Fixx - Elemental (10 tracks) +Album Reviews

Outstanding!

12/19/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album has amazing range to it - from great acoustic numbers, to all-out rockers, and even one tune that could have been recorded for 1983's Reach the Beach - this new CD is easily one of their best. Not just an 80's revival band, The Fixx show here that they can still make a great album that is fresh and inviting. Highly recommended."

"From high of highs to depths of sorrow"

mwreview | Northern California, USA | 12/06/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"As a longtime FIXX fan, I was very happy when Elemental was released and I was finally able to see the band live in a small bar in Chico, California. Elemental almost captures that early 1980s magic that was the FIXX. It starts out to be five-star material. The single "Two Different Views" is one of the best songs they've released in a long time. It is a soothing number with wonderful acoustic guitar. "Is That It?" is one of the heaviest songs the FIXX has ever recorded and sounded fantastic live. "Happy Landings" is a nice slow song and "Silent House" is a haunting track that would have fit quite snugly on the Phantoms album. Unfortunately, the last three tracks on Elemental ends the album on a very sour note. "You Know Me" sports the following lyrics: "So don't judge a book by its cover Don't count your chickens before they hatch We're all looking for that super lover" and "Life's What's Killing Me" is just plain bad, so down goes the grade. While it is no Reach the Beach or Shuttered Room, Elemental is pure FIXX. Cy Curnin and the band sound great. Casual fans may want to pass on this one but any FIXX fanatic from long ago or newcomer who can't get enough of the FIXX will enjoy having this CD in their collection."

A great comeback album with a mature, earthy sound.

mwreview | 08/11/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After hearing rumors of the FIXX's final break up, this album brings a return of the band's profound lyrics, Cy Curnin's ever-improving vocals, and Jamie West-Oram's distinctive guitar playing. Though this album leans toward the more popular acoustic sound, there are great efforts (as usual) to explore both musical genres ("We Once Held Hands") and social/philosophical territory("Two Different Views").This album seems a culmination of all that's come before: "Ocean Blue" as a Reach the Beach type song; "Fatal Shore" as a kind of Walkabout tune; "Silent House" as a reminder of the Phantoms album. This album is a collage of sarcastic cliche, social commentary, self-discovery, and futuristic thinking. The FIXX is definitely an under-rated 80s band that has managed to keep making music, and has done so on their terms. Each release of a new album from the FIXX brings a refreshing reminder that there is more to music making th! an chart-busting and trendiness."

An album of seamless, thoughtful art-pop

tndfabiano@webtv.net | Overland Park, KS | 06/29/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The radio and commercial fortunes of the Fixx have been on the decline since "Reach the Beach" and the underrated "Phantoms." And while they have turned out worthy singles -- "Driven Out," "Secret Separation," "How Much is Enough" -- they haven't put together a tight album since "Phantoms"... until this one. No second half let-down, as with "Ink" and "Calm Animals." A must-have for fans of the Fixx and a great re-introduction of a band on its way back."

Fixx's comeback LP fails to re-capture magic

cssuperstar2003 | Wilmington, NC USA | 06/10/2003

(2 out of 5 stars)

"By C.S.If you want to talk about New Wave with a distinctive sound, then look no further than the London based outfit known as the Fixx
Channeled through the efforts of vocalist Cy Curnin, the supporting cast members Adam Woods(drums), Dan K. Brown on bass (who came on board between the "Phantoms" and 1986's "Walkabout") Jaime West Oram (guitars), and the swooping synth / keyboard sounds of Rupert Greenall, the band always craftily dropped political bombs with complex, and progressive funk- based sounds that put them ahead of other outfits.
After "Saved By Zero" and the"Reach The Beach" LP hit big on North American shores in 1983, allowing for their first record "Shuttered Room" to recieve exposure along with the success of "Phantoms", the eccentric sound and the New Wave genre as a whole, seemingly had hit it's peak.
"Walkabout" (arguably their best effort)Calm Animals"!(1989) and "Ink"(1991),were released without much fan fare. It seemed as though British New Wave and groups that were like minded were a thing of the past.
Almost eight years pased until the release of this record, "Elemental" in 1999.

The trademark gloss is used in a scaled down manner fashion, which after a number of years on the sidelines,was to be expected. As time changes,so does music. A key element that would seem fitting for an album named "Elemental" was missing and that was the FUNKY element. No You Chase The Fire" or "Built For The Future"'s here. Only "You Know Me" fits into that realm, and the punch is less potent than that of the best work on "Ink", arguably, along with "Calm Animals" the spottiest album the band ever released.

From Track Four "Happy Landings" to slightly slower tracks like "Silent House, Fatal Shore, Ocean Blue to "You Know Me",the album saves some measure of face,narrowly escapings from being burned and buried beyond recognition.

The expectations placed on a super- group like The Fixx are often times brutal and unfair.
When ther are lineup changes and/ or long breaks chemistry can take time. First LP in almost eight years can lead to a few mistakes.
Unfortunately for Cy and the band, "Elemental"is littered with plenty errors, making it a bumpy ride listening wise.Even the die- hard fans may find this record hard to play along with. Not anywhere as high in quality as their classic LP's like "Reach The Beach, Walkabout,or Shuttered Room" "Elemental" falls into the second -tier of The Fixx catalog as a two (2)- star record.

C.S.
6-9-03"

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