GREAT RE-MASTERED PACKAGE
Steven Perry | Chicago | 11/18/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Solid debut album. My favorite Echo album period. Sometimes when an album is re-released and extra tracks are added it can take away from the original feeling/experience. Not the case here! The bonus tracks fit wonderfully with the album. A great archive of the early raw Echo sound."
The Best Echo & the Bunnymen Album: Their Debut
MoogleFan | 01/14/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Echo & the Bunnymen are an unusual band in the sense that most (if not all) of the songs on many of their albums are rather outstanding. Many other bands compose filler material to shove in between more exceptional tracks, but this isn't the case with Echo & the Bunnymen. Every song on "Crocodiles", as with the rest of their albums, is complex and clever enough to be interesting and listenable, yet not too intellectual or overambitious.
It could be due to the fact that all of the instruments are in harmonious agreement with one another. Nothing dominates the soundscape. The vocals, guitar, bass, and drums are all powerful enough to carry the songs smoothly and effectively. They also have a combination of talented bands to cite as influences, like The Doors, Television, and The Velvet Underground. The presence of these bands can definitely be felt in the pace of the songs, vocal delivery, guitar riffs, and style of lyrics. Still, Echo & the Bunnymen somehow manages to create a unique, solitary sort of sound.
Each of their albums tend to evoke a certain mood, and "Crocodiles" is definitely the rawest and edgiest of them all. Though many of the tracks are brief (less than 3 minutes long), I would sooner hear a thoughtfully arranged short track than a long and laborious one. What's more, this re-mastered edition includes ten extra tracks: two B-sides ("Do It Clean" and "Simple Stuff"), one originally included in the US version ("Read it in Books"), three early versions of songs ("Villiers Terrace", "Pride", and "Simple Stuff"), and four live songs ("Crocodiles", "Zimbo", "All That Jazz", and "Over the Wall")! These additional tracks are a nice bonus, as any material from this fantastic band is much appreciated!"