(Shoegazer) Slowdive - Souvlaki

[Scott Herren]

Not enough great things can be said about Souvlaki, Slowdive's magnificent second album. The sound is incredible -- beautifully written pop songs layered with floating trails of vocals, and vast waves of guitars. The result is a brilliant album, almost on par with Loveless as the definative recordings in the "shoegazer" genre.

The Lineup

Neil Halstead
Rachel Goswell
Ian McCutcheon
Nick Chaplin
Christian Savill
Simon Scott

Notable Songs

"Alison" (3:51)
"Machine Gun" (4:28)
"When the Sun Hits" (4:47)
"Dagger" (3:33)
"Some Velvet Morning" (3:23)

Track Listing

Alison
Machine Gun
40 Days
Sing
Here She Comes
Souvlaki Space Station
When the Sun Hits
Altogether
Melon Yellow
Dagger
Some Velvet Morning
Good Day Sunshine
Missing You
Country Rain

For most people who aren't familiar with it this special brand of music is pretty incredible, featuring songs with echoing layered voices and swirling, processed guitars. While Slowdive is very melodic sounding, the genre's music can approach the sensation of a droning wall of noise that dominates over the vocal lines buried within it; in all, the sound is unique but a little obscure or dated sounding, as the shoegazer scene only flourished for a few years before being eclipsed by Brit Pop (in England) and Grunge (in America).

Swirly, drifty tunes like "Alison" and "Machine gun" start off the album, and lead into more heart-wrenching songs including my favorite "When the sun hits". Every single song on the album is worth listening to, and theres not a dull spot from start to finish. "Souvlaki" is one of those albums to listen to any time especially on rainy days or when you are having trouble sleeping at night.

Negatives

A bit dreary

Positives

Everything Else

My Rating

4.8/5

[br3ad_man]

No one has posted in here? Goodness me. This is an incredible album, I only wish I'd known enough about the band to pick up the album when I saw it for $3.

[Bartender]

This got no replies?

Surprising, because I distinctly remember reading this, all those months ago, wondering what the hell "shoegazer" was, and being intrigued by the word "souvlaki". I tried to download something, to check it out; I think Alison and When the Sun Hits found sources, but wouldn't download, so I eventually just lost interest.

Good review, anyway.

[Happymeal]

I saw this a couple of months ago, but I didn't know what to post because I'm a n00b to shoegazer anyways. When the Sun Hits is a fantastic, fantastic song. I wanted to buy this, but can't find it anywhere.

[Scott Herren]

I should re-review this now that it's a year later and I know proper review techniques.

[Zappa]

I love this album, but never knew that you reviewed it. I downloaded it because you kept suggesting it in that "songs to listen before going to sleep" thread in Alt & Indie forum. I thank you for it.

[LordDargon]

Shoegazer.







I'm lost.

[Scott Herren]

Become found (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=ADFEAEE4721CDE4CA97520CC97324DCEBC67F00CD446 E88B13391875DDBA3D068E027BFD55C1DA8FE68B7DB535AEFD 31A55310D1CAEE52B0DE6C3E3987EBAE705843&sql=77:2680)

[Iai]

Wow, I've never used that part of allmusic before.

ooooHHH at alternative rap.

[Robert Crumb]

You review some many cool albums, I was looking at your Modern Lovers review the other day. I got this album for like $8 and was very pleased. Christian Savill's new band Monster Movie is pretty nice too.

[Happymeal]

I haven't heard the whole album yet, am I gonna miss something from here if I just pick up Catch the Breeze?

[moderaterock222]

I was looking for this everywhere, but I couldn't get it for less than £16. Then, months ago iTunes saved me. I downloaded it for £7.99. Listened to it and was blown away. 'Nuff said. Good review.