Search - A-Ha :: Analogue (Bonus Dvd) (Chi)

A-HA's Prime'd for Major Comeback, will anyone even notice

J. Bilby | Kingston, New Hampshire United States | 11/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a long time fan of this talented Norway trio and

have watched their ups and downs since Hunting High and Low.

I can't recall a group that has been giving such disrespect

from the music critics over the years. A-ha came back in 2000

and have given us 3 studio cd's and a live set, all containing

some of the most moving, commerically accessible tunes most

bands would die to write and perform yet they are still regarded

here in the states as one hit wonders? "Analogue", the 8th A-ha

collection finds this band making the best music of their

lengthly careers. Morton Harket's vocals on this effort are

nothing but exceptional start to finish, no wonder bands like

Keane, U2 and Coldplay speak out so highly of this band, its a

shame, music with so much style and craft must take the back

seat. A-ha needs a big push from their new label Universal-Polydor, and some AIRPLAY and help from MTV and VH1, a great

video to push, some great reviews and some good old fashioned

concerts all around the country. This band deserves a chance

like they are getting in England and a fan base like they've

had in Germany. They need to push the songs "Analogue", "Birthright", "Cosy Prisons", "Celice",

"Don't do me any favors" as well as the other excellent cuts

"The summers of our youth", "A fine blue line", "White Dwarf",

"Keeper of the flame". With help from an old pro, Graham Nash

lending backup vocals on "Over the treetops" and "Cosy Prisons" this I

would agree has so many Beatles classic sounds and give this

effort the much needed credibility to promote. Music that is

written so well, sounds so good and is so heartfelt needs to be

heard.



"

They Just Keep Getting Better yet still to be Re-Discovered

gobirds2 | New England | 12/29/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sometimes I like the fact that a-ha never remained popular in the US. For those of us who always liked them and the rest that discovered them along the way and stayed on for the ride, a-ha is our beloved secret. It did not take long for a-ha's new album to grow on me. As usual some of those songs remain in your head after listening to them and you anticipate playing the CD again and again to get that somewhat euphoric feeling. The very first track, CELICE really grew on me and I quite enjoy it. At first I thought it wasn't quite up to their usual aesthetics but I was wrong. CELICE is very good. I was also engrossed by COSY PRISONS, ANALOGUE, BIRTHRIGHT and WHITE DWARF. They all give me a little boost of the spirit and I like that feeling. At first I thought this CD was just an extension of their last two studio CDs but ANALOGUE really is in a new yet familiar sounding direction. This CD is very soothing and relaxing to listen to. The sound of a-ha is still there. It is forever present. I don't know how else to describe what I feel about this CD other than to say that I like it, it sounds very good and it is eminently soothing and relaxing and a pure enjoyment. A-ha seems to be the best kept secret in the USA, but that's fine with me as long as we still get the word out."

Another new direction for a great band...

Scott Prazak | Goose Creek, SC USA | 11/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Their inaugural album, "Hunting High and Low" put them in 80's icon status. Forever known in mainstream circles as "the Take On Me guys", the average listener would never imagine the creative breakthroughs these guys would achieve through the years since that album.



It all began with "East Of The Sun..." It was clear at this point that a-ha got fed up with trying to please the critics and decided to pour their entire heart and creative arsenal into making great music that stands the test of time. They went mellow, acoustic, and almost became the antithesis of themselves. They lost alot of their mainstream fans that hung on to them through the super hits, but slowly picked up a legion of new supporters that will forever remain loyal. They followed up this with another unique classic "Memorial Beach". Then came the long hiatus followed by great comeback albums "Minor Earth, Major Sky" and "Lifelines". Though some of the tunes meandered at times, they still carried the same philosophy which made "East Of The Sun..." such a great album.



Now, comes their most amazing work "Analogue". With the most Beatlesque sound of any of their previous works, a-ha pulls out all the stops with some of the most powerful songs and beautiful ballads of their career. If you want a repeat of "Hunting High And Low" and "Scoundrel Days", you won't get it here. This one is on a completely different plane. Though they will never forsake their hits of yesteryear, a-ha does not live solely for the nostalgic. Great bands are determined when they continue to successfully stretch the boundaries, take risks, and not delve in the repetitive.



There are two versions of this album: this 2-disc edition and a single one (to be released November 29). GET THE DOUBLE-DISC EDITION!! It's more expensive but worth every penny. You've got a bonus DVD which includes an interview, a documentary on the making of the the album, and live performances from their recent tour in Oslo. Truly a no-brainer: If you're going to get "Analogue", get the full experience!"