... The result is ‘Other People’s – a new Erasure album, but where all twelve songs are cover versions of old hits.
They certainly have good choice in material too, just about every song on here is a classic, many of which have been done several times before. Even if you don’t ... Read review
Erasure are at the top of the list of synth-pop groups who have transcended the genre's ... more
inherent limitations, andOther People's Songsdemonstrates why they've stood the test of time. These are not remixes or samples; in fact, the arrangement apple never...
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Erasure are at the top of the list of synth-pop groups who have transcended the genre's ... more
inherent limitations, and Other People's Songs demonstrates why they've stood the test of time. These are not remixes or samples; in fact, the arrangement apple nev...
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Solsbury Hill Everybody's Got To Learn Sometime Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me) ... more
Everyday When Will I See You Again Walking In The Rain True Love Ways Ebb Tide Can't Help Falling In Love You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' Goodnight Video Killed The Radi...
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Erasure are at the top of the list of synth-pop groups who have transcended the genre's ... more
inherent limitations, andOther People's Songsdemonstrates why they've stood the test of time. These are not remixes or samples; in fact, the arrangement apple never falls far from the tree. The selected pop tracks from the latter half of the 20th century are rendered through Vincent Clarke's effervescent sensibility and Andy Bell's emotive vocals. Most dance-club covers have a shelf life that barely outlasts the last call. But as onAbba-esque, their homage to Abba, Erasure meticulously nurture and revitalise rainbow-coloured covers, this time making Peter Gabriel's "Solsbury Hill" and Buddy Holly's "Everyday" sweet but not bubblegum-flavoured. Erasure has a stockpile of signature sounds, many of them used here to turn disparate but instantly recognisable pop songs into Erasure songs. --Beth Massa
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Advantages: All very good songs, combine touches of the originals and of Erasure very well Disadvantages: Not as good as originals, you may not like covers
...and hence I’m not going to recommend it. If you like the idea of cover versions though, it’s an interesting album, and may be worth checking out.
Band: Erasure
Album: Other People’s Songs
Label: Mute
Release: 27th January
www.erasureinfo.com
www.mute.com
... more
I suppose I should begin by making clear where I’m coming from. I’m not really an Erasure fan. I did buy their last album (2000’s ‘Loveboat’) because I’d heard good things about it, and it was only £3.99 on cd-wow too. It sounded like they’d blended their synth-pop sound with a slightly more modern house influence, a bit like Cabaret Voltaire’s ‘Microphonies’, but I have to admit I’ve not listened to the album much at all.
So how did I come by this? Well, the Oxford Student newspaper had a promo copy someone needed to review. Again I’d heard interesting things about this new album, and thought it would be a good chance to give Erasure another try too.
Whatever you feel about Erasure, you have to hand it to Vince Clarke, after Yazoo and Depeche Mode he’s still going strong in his third successful band. Wheatus’ cover of ‘A Little Respect’ got them back in the charts a few years ago too. Ironically Erasure’s own greatest success came with their Abba-esque cover back in 1992. The idea to do a whole covers album was originally Andy Bell’s, and at first he was going to do it as a solo album, but when Vince found out he was interested too, and had some more songs in mind. The result is ‘Other People’s – a new Erasure album, but where all twelve songs are cover versions of old hits.
They certainly have good choice in material too, just about every song on here is a classic, many of which have been done several times before. Even if you don’t think you know many of them you’ll doubtless recognise more choruses than titles.
A lot of old classics have been given modern dance re-workings over the last few years – which often means stripping them of all bar a recognisable snatch of vocals then sampling them over a fairly average and repetitive beat. For the most part, however, Erasure are pretty respectful to the originals, keeping broadly similar arrangements and letting the songs do the work. The result is a package of great pop songs, just given a slight synth-pop veneer that lets you know it’s Erasure at work.
For the most part it works quite well. Opening track and first single, which you may have heard in the chart, is (Peter Gabriel’s) ‘Solsbury Hill’. I’m not really familiar with the original, but it’s a strong version in its own right, and Andy puts in a very good vocal performance, so you could hardly tell it was a cover. My favourite song is probably the third track ‘Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)’. Originally by Steve Harley and the Cockney Rebels, this is the kind of classic pop song everyone loves, and a great choice in my opinion. I have to say Erasure don’t live up to the original (which would be very difficult indeed) but their version is still pleasant enough. I know this song was also covered by Duran Duran – I’d be interested to compare them some day.
Those two are probably my favourites, but that’s not to say they’re the only worthwhile tracks by any means. Three Degrees’ ‘When Will I See You Again’, Buddy Holly’s ‘Everyday’ and ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’ (a hit for Elvis, but I’m not sure if it was originally his – you know the one, “wise men say, only fools rush in, but I can’t help...”). Somehow Erasure manage to retain the feel of the originals while adding their own touch.
That’s not to say they always get it right. The biggest disappointment for me is final track ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’ it just seems to have a certain something missing. The original 1979 Buggles hit was more fast-paced I think, while this seems slightly lame in comparison. Andy couldn’t do the main vocal either, so there’s a robot vocal provided by Mike Marsh. Again, it’s a nice song, but the Erasure version falls far short of the original, and I’d probably have cut it because it makes a poor end to the album.
That aside, the only real shame is that the twelve songs only come to about 40 minutes. Giving an overall verdict is difficult though. As a standalone piece, it probably deserves about 7/10, and it will certainly be an interesting addition for any Erasure fan. Compared to the originals, however, it can only really suffer. Unless you’re a big Erasure fan, you might as well just go and make a compilation of the originals, and hence I’m not going to recommend it. If you like the idea of cover versions though, it’s an interesting album, and may be worth checking out.
Band: Erasure Album: Other People’s Songs Label: Mute Release: 27th January www.erasureinfo.com www.mute.com
Advantages: Old songs brought up to date Disadvantages: reminds us how old we are !
...of the title track + other songs , the DVD have a short home made movie . Don't expect it to top the charts though , as all formats will only be on sale for one week only .
2) " Everbody's Got To Learn Sometime ".
Originally released by The Korgi's , and another choice of Vince. A classic Erasure pop ballad feel with some soulful lyrics from Andy
3) " Make Me Smile ( Come Up And See Me ) ".
Originally released by Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel ... ...is stunning , and Andy's interpretation is wonderful.
4) " Everyday ".
Originally released by Buddy Holly , this song chosen by Andy in memory of his father . A track brought smack upto date with synths , yet keeping that happy feeling of the original.
5) " When Will I See You Again ".
A hit for the Three Degree's , and Andy's choice . A typical Erasurish beginning - remotely unlike the original , yet soon the song becomes familiar . A great ...
CaptainKidd 02.12.2002 (01.04.2008)
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Advantages: Brought Erasure back to the forefront of UK pop Disadvantages: are you kidding !
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Erasure have always produced a great cover version throughout their history and the album ' OtherPeoplesSongs' , released in 2002 once again brought them to the publics attention . Ironically prior to recording ' OtherPeoplesSongs' Erasure were effectlively on a hiatus , Andy had been recording tracks for his solo album and also recording cover versions of a few of his all time favourite records . On a chance meeting , Vince got to hear these tracks , and together they decided to record their favourites as Erasure . Having found new energy from the recording , plus a sellout UK tour , they decided to record a new album ...
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~0~ hits ! - the very best of erasure ~0~
2003 has been a bit of successful year for Erasure . Firstly saw the release of the highly successful erasure album ' OtherPeoplesSongs ' , a compilation of classic songs given the erasure treatment . from it were released two successful singles , namely ' Solisbury Hill ' and ' Make Me Smile ( Come Up and See Me ) ' . Next followed a UK tour , which was again well received . Then came the surprise release of the erasure classic ' Oh l'amour ' , only this time remixed , and again it proved a big success .
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Advantages: Classics re-worked , re-invented. Disadvantages: where is Oh L'amour
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'OtherPeoplesSongs ' their 12th studio album was a collection of cover songs that both Andy and Vince enjoy . It brought mixed reviews , but again brought the pop world to the attention of Erasure . Their follow up album ' Nightbird ' was released to critical acclaim worldwide .
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Product Information for "Other People's Songs - Erasure" »
Product details
Title
Other People's Songs
Performer
Erasure
Genre
Rock & Pop
Sub Genre
Synth Pop
Release Date
27/01/2003
Recomended Retail Price
14.99 GBP
Original Release Year
2003
Label / Distributor
Mute / EMI Operations/CEVA Logistics
Engineer
Gareth Jones
Pieces in Set
1
Studio / Live
Studio
Stereo
Stereo
Format
Performer
EAN
724358031324
Catalogue Number
CDSTUMM 215
Additional notes
Album Notes
Erasure: Andy Bell, Vince Clark. Additional personnel includes: Ann-Marie Gilkes, Emma White (background vocals); Mick Martin. Having succeeded in paying props to Abba on the tribute EP ABBA-ESQUE, Erasure uses their tenth album OTHER PEOPLE'S SONGS to do the same with this mix of songs by both famed and more obscure bands. Vince Clarke remains a wizard behind the keys as his electronic textures help make The Righteous Brothers' "Ebb Tide" a snappy shuffle, Peter Gabriel's "Solsbury Hill" an infectious romp of bubbling beats and the Three Degrees' "When Will I See You Again" burp and chirp. Frontman Andy Bell's flamboyance and soul meld perfectly on the Cockney Rebel nugget "Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)," (first made famous in this country via a Duran Duran cover), and the percolating version of The Ronettes' "Walking In the Rain." Interestingly, the duo avoided sticking strictly with dance and R&B choices and incorporated songs from a variety of other sources, ranging from singer-songwriter Cliff Eberhardt (a shimmering "Goodnight") to a pair of Buddy Holly songs (a delicate "True Love Ways" and a spry "Everyday"). Most appropriate is the closing version of the Buggles' "Video Killed The Radio Star" that finds Erasure firmly taking the synth-pop baton from their predecessors.
Titles on disc 1
1.
Solsbury Hill
2.
Everybody's Got To Learn Sometime
3.
Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)
4.
Everyday
5.
When Will I See You Again
6.
Walking In The Rain
7.
True Love Ways
8.
Ebb Tide
9.
Can't Help Falling In Love
10.
You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
11.
Goodnight
12.
Video Killed The Radio Star
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