Search - Barcelona :: Zero One Infinity

Maturing Rapidly

11/23/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"They've come on in leaps and bounds since _Simon Basic_. While the basic ingredients are the same - male and female vocals, indie guitar and judicious application of synth - I found the end result a lot more satisfying.While 80s nostalgia abounds in both the lyrics and the band's overall sound, this time it's a lot less...well, twee and cutesy. I know that was the appeal for some people, but to my ears it's made the band's sound a lot more distinctive.If you've never heard Barcelona before...uh, they're kinda difficult to describe without using reference points, really, I tend to classify it along with bands like the late lamented Pulsars and The Rentals (and maybe Stephin Merritt's stuff, although it's not in his league lyrically) - American indie with synths and strong 80s influences (hence the recent appearance on March's Human League tribute album)."

Enjoyable CD who's greatness should be recognized

Denmark Jensen | Carson City, NV USA | 11/02/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an awesome CD. 13 great songs (Track 6 is a very short instrumental. The "for modem users" leads me to guess that some sort of data may be encoded in it, but at any rate its not a real song.) For anyone who has heard "Simon Basic", this is simply a step forward from that, with even better sound and songwriting. For those unfamiliar with Barcelona, it reminds me of what early New Order could have been if Bernard could actually write clever lyrics and they let Gillian sing sometimes. Every track contains both guitars and really cool synth noises. My favorites here are "Obsoletion", "Have You Forgotten About The Bomb", and "Kasey Keller". I didn't even know who Kasey Keller was before I heard this song, which shows that unlike the writer of this song, I'm not into soccer. But it is a great song. I also had to do research to find that the track "Haunted By The Ghost Of Patty" is about the former singer of The Waitresses. Great music that also inspires increased knowledge of minor celebrities: Who could ask for more? The tracks are: 1. Studio Hair Gel 2. Bugs 3. Paging System Operator 4. Electronic Company 5. I Have The Password To Your Shell Account 6. Drums and Bass (For Modem Users) 7. Replicant 8. Obsoletion 9. Robot Trouble 10. Have You Forgotten About The Bomb 11. 1980-1990 12. Haunted By The Ghost Of Patty 13. My Mom's New Boyfriend 14. Kasey Keller"