not really have a clear structure to it but it just makes it that more likable, although a harshly sung song the music is more relaxed than Cerys' voice.
NOTHING HURTS
A lovely little song, both gentle in terms of music and Cerys voice. This time there is no ironic stabbing or black humour and seems a strange Catatonia song, however the dreamy melody and the ushering's of Cerys' words will have you hooked
DAZED, BEAUTIFUL AND BRUISED
Going out in style and returning to their roots with the song that closes the album. Cerys voice is loud and so is the music and it would have made a great single. Basically is a song about women who shouldn’t have to put up with getting beaten up or pushed around by their men. While Cerys can be harsh she can also be soothing as well in this song's quieter parts. Defiantly the strongest song on the album.
Equally Cursed & Blessed was quite well received but it didn’t impress enough to make it as successful as International Velvet, which is a shame. The single's also didn’t do too well either, coming 7,24 and 34, compared to the last albums songs enjoying 2 Top 10 hits, 1 Top 20 and Game On in at 36.
While it may disappoint some fans tastes of loud, indie rock music it deserves a great deal of praise because Catatonia have tried something different and it has paid off to be one very nice, diverse album indeed.
EQUALLY CURSED AND BLESSED IS
Soft Harsh Pure Catatonia
EQUALLY CURSED AND BLESSED IS NOT
As 'rocky' as the previous 2 LPs As popular as International Velvet Is not as good as International Velvet
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How does it rate alongside the competition
Outstanding
Cover / Inlay Design and Content
Good
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Blessedis the sound of a band realising what's happened, and as such it is a much more personal album. Opening track "Dead From The Waist Down" is the view of Am...
Blessedis the sound of a band realising what's happened, and as such it is a much more personal album. Opening track "Dead From The Waist Down" is the view of Am...
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