A closer look at Shelley's introversion
olofpalme63 | auf der flucht! | 03/24/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
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Perhaps not as poignant as it's predecessor ("Homosapien"). XL-1 never the less cements Shelley's legacy in the nu-wave movement of the post-punk era. "XL-1" (the title track) is definitive documentation of the introverted state that Shelley functions in. When he sings "we're never seen together, we hide away", you get an extreme sense of his desperation concerning relationships and trying to cope in a social environment. Right from the start with the hit "Telephone Operator" we're (the listener) brought into Shelley's cold and isolated world of constant communication breakdown. Thus confirming XL-1's layered sound of cancer and decay. You're reminded of Richard Nixon's infamous quote; "you peel back that scab, you'll uncover alot of pus". Indeed Shelley does here. "(Millions Of People) No One Like You" is a relentless tour of mind numbing narcissism propelled by his inability to be noticed by anyone who he feels might love him. So tragic is Shelley's comprehension of what love is suppose to be, you're almost prepared to pay someone off to pretend to want him. XL-1 parallels Homosapien in so many ways that it actually plays more like a sequel than anything else. A catch-22 if you will, meaning; you shouldn't have this one without the other, and vice versa. XL-1 is up close and in your face...and not to be missed!
olofpalme63"