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Post by lowhappynun on Apr 21, 2009 23:10:41 GMT
I've just re-read this whole thread and, out of nowhere really, it seems we've become rather down about Radio Wars. Even though it was only officially released in early March, we've all been listening to it since its December leak and only in the last couple of weeks have any really negative comments emerged (OK, they are aimed at the producer more than the band). i was disappointed with it the first time i heard it. basically, i was hatin' on radio wars before it was cool.....
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Post by mattcambie on Apr 22, 2009 3:55:58 GMT
haha lol-ing at lowhappynun above...
"The Spirited Ones" shoould soooo have been on the album!
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Post by blade on Apr 24, 2009 9:05:09 GMT
I agree that The Spirited Ones, plus Hearts & Armor and Breaking My Back should have been on the album. They would have made it a far stronger selection of material.
Anyway, some critics loved it as it is. See this selection:
"Wildly confident, daringly bold...(it is) compelling, clever and unexpected" - Artrocker
"Skyscraping ambition and epic, panoramic scope...devastatingly crowbarred into angular alt.pop juggernauts...an intensely exhilarating listen" - The Fly
"Stirring...seductive...prepare to be bewitched" - Clash
"A real emotional punch..."Radio Wars" is proof that you don't need sequins and synthesizers to sparkle and shine (4 stars)" - Attitude
"**** 'unashamedly epic' " - Uncut
"Howling Bells could (and should) be transformed into a 21st century Blondie with "Radio Wars" ...a revelation" - Music Week
"Smouldering...don't be surprised when your wireless gives into the darkness and Howling Bells' clutch of new tunes beat the airwaves into submission" - NME
"If there's any justice in the world, this Aussie predator will penetrate the top 20...4 stars" - Loaded
"Bigger, brasher...this might be the album that elevates Howling Bells from a band you wouldn't switch off to one you would actively seek out" - The Independent on Sunday
OK, this is a cheat because I've lifted these quotes direct from howlingbells.net and they're hardly likely to put any bad comments up there, are they? But they show that Radio Wars has been mightily well-received in at least some quarters.
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clac
Junior Member
Posts: 66
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Post by clac on Apr 24, 2009 17:07:05 GMT
i've been buying too many records since i bought Radio Wars, so it's been a little time since the last time i listened to it... i'm doing it right now, and one thing is sure: i adore it. juanita's legs voice is just wonderful. i showed videos of the bells live to some of my friends, and now most of them are fans. my only complain would be: i'm still waiting for gigs in France
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on May 3, 2009 18:21:36 GMT
Just read a negative review in the German Rolling Stone. They gave 2 out of 5 stars and found some pretty harsh words for songwriting and singing on Radio Wars. I've read negative reviews for other albums which would at least try to argue why it is not good, but the Rolling Stone interview seems to have been written by someone who was just bored by the album and couldn't explain why. Therfore, the rating for the review itself would be 1 out of 5...
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Post by houdini on May 16, 2009 11:03:02 GMT
Look some of the opinions here are really incisive and well written Sams town by the killers got 2 out of 20 in rolling stone and sold very well as you know so critical acclaim is not linked to sales. HBs 1st album on Bella Union couldve been a big seller if the co got beghind it with some big bux and i believe this will haunt the ex member of the Cocteau twins, the CEOof Bella who should realise what he had - probably one of the best albums ever recorded. Of course he has the last say and also the discretion to do as he pleases - but he did well from the promtion of a major rec co in a good time for rock and as said, should have realised how good the album was. It is a testament to the willpower and talent of HBs that they continued and are unaffected lovely people. I am glad for the devotion of people on this site because it shows they have good taste and devotion.
Now to chapter 2 RADIO WARS it is true that there are elements of Las vegasy production here and it is or was an experiment. I think they were sick of being labelled dark and gothic and wanted to getaway from that. I think Ms bell is also a lot happier and not in love torn angst and poverty like on HB1.
Believe me there is a towering mt of grnius there and the surface has just been scratched. Rock and roll is a hard thankless game unless you have a smash hit and sell millions of records or cds. Now with all the downloading artists have been cut down at the knees. yes there is the good side to that as Los Lobos said in that it promotes artists ina viral way thru the net - true, but they also need to eat.
So lovely people send the Bells your good wishes love and light and I believe they will register and feel this. We need them and they are learning like we all are. they have a God given talent and they outta be given some of the love back they have sent out into the world. SHINE ON BELLS!!!
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Post by houdini on May 16, 2009 11:06:46 GMT
sorry 2/10 for Killers at least it was a fairly low score
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Post by carpathian on May 18, 2009 12:59:37 GMT
I have to be honest - whilst I'm still buying everything that comes out (a collectors habit is a bad one to have) I can't say I've spun the album in weeks. I loved it at the start but it's faded a lot for me. I take no joy in saying this, obviously, but figure it was worth a post in this thread for obvious reasons. There's nothing 'wrong' with any of the tracks, as such, but it's just not as 'right' as what came before it. They may want to distance themselves from the style on the first album but it was exactly that which made all our ears perk up in the first place. I just don't think the second one, though a nice album, has that much which will do the same thing for new folks this time round.
Maybe I'll fall back in love with it again but I have a feeling it'll still be the first album I grab when I fancy hearing Juanita's voice.
{shrugs}
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Post by mattcambie on May 18, 2009 13:44:07 GMT
I agree that The Spirited Ones, plus Hearts & Armor and Breaking My Back should have been on the album.. Oh no, I seem to be missing a B-side! Where did "My Back" come from? :-)
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Post by blade on May 18, 2009 13:49:55 GMT
Breaking My Back is an extra track (not a b-side) that you can download from iTunes. Is iTunes the same in Australia?
If you can't get it let me know and I'll PM you a copy (don't tell anyone).
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Post by mattcambie on May 19, 2009 7:13:58 GMT
I jumped on iTunes, and they did have "Radio Wars (Bonus Track)" album, but it just had the Paridiso tracks, no "Breaking My Back" Can I be highly illegal and grab that PM off you whenever you get a chance? I still have to order the vinyl single of Digital Hearts too (assuming it is on vinyl), that shall be the weekends task!
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Post by blade on May 19, 2009 8:33:00 GMT
Matt -
I've emailed it to you, not PM.
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Post by mattcambie on May 19, 2009 11:29:44 GMT
roger that... Thanks alot Blade! I really appreciate it!
This forum has such a positive buzz!
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Post by varecia on May 27, 2009 15:23:19 GMT
Well, I have to say that I still haven't tired of the album. Love the songs, love the production, love that each instrument and the singing really stands out while being part of a cohesive whole. I have even decided to change my ratings posted in the "My Radio Wars CD has arrived" thread. My benchmark for 10/10 were my two favourite songs "Nightingale" and "Cities Burning Down". Anything not as perfect got less points. But in truth I would give those two songs something like 15/10. So I have now adjusted some of the other ratings as follows:
1. Treasure Hunt, 9.5/10 2. Cities Burning Down, 10/10 3. It Ain't You, 9.5/10 4. Nightingale, 10/10 5. Let's Be Kids, 5/10 6. Ms Bell's Song, 10/10 7. Radio Wars Theme, 4/10 8. Golden Web, 9.5/10 9. Into The Chaos, 9.5/10 10. Digital Hearts, 10/10 11. How Long, 1.5/10 12. To L.A., 9.5/10 Average score: 8.2/10
Of course, with the superior b-sides and bonus track as substitutes for my least favourite tracks, Radio Wars becomes an utter masterpiece. And that's the version I have burned on CD and listen to:
1. Treasure Hunt, 9.5/10 2. Cities Burning Down, 10/10 3. It Ain't You, 9.5/10 4. Nightingale, 10/10 5. Breaking My Back, 10/10 6. Ms Bell's Song, 10/10 7. The Spirited Ones, 10/10 8. Golden Web, 9.5/10 9. Into The Chaos, 9.5/10 10. Digital Hearts, 10/10 11. Hearts & Armor, 8/10 12. To L.A., 9.5/10 Average score: 9.6/10
I actually prefer this improved version to the debut album, which I would rate:
1. The Bell Hit, 9.5/10 2. Velvet Girl, 8.5/10 3. Low Happening, 9/10 4. Broken Bones, 6.5/10 5. Wishing Stone, 9.5/10 6. A Ballad For The Bleeding Hearts, 6/10 7. The Night Is Young, 6/10 8. Across The Avenue, 10/10 9. Setting Sun, 10/10 10. Blessed Night, 9.5/10 11. Into The Woods, 10/10 12. I'm Not Afraid, 8/10 Average score: 8.5/10
While I think there is nothing as bad as "How Long" on there, I find Juanita's country style singing on a few of the songs is getting a bit on my nerves. I'm glad that she has ditched the PJ Harvey impersonation on "Brokes Bones" for the new album. Even on the debut, her voice mostly reminds me of Marijne van der Vlugt's, the singer of the criminally underrated mid-90s band Salad. I have never seen this connection made before, but actually it was this similarity that instantly attracted me to Howling Bells in the first place. "Low Happening", in particular, could be a typical Salad song. The same goes for the chorus of "The Bell Hit". And on the new one "Digital Hearts" reminds me most of Marijne - especially the "alright" after the middle eight at 2:44. A cousin of mine actually thought it was Salad when I played it to her.
So overall, I'm very pleased with the direction Howling Bells have taken.
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Post by mattchew on Jun 20, 2009 23:51:44 GMT
At seeing all the genuinely positive comments about the first album whilst reading over this thread I gathered I would be remiss in not getting myself caught up on what you all have equated to be an astonishing debut. I've decided to buy through amazon after a search of ebay produced nothing of reasonable price. I'm thinking about getting Radio Wars too because they had a limited edition copy that also came with a live cd. I came across a nice review from a guy who saw them open for Coldplay. It seemed as though the Bells had the same effect on him as they did me. www.amazon.com/Radio-Wars-Howling-Bells/product-reviews/B001L5J5N6/ref=sr_1_1_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1Also, I don"t understand the long delay between the release in the U.K. and the release in the States. Is that always the way? I mean, is that the way it works with albums that get released in the States first?
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