Union Street, Erasure's new acoustic CD was recorded in a small studio in Brooklyn, NY. Andy Bell says that they "show the songs in a different light, and show that they could work on whatever instrument, synthesisers or g... more »uitars". "We just felt there were songs on our albums that had been missed as songs," says Vince Clarke.« less
Union Street, Erasure's new acoustic CD was recorded in a small studio in Brooklyn, NY. Andy Bell says that they "show the songs in a different light, and show that they could work on whatever instrument, synthesisers or guitars". "We just felt there were songs on our albums that had been missed as songs," says Vince Clarke.
C. A Baker | Santa Rosa CA United States | 05/12/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is great..and all the whining about how they didn't do their biggest hits yada yada yada. Get over it, it is their choice to not record the songs that already have a bunch of different versions out there and do songs not quiet as over done. I'm all for that. This album and the Boy single are great!
Hehehe and even more amusing we just got back from seeing them perform the acoustic stuff live and it totally rocked! They have drums, a full on Bass, steel guitar, penny whistle autoharp etc..it was the most amazing concert! All the songs they did, including some of the expected big hits missing from this cd were so amazing to hear in this format. Using Latin rythms, country, rock-a-billy and just straight acoustic they really knew what rythm to pick for each track everything worked! If you go to Erasure's website you can find a link to order a recording on CD of the Live concert."
Erasure - Unplugged.
The Groove | Boston, MA | 05/02/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"You can do yourself a big favor by ignoring many of the negative reviews of Erasure's acoustic LP. Everyone, from Nirvana to Jay-Z, has given their back catalogue of songs the "unplugged" treatment, so why not Erasure? On "Union Street" (named after the Brooklyn location of the recording studio), Vince Clarke and Andy Bell give a handful of tracks an acoustic/country & western feel, but instead of opting for their hits, they dig deep into lesser-known album cuts and b-sides. The results are convincing and effective, as shown on "Boy," "Siren Song," the b-side "Tenderest Moments," and "Blues Away." "Union Street" proves that Erasure's songwriting and craft for melody stand tall even when you strip their songs of their synth-heavy production."
Just How Far is Union Street From the 59th Street Bridge??
ELECTROSAUR | USA | 06/19/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Pieces of this really did evoke a "Simon and Garfunkel" feeling in me.
Almost all of the songs took the 'treatment" well, the total standout for me was "Tenderest Moments"; simply beautiful,perfect, and touching.
Overall this was beautifully executed, I feel sorry for the naysayers who just can't get it."
It's More Than Fundamental To Be In The Union Street On 2.00
F. Santos | Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro Brazil | 05/08/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"On reading all those negative reviews specially dedicated to this album, I was sincerely shocked, after all it represents to me the definitive slap on all Erasure's knockers... Anyway I'm not so surprised with those commments, since Erasure have been target for jokes since the beginning of their career... But what makes me feel really bothered is to read critics that accuse Erasure of recording the same album every time. What a lie! A pop duo who dared to record such a different albums just like the self-titled or Loveboat or even this last one cannot be accused of repeating themselves. In addition Clarke & Bell aren't worried in following musical trends for conquering new fans indeed. Actually, Erasure's fans know that what makes a good *pop* song is basically good lyrics + good melody and not its position in musical charts, which are basically occupied by artificial and disposable ones. And Erasure own many, many songs that own those two qualities! Well, but let's talk about what really matters here: Union Street is an extremely BEAUTIFUL album and I'm not exaggerating at all! Besides it really owns just gorgeous (and practically ignored) ballads from Clarke & Bell, exception for "How Many Times?", which is just good at my opinion. All the other 10 songs present in this (AMAZING) compilation were very well-chosen. But Erasure own many other underrated ballads that could be perfectly put on this (SUPERB) work, such as: "Witch In The Ditch" & "Hallowed Ground" from Innocents, or "Turns The Love To Anger" and "Siren Song" from Chorus, or "Take Me Back" & "All Through The Years" from I Say (x3), or "Grace" & "A Long Goodbye" from the self-titled, or yet "Surreal" & "Where In The World", both ones from the largely disliked Loveboat, but nothing prevents Erasure from performing all these other ones on The (SENSATIONAL) Acoustic Tour. Regarding the fact this one is totally acoustic, I must confess that I was really worried about how Union Street would sound, but this fear has disappeared as soon as I heard it at the first time! And I almost cried when I did it since all the songs are so well-sung and well-played here. It's really amazing to discover again how great all those songs are. I mean they are all the same ones, but the acoustic instruments gave to them a new chance for being properly enjoyed. In short, Erasure have proved one more time they are far from being a disposable dance-pop band, since Andy's voice has never sounded so beautiful as on this one and Vince could get here a great opportunity for showing he is a brilliant musician (not only a brilliant keyboarder) on creating wonderful acoustic arrangements for all the songs (of course together with the rest of the great team responsible for this REMARKABLE album). By the way, hey, Erasure's haters, don't worry, Erasure will continue to make great records despite all yours bad vibes, after all V&A have flown so high with their talents that your hate will never get them! So if you are looking for some good music to listen to on this year (and on the next years too), it's more than fundamental to go to this Union Street to enjoy great moments of the most perfect musical pleasure."
Surprisingly 5 Stars!!!
New York Ninja | New York, NY | 05/03/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was a little skepticle in purchasing this album, as I know many people might be since Erasure is known for its dance rhythms and beats. An acoustic version?
Each song is hauntingly beautiful and seems brand new, but you can tell each song is that of Erasure with the mixture of strings and arrangements of sounds. This album should be listed as a remix album of sorts, a different and original kind of remix."