The Alternative
Product Description
Like an 80s electro glam soundtrack to a Jan Svankmajer film or an almost unfathomable hybrid between the sexy swagger of Prince and the cool and collected respectability of Roxy Music, IAMX mixes erotically charged vocals with music that’s frantic yet controlled. “The Alternative” is just that – the alternative to the cookie-cutter music scene that dominates the airwaves…. More >>
So I’ve been waiting for another Sneakers release, and finally having decided its not coming, bought this.
MISTAKE !
Sorry to say, there are no more than two chords in any track. The first ten seconds define the entire scope of any song, regardless of adding an orchestra afterwards….and one finger keyboard playing throughout. Oh, and yes other reviewers, lovely emotional lyrics !.
Basicly, its dull. But maybe thats just me ?
Rating: 1 / 5
I love this album. I am not going to describe it, since there are so many other reviews that describe it better than I ever could. I just wanted to add my 5 stars.
Also, I’d like to mention.. The different releases of this album have some slight variations in the songs. I think there were only 2 releases, one in 2006 and one in 2008 (metropolis). It’s most noticeable in the song “Spit it Out”. That one is different enough that I think they should have called it a different version. It’s even in a different key. I prefer the version on the older release. Too bad the older release is a lot more expensive and a lot harder to find. Sigh.
Rating: 5 / 5
I first heard IAMX from the “Elektrisch Vol. 3″ compilation CD I purchased about a year ago. The song: “Nightlife (People Theatre’s Trip To Berlin Mix)”, which slowly grew on me, but I never got to the point where I wanted to buy an entire album until I was watching an Imogen Heap vBlog and how she raves about “Spit It Out!”, in fact, she remixed the song for Chris Corner – founder IAMX member. So I thought, mmk-yeah… I’d check out the video on YouTube. Wow! Great song, great video! I then made the move to buy the album (“The Alternative”).
Unfortunately, the CD goes for about $40.00 for the hard copy, so as my only “alternative”
I comprimised and downloaded the album via Amazon MP3’s – not bad!, the files were ripped at 256kbps for me, plus I was rewarded with instant gratification.
I would catagorize “The Alternative” as electronic with an avant-garde flavor, however, a few songs tend to have more of an ebm or futurepop influence. It is a very diverse album which ranges from the balad-esque to the dancey. Chris’ vocals have definitely improved since the previous IAMX album, which I also downloaded (it’s ok…but this one is far better). Vocals are an A+, not only lyrical content, but also in delivery. The Alternative is indeed one of my top favorite buys of 2008, albeit released in 2006.
I’ll provide a brief description for each track:
1. “President”, a waltzy marching band-like tune with tubas, french horns and piano (I assume they are sampled). Dark electronica with just a hintering of goth. I didn’t like it at first, now I love it!
2. “The Alternative” is more ebm-influenced, great song!
3. “Nightlife” – another ebm-influenced track, another great song!
4. “Lulled By Numbers” – Slow burner, dark electronica, melodic, excellent!
5. “Song Of Imaginary Beings” – I love this song! French/Italian inspired electronica tune where accordians dominate. Timeless!
6.”The Negative Sex” – gritty, grungy electronica. Catchy, dancy.
7. “Bring Me Back A Dog” – another ebm-ish tune. Love the lyrics. Very catchy.
8. “S.H.E” – somber, slow, vintage, timeless! Vocals reminds me of Stephen Duffy a bit.
9. “Spit It Out” – electro clash beacon! very melodic, catchy.
10. “After Every Party I Die” – blend of guitars and electronic. nice hooks.
11. “This Will Make You Love Again” – piano balad finale track, builds to strings, timpani’s, horns.
My only gripes about the album, is 1). the bass response is a little thin, and 2). there’s really not much headroom in the overall recording as it sounds just a tad bit over-compressed. However, even with these minor gripes, I still rate “The Alternative” a solid 5. Every song is great!
Check it out and shake your hearing senses!
Rating: 5 / 5
i can easily say that chris corner, the architect of iamx project, did not dissappoint his fans. he has made an delightful album after the first iamx album “kiss and swallow”. it is the one of the best electronica pop albums of the 2006. but it is so hard to find the album in shops. such a beautiful album will be stayed undiscovered, because of this. every song is surprisingly beautiful. you will understand what i mean when you listened to “spit it out”. dark, energetic yet melodic music and beautiful voice.
and such gems
s.h.e.
song of imaginary beings
the negative sex
will ensure you that you make the right the decision for having this album.
Rating: 5 / 5
I absolutely LOVE this entire album! It’s this mesh of melodic synth-pop and electro-rock-industrial hype. Think an edgier Muse with a steamier New Wave feel. Chris Corner has this strong vocal style and beat driven edge that moves right through you, and keeps you coming back for more.
Rating: 5 / 5