Currently on an extended break from Ciao - quite happy to let my ops stand, but I'll not be adding t...
Currently on an extended break from Ciao - quite happy to let my ops stand, but I'll not be adding to them for a while. Too much going on in the rest of life!
Member since:26.07.2000
Reviews:113
Members who trust:20
Last year Pure saw Eighties King, Gary Numan, make a triumphant entry into the new millennium. No retro- eighties stylings here, rather a full circle of influences taking him to a new place. 15 years ago Numan was inspiring the likes of Trent Resnor, Burton C Bell, and a whole raft of other people, who then spun off into the dark 'n' heavy hinterland, well away from the shiny pop world Numan had started out in. The turn of the century spun the wheel so it was them influencing him. 1999 saw Numan working in collaboration with the guys of Industrial-metal behemoths Fear Factory to produce the truly stunning cover of Cars. If you've seen the adverts for American Express Blue card recently - you've heard the beginning of that cover version. Halloween 1999 he made a guest appearance at Fear Factory's gig to perform it live at the Brixton Academy - and to someone who saw him do that, it sounds a lot like he went home that night and started writing Pure.
I guess it's rather more complicated than that, although Fear Factory do get singled out for a thankyou on the inlay. A summer spent hanging out at metal festivals, and the involvement of personnel from Sulphur (ex-Curve) have certainly had their impact on this album, which marks a new direction in Numan's music. All without loosing any of his amazing talent for atmospherics or his ear for a good tune and a dance floor friendly track. And all in a progression from his dark tinged eighties hits. Simply moved to a higher level - no more tinny synths, no more novelty pop songs, just sheer class. Don't get me wrong, I love and enjoy the eighties classics (although Fear Factory's version of Cars is one of the only times I can think of where I prefer a cover to an original). It's just good to see someone who was something of a hero move on, develop, go places, and not just rehash his or her moments in the sun. I have time for real, quality pop, but welcome something with a bit more substance.
And substance this has by the bucket load! Strong bass lines, deep, grounded rhythms; sometimes atmospheric vocal showcases (One Perfect Lie, Little Invitro) sometimes just dance floor friendly rocking out (Listen to my Voice, Pure). Lyrical vocals focused on the thorny issues of religion and belief. Think Nine Inch Nails; think Vast, think Fear Factory, think 90's Depeche Mode and you're nearly there. Add a sprinkling of Tory Amos, a touch of Perfect Circle, a hint of Nick Cave, and your getting closer. I guess it's not exactly radical and cutting edge, but he makes something all his own from that nest of influences. His vocal style and lyrics are unmistakable, and this is quality work - not a dud track on the album, and a goodly range of tracks, that don't always go where you expect. Passionate, heartfelt, beautiful, powerful and immensely enjoyable. If you are not totally adverse to the use of guitars in music, then I would certainly recommend that you give this a try.
The website, www.numan.co,uk (written by the man himself) offers a generous smattering of tasters and sample tracks for download, as well as photos, news and interviews.
Gary Numan - Pure. 2000 Eagle Records
1> Pure 2> Walking with shadows 3> Rip 4> One Perfect Lie 5> My Jesus 6> Fallen 7> Listen to my Voice 8> A Prayer for the Unborn 9> Torn 10> Little invite 11> I Can't Breath
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I heard some of RIP recently, and just downloaded the mp3-blimey, it's very Nine Inch Nailsy isn't it! I have to confess that despite my tender age of 21 I am of the firm opinion that Depeche Mode rock, and I may have to add this album to the collection of 80's bands I shouldn't really like if I want to look cool... Sootica XXX
Saturn 14.11.2001 20:49
Takes me back. Why do all your ops make me feel nostalgic ;¬]
DoubleTrouble 07.10.2001 03:02
Numan won me back with this album, I have to admit. I've always loved this kind of music (Curve were an early 90s fave of mine and virtually invented Garbage 5 years early), and Pure is a mighty record. Well-written review that doesn't need to trawl through each track to achieve the desired effect. Cheers, J.
Advantages: Some stunning tracks, it's an incredible effort considering where he came from Disadvantages: A few dull moments, but I still can't wait for the next one
yhwman 15.07.2001 (15.07.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Pure - Gary Numan
Advantages: Some stunning tracks, it's an incredible effort considering where he came from Disadvantages: A few dull moments, but I still can't wait for the next one
yhwman 15.07.2001 (15.07.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Pure - Gary Numan
Aug 14th, 2001
(Sep 12th, 2001)
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