Real Life has been an important name in the synthpop scene since the early 80's. The Australian band started their successful career with the popular album "Heartland" which featured instant hits like "Send Me an Angel" ... more »and "Catch Me I'm Falling". Those songs still appear on many 80's hits collections today. The band again hit dance floor popularity with the song "God Tonight" and as the 1990's progressed, Real Life found themselves moving into the underground along with most of the world's synthpop acts. The band released new music in the independent market, finding a new audience with their album "Happy" in the mid 90's. Now, the Australian synthpop heros are back again with a modern electronic pop sound that's as accessible as anything they released in the past, while remaining on the cutting edge of the synthpop / industrial scene. This special American edition of the "Imperfection" features a bonus disc with extra remixes for fans and DJ's.« less
Real Life has been an important name in the synthpop scene since the early 80's. The Australian band started their successful career with the popular album "Heartland" which featured instant hits like "Send Me an Angel" and "Catch Me I'm Falling". Those songs still appear on many 80's hits collections today. The band again hit dance floor popularity with the song "God Tonight" and as the 1990's progressed, Real Life found themselves moving into the underground along with most of the world's synthpop acts. The band released new music in the independent market, finding a new audience with their album "Happy" in the mid 90's. Now, the Australian synthpop heros are back again with a modern electronic pop sound that's as accessible as anything they released in the past, while remaining on the cutting edge of the synthpop / industrial scene. This special American edition of the "Imperfection" features a bonus disc with extra remixes for fans and DJ's.
"for a band that has had so many line-up changes, they have kept their sound fresh but yet still keep it sounding like Real Life.
As a fan from the begining, i have to say that this is probably their best album. this cd can be listened to from track 1 thru track 11 without skipping over any songs. i really cant pick a favorite, as all the tracks here stand up on their own. however, if i had to, id say that "imperfection","beautiful thing" and "oblivion" are the strongest. the remixes on disc 2 are very club friendly. my favorite on that disc has to be "God Tonight"- but that has always been my favorite Real Life song. I originally bought this cd last fall from the Real life web site, but i have to thank a different drum for releasing this great cd in the usa, because good music in america is rare and these bands like real life should be heard by more people. maybe now they will be"
So many cool songs, so little time...
PostMeridian | Fort Wayne, IN United States | 03/27/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Real Life continues to impress me with tight song writing combined with a creative electronic backbone that I have come to depend on. This 2 CD set is chock full of great songs and ingenious musical twists. I don't leave home without it."
Bring it on!
R O C K E T | The Twin Cities, MN | 04/10/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After recently obtaining Happy and subsequently falling in absolute LOVE with it, I could not wait for this newest release. I'm happy to say it does not disappoint. Granted, I don't like it quite as much as Happy, but I really didn't think there was any way Happy could be topped. Imperfection may not be perfect, but it's pretty dang close. The first three tracks are irresistable dance numbers that really make you move. The rest of the album, however, pretty much sticks to a midtempo formula, which isn't necessarily bad, but leaves you wanting maybe one or two more danceable tracks. The only track I dislike is "Kamikaze." It sounds a little too much like it's title. It's decent - just not great. All the others, though, are wonderful, my favorite being the single, "Oblivion." One of the things I like most about Real Life is their ability to write ultra-catchy songs that are easy to sing along to after only a couple listens. At first I wished that the songs had a darker tone like that on Happy. But after a few listenings (and reading some of the lyrics), I realized that the darkness is still there - it's just a bit more subtle. Many of the songs have almost a sarcastic quality, "Celebrate" showcasing this brilliantly ("half the world is suicidal and everybody is in denial / celebrate / celebrate"). Pick up Imperfection and Happy as soon as possible. They are not to be missed."
Real Life Perfection Times Two
Paul A. Fucito | Washington, DC | 03/12/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"David and George have put together one of the best Real Life albums ever with "Imperfection," and thanks to A Different Drum, we get a bonus disc of remixes, and a new single, "Oblivion.""Oblivion" gets my vote for the next James Bond theme. The lyrics and music are perfectly suited to 007 (just listen for the John Barry-esque break at 1:27 if you don't believe me). This track combines the best elements of Real Life, old and new. David's vocals are crisp and effortless, surrounded by lush electronics, and a haunting synth lead that will entrance you. The bonus remixes of the track on disc 2 are just as exciting, and if you can't get enough of the track, just wait for the CD single and add that to your collection as well. "Oblivion" is the track that will appeal to both the fans of "Heartland" as well as those listening to newer acts like Dirty Vegas. Pop this into the CD player of a nice convertible on a warm night in Miami and hit cruise control. "Imperfection" carries over the electronic splendor of 1997's "Happy" album, but the mood is less dark. The album has a perfect balance of thumping dance-inducing tracks and lush mid-tempo numbers. If the title track does not get you up and moving, then you might as well be wearing a toe tag. This track is a pulsating sonic force in the spirit of "God Tonight 2001" and a guaranteed club hit. Fellow countrymen Tycho Brahe add a brilliant touch to an already stellar tune with thier remix on the second disc. DJ's, you must add the title track to your playlist, or just get out of the industry alltogether.Fans of "Send Me An Angel" will welcome the subtle female backing vocals and synth lead on "Celebrate" and the Nadi 2004 mix of the track would sound right at home in an episode of "Queer Eye" (which is always full of great electronic music)."Painless" showcases David's distinct vocal stylings paired with George's hypnotically soothing electronics. Producers of CSI may want to grab this track for the next season, as the vibe fits the mood of the cutting edge TV series perfectly. "Kiss Like This" is the perfect song for fans of electronically enhanced vocals. Think of Royksopp, Daft Punk, and Etienne De Crecy, with a bit more substance added. While the entire album is fabulous from start to finish, I have saved the best for last. "Beautiful Thing" has to be the best ballad the band has ever done. George and David have outdone themselves here. The music is brilliant. Lush synth orchestral layers, minimal percussion, faint trembling bass guitar, and David's crooning will keep you hitting the repeat button on your CD player over and over again. The intro sounds like something from Depeche Mode's "Violator" album (back when they still made electronic music...) but then it builds into an aural masterpiece that only Real Life can pull off. Rightfully so, there is no remix for this track. Why mess with perfection? Real Life is like a fine wine, after more than 20 years, they just keep getting better. If you enjoyed the band in the past, then you will not be disappointed with the new album. For those of you yet to discover the band, now is your chance. Everyone who enjoys great electronic music (that does not sound like just another Depeche Mode clone band) should embrace Real Life as soon as possible. Brilliant album."